The Apostle Peter moves forward in his instruction now to call for a lifestyle that is appropriate for God’s hope-directed and hope-filled people.
(1:14-16) “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “’You shall be holy,...
As we walk through this next section of God’s Word (1:13-2:10), all of the priorities and responsibilities are related to being God’s chosen people. This whole section climaxes with the description of these people as “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…” (2:9a). Peter is telling his first century readers and us today that our...
The Lord God, through the Apostle Peter, is addressing His people. The Apostle with his amanuensis is writing these truths for tough times. As he begins this epistle, he addresses his readers specifically as “elect exiles” (1:1). These people were God’s chosen people scattered in different countries, living in (as it were) “foreign” lands. Their exile though...
Many Christians today are suffering difficulties or direct persecution for their faith. Many others would be wise to anticipate persecution in various forms in the coming days. The teaching of 1 Peter is directed to believers in Christ facing persecution while scattered in specific regions in the ancient world. As a part of God’s Word, 1 Peter has a message for all believers (in all regions) - about living in difficult times before the return and the...
How do we (or does someone) preach today in an effective way? Some might question the need to ask this question in the first place.
The affirmation would be that God uses the preached Scriptures in the power of the Holy Spirit salvifically and sanctifyingly for His purpose and glory without the need for any analysis, adaptation or adjustments on the part of the preacher to any circumstance or audience: end of discussion!
Similar statements would affirm...
Read this scripture passage: 1 Peter 3:8-18, 22
The original recipients of the Apostle Peter’s letter were facing difficult and dangerous times. The apostle Peter is writing in the 60s AD to Christians scattered in various regions of the ancient world. He speaks of fiery trials and suffering, and it is evident that persecution was taking place or was right at hand. So, Peter writes a pastoral and passionate letter encouraging believers to stand firm in the true grace...
Dear Friend of Olford Ministries International and the Institute for Biblical Preaching,
Greetings in Jesus’ Name!
On January 31st I am traveling back to Japan. I say, “back,” because we have had many ministry trips to Japan over the years. This trip involves visiting four different areas of Japan and preaching at conventions for the deepening of spiritual life. Lord willing, I will be returning again to Japan...
The servant of the Lord is involved in a sacred ministry. This sacred ministry is to be done in the power of the Holy Spirit. Also, this ministry is a specific ministry that demands our focus and our work.
As we think about the months ahead in 2024, Lord willing, I think it is helpful to remember the Apostle Paul's encouraging and challenging words to his son in the ministry, Timothy.
The second book of Timothy is filled with exhortations and encouragements for this son in the ministry, who...
Read Haggai 1:1-15
All of us face pressures and problems in life. This will be true in 2024 as well. We need to live according to God’s priorities for us rather than “caving in” to pressures, problems, or wrong desires.
We can find ourselves having the wrong priorities for many different reasons. In...
I think it is safe to say that many people are concerned about the future. These concerns may be on their personal level, their health, their relationships, or their finances. These concerns may be on the local community level, the national level, or as we look at the various crises on our world scene.
Genuine concern is not a bad thing, especially if these concerns are brought before the Lord in prayer. But such concerns can easily move into despair and...
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