When Jesus is Sitting on Your Couch

Scott Risley
Luke 10:38-42

When Jesus knocks on your door and you invite Him in, when he is sitting on your couch, do you sit at His feet and drink in all he has to say? Or do you rush around laboring over all the preparations, building up resentment toward others and Jesus for not helping you, for not caring about how hard you are working? Jesus invited both Mary and Martha to sit at His feet, but only Mary chose to prioritize being still at His feet, eagerly listening to Him. Martha wasn't wrong for doing the preparations. She was wrong to be bitter and accusatory. Jesus did not rebuke Martha but he also refused to rebuke Mary for not helping Martha because Mary had chosen what is better.

Feeding the 5000

Ryan Lowery
Matthew 14:13-20

The story of the feeding of the 5,000 demonstrates five principles of being used by God in other people's lives. Principle 1, opportunities to serve rarely happen on our timetable. Principle 2, Jesus will ask us to do things beyond our capabilities. Principle 3, Jesus can do a lot even when we only have a little to offer. Principle 4, Jesus loves to do His work through people. And finally, Principle 5, when we do serve Christ, He makes sure our needs get satisfied as well. God could easily do all the work Himself, but He graciously invites us to participate in the great things he is doing in the world. We get to be a part of miracles as we present to God what little we have and He multiplies it supernaturally.

Good Shepherds

Chris Hearty
1 Peter 5:1-4

Peter uses the imagery of the shepherd who lovingly tends his flock to describe the attitude Christian leaders should have as they oversee the flock God has entrusted to them. Godly leaders are self-sacrificial, know how to feed and lead the flock, seek and give God's direction. Spiritual leaders are humble and understand they are accountable to God. They are not in it for temporary or shameful profit. Spiritual leaders will be rewarded for their sacrifices by Jesus.

What Is Important in the End?

James Rochford
1 Peter 4:7-11

Peter warns that the end of all things is near. The unbelieving world lives without hope because they think this world is all there is. Death results in a terrifying oblivion. But believers can live a fruitful, meaningful life her and now because we know that there is a reward waiting for us when we die to this world. We can invest in that which is most important, God and other people, while we are here on earth because we know the glories awaiting us in heaven. We know that what we do here on earth has profound effect for eternity.

Shepherd of the Flock

Scott Risley
1 Peter 5:1-7

In the Old Testament and the New, God often uses the imagery of a shepherd when describing leaders of God's people. Jesus is the ultimate shepherd of His people. Peter exhorts the elders in his audience to shepherd the flock of God 1) with an attitude of "I get to" rather than "I have to," 2) eager to give rather than eager to take, 3) serving under versus lording over, and 4) humbling yourself versus exalting yourself. When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Spiritual Lifestyle in a Rugged World

Dennis McCallum
1 Peter 4:12-19

Peter offers six things to do or not do when encountering suffering as a Christian. Firstly, do not be surprised! Jesus told us the world first hated Him and will hate us as well. Secondly, keep on rejoicing. We can rejoice because suffering teaches us many valuable lessons. Thirdly, do not bring on unnecessary suffering by sinning. Fourthly, do not be ashamed because you bear the name of the One who was not ashamed to go to the cross for us. Fifthly, entrust your soul to a faithful Creator because surely the One who created you will also take care of you in all circumstances. Finally, continue in doing what is right even in the face of difficulties.

Friendship and the End of the World

Scott Risley
1 Peter 4:7-11

Peter teaches that since the end of all things is near, we should draw near to God in prayer. As the end nears, we will need our relationships to endure the suffering that will follow. We should draw near to others in fervent love, serving, being hospitable and using our spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ.

Body Building

Dennis McCallum
1 Peter 4:8-11

Peter encourages every believer to use the spiritual gifts God has given them for the building up of the Body of Christ. Every believer has been given at least one special gift. All are gifted differently so don't compare yourself to another. Using our gifting to the best of our ability enhances community and is intensely pleasurable without negative side affects. Our gifting is also a stewardship so that the greater the gifting, the greater the expectation to use the gifting well.

Keeping the Heat Off, Continued

Dennis McCallum
1 Peter 3:1-9

We are so far removed from the culture of the time of this passage that it is hard to realize how radically liberating this was for women especially. The Bible has a high view of women, unlike the widespread view at the time. God calls women daughters and co-heirs with Christ. Jesus was the only rabbi to include women as his disciples. Peter calls for a different approach to marriage where the husband does not view his wife as a laborer or commodity but as an equal partner whom he serves sacrificially. Successful marriages that follow the Bible's view will really stand out in this fallen world.