"To the saints who are in Ephesus and faithful in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 1:1 (NKJV)When you hear the word "saint," what comes to mind? Perhaps stained glass windows, haloes, or someone who lived centuries ago and performed miracles. Maybe you think of the New Orleans Saints football team or those celebrity-faced candles you might see in gift shops. But here's what might surprise you: if you've...  Read More

"... [T]o the saints who are in Ephesus and faithful in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 1:1 (NKJV)When someone asks what you do for a living, you might say "I'm in education" or "I'm in business." When you're newly married, you might say "I'm in love" - and everyone understands. But when the Bible says we're "in Christ," people often scratch their heads, wondering what that means.Think about having an ...  Read More

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus and faithful in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 1:1 (NKJV)There was a couple traveling from Minneapolis to Florida for their 20th anniversary. Due to scheduling conflicts, the husband flew ahead to set things up. Using the hotel's email system, he tried to send his wife a message saying he'd arrived safely. But he mi...  Read More

"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 5:10-11 (NKJV)In Chase the Lion, Mark Batterson tells a story about a woman named Bonnie Martin who was very discouraged with family issues, feeling defeated and beat u...  Read More

"Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." - 1 Peter 5:9 (NKJV)When Peter says "steadfast in the faith," he's talking about remaining true to your doctrinal convictions - the faith, the doctrines you know to be true. Satan is described over and over as the liar and the father of lies. He comes into our life with deceptio...  Read More

"Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." - 1 Peter 5:9 (NKJV)There was a woman who struggled with materialism. She'd spend way more money than she had, and her husband was trying to help her with this. She came home with a very expensive dress, and he said, "Honey, I thought we talked about this. We don't have the mone...  Read More

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." - 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)There was a real boxer fighting his opponent, and his trainer was in the corner trying to encourage him. Round after round, he's just getting pummeled. The trainer keeps saying, "Man, that guy hasn't laid a glove on you!" Finally, the boxer says, "Throw in the ...  Read More

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." - 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)Several years ago, when Lydia and I were celebrating our anniversary, we took a trip to Clearwater Beach in Florida. As we walked around, I noticed a Hulk Hogan store. I found out that Hulk Hogan lived there and came to his store frequently to talk with fans. I...  Read More

"Obey those who rule over you and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." - Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV)This is another verse to keep in mind when we think about God's design for leadership in the church. The writer of Hebrews says there are people who are overseeing you—they're o...  Read More

"And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." - 1 Peter 5:4 (NKJV)Peter uses a specific Greek word here for "crown"—"stefanos"—describing the victor's crown. If you could imagine the Olympic games and imagine that the reward is not a trophy, but a crown placed on the victor's head, this is the imagery Peter is painting. He's saying, "If you are...  Read More

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly" - 1 Peter 5:2 (NKJV)One can't help but remember the scene after Jesus' resurrection when He was restoring Peter by a campfire. Three times Jesus asked, "Peter, do you love Me?" And three times He gave the same command: "Feed My lambs... Tend My sheep... Feed My sheep" (John 21:15-17). The same Gre...  Read More

"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly." - 1 Peter 5:1-2 (NKJV)Peter uses three distinct terms to describe what is essentially the same offi...  Read More