1 Peter 4:12-15 Fiery Trials and Bad Behavior
Peter mentions the purpose and outcome of fiery trials. Then he mentions behaviors that, when detected, need to be changed and/or eradicated. Warning: this could be a touchy one.
Colossians 1:29-2:5 The Knowledge of God’s Mystery
Church without Jesus, the Biblical Jesus, is a waste of time. Paul is making the case for proclaiming Jesus and teaching doctrine. If the Church is not Jesus centered, then doctrine is likely to be sabotaged.
Colossians 1:28-29 Proclaim Christ
The primary mission of the Church, and thus the teaching elder(s), is to proclaim Christ. Proclaim the gospel, and teach biblical doctrine. Any and all else is not necessary, and not helpful.
1 Peter 4:8-11 The Obligation and Duty of Love
“Above all …” What does that mean? How do I prioritize this? God expects His church to behave in certain ways, and Peter spells it out here pretty clearly.
1 Kings 2:1-46 David’s Commission to Solomon
The account of David’s last days. He encourages Solomon to be faithful to God, and faithful to the Covenant. Then he assigns to Solomon the judicial responsibility that he himself should have administered to some rogue associates. Interesting.
2 Samuel 24:1-1 Kings 2:4 The Last Days of David
David survives another treasonous attempt by one of his sons to take the Kingdom from him. He anoints Solomon as the reigning King and blesses him.
Colossians 4:25-27 The Fullness of the Gospel
Paul mentions the full knowledge of God’s will in verse 1:9, and in verse 1:25 he mentions his responsibility to fully preach the word of God (LSB). Are these related, and what is he talking about. That’s our topic today.
1 Peter 4:7-8 Sound Thinking and a Sober Spirit
These two verses capture the essence of the gospel and the life of the saint.That is a big statement for such a short passage! Let’s test it.
Colossians 1:24-26 Sufferings and Afflictions
Paul was suffering, Christ was afflicted; What kind of Christianity is this? Well, it is Biblical Christianity. Let’s examine this paradox.
1 Peter 4:1-6 Christ Suffered In The Flesh
Christ suffered in the flesh. Learn this, Jesus Christ died for us in order that we might live for Him. These verses tell us how and why to do that.
