BE STRONG: First Peter

Peter writes a letter to people who had embraced faith in Jesus Christ and became different from all their family and friends. They were strangers in their hometowns. They suffered because of their commitment to Christ and the church. Peter encourages them, reminding them of what they believe and why it's so worth it to stay courageous. Is what you believe worth suffering for? If everyone around you pressures you to abandon your faith, will you stay strong?

October 12th | 100% Sure | 1 Peter 1:1-12

Peter starts his letter reminding these young believers of the salvation in Jesus they've experienced. He reminds them they can trust Jesus to be there when they need Him. When we experience suffering because of what we believe, we can doubt and walk away. It feels too hard. Peter wants to make sure these young Christians don't give up in discouragement. Have you ever felt like giving up because life was hard, painful and stressful? To prepare, read 1 Peter 1:1-12.

*To view THE CLASSIC, click HERE.

*To view THE WELL, click HERE.

October 19th | You Can Be Holy | 1 Peter 1:13-2:10

When we do an honest assessment of our spiritual condition, we can find a lot of junk there. We know our failures and sins. We know how we feel toward those who've offended us. We know our passions and desires. We're perfectly aware of our temptations and vulnerabilities. In the midst of all this reality, Peter tells these struggling Christians to "be holy." Wow! When someone is struggling we usually try to lower the bar to give them hope. Not Peter! He raises the bar and says holiness is the answer. Can we really "be holy?" To prepare, read 1 Peter 1:13-2:10.

*To view THE CLASSIC, click HERE.

*To view THE WELL, click HERE.

October 26th | Live Different | 1 Peter 2:11-25

People then were a lot like people now, very self-serving.  Living meant doing whatever it took to eat and protect yourself and your family.  Even Christ-followers would compromise to get what they needed.  The goal was to fit in and do whatever was necessary to survive.  Peter encouraged these young believers to focus more on selfless service than selfishness.  He wanted them to stand out in their community as people who honored and respected others.  Do you find yourself seeking to model the selflessness of Christ, or are you just a survivor?  To prepare, read 1 Peter 2:11-25.

*To view THE CLASSIC, click HERE.

*To view THE WELL, click HERE.

November 16th | Be One | 1 Peter 3:1-12

Peter was encouraging these suffering Christians with more than doctrine. He was encouraging them to model a spirit of humility and graciousness. This was the example of Jesus. In their homes, in their friendship, in their work he explained there are ways to show the world a better way to live. To prepare, read 1 Peter 3:1-12.

*To view THE CLASSIC, click HERE.

*To view THE WELL, click HERE.

November 23rd | Get Ready | 1 Peter 3:13-5:14

Most of the time we miss an opportunity to share the story of Christ because we aren't looking for the opportunity. When temptations come our way, are we prepared to resist them? When opportunities to speak about Jesus come our way, are we prepared to talk about Him? When suffering comes our way, are we prepared to live out of faith? When the people around us put pressure on us to compromise, are we prepared to stand against them with love? If Jesus were to return to earth today, would you be ready? How prepared are you to live every day as an alert believer in Christ? To prepare, read 1 Peter 3:13-5:14.

*To view THE CLASSIC, click HERE.

*To view THE WELL, click HERE.