March/April 2008

First Peter

A message of hope for suffering Christians


The apostle Peter wrote his first letter to encourage persecuted Christians who were living under the reign of Roman Emperor Nero. This issue explores Peter’s message of hope and how his message continues to encourage suffering Christians today. It also includes three tips from Dr. Richard Emmons on how to live a holy life and an exposition of Isaiah 53 by Israeli pastor Meno Kalisher.

Features

Extraordinary People

Sometimes special people cross our paths, showing us the best of what Christianity is all about. Let us introduce you to a few of these saints who have made a difference in life on this earth.

So Great Salvation 1 Peter 1:1–21

Christ did for us at Calvary. The blessings that accrue to us are manifold, and so are the responsibilities.

Highway to Holiness 1 Peter 1:22–2:10

What does it take to live a holy life? If you can faithfully master three important points, you’re well on your way.

The Blessing of Suffering 1 Peter 3:13–4:19

world are bound to encounter opposition. And though suffering for one’s faith may be difficult, it produces some undeniable and sometimes surprising benefits.

Our God Cares 1 Peter 5:1–11

The Lord of the universe knows everything about you, including your needs. This excellent article explains how you can depend on Him because He is the perfect CARE-giver.


More In This Issue

From Bill Sutter’s Desk Mar/Apr 2008

We recently received a personal invitation and media advisory from international Muslim leaders calling for a meeting at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. This Muslim-Christian event was billed as an “historic olive branch.”

Map of the Middle East.

Eleven Things Christians Should Know

“Bethlehem will become a town of churches devoid of Christians if you transfer the area to the Palestinian Authority,” predicted the late mayor of Bethlehem, Elias Freij, pleading—in 1993—not to transfer...

Silhouette of man speaking.

Religion and Politics: Who’s in the Game

An interesting contest seems to be heating up as the world paves a road to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The religious left has felt compelled to issue a series...

They Cry in Silence Mar/Apr 2008

Media producers and conservative Christians have long argued about whether film and television fare can so affect people, especially youth, that it influences their actions. Secularists in the celluloid industry have loudly...

Security in Salvation

Just as you must have a plan to achieve your goals in life, so also God has a plan. From the world’s foundation, God’s goal to glorify Himself included a plan to redeem lost humanity.

Submission Seems to Be the Hardest Word 1 Peter 2:11–3:12

The world today ignores many traditional beliefs, values, and mores. But none has endured as much erosion as the concept of submission. Years ago most people respected and submitted to the authority over them.

The Bottom Line

The apostles Peter and Paul had much to say regarding submission to governmental authority, employers, and spouses. But the underlying point—the bottom line—is that all people, particularly believers, should willingly and readily submit to God.

The Jewish ‘Doomsday Clock’

The Doomsday Clock (see doomsdayclock.org) has graced the cover of each issue of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists at the University of Chicago since the magazine’s inception in 1947. Midnight symbolizes total nuclear destruction...

The Incomparable Christ

Hebrews 1:1–3: Hebrews is without question one of the greatest and most important books in the New Testament. In it the writer presented an in-depth study of both the deity and humanity of Jesus the Messiah...

God Is Moral Part Fifteen

Our earlier study noted that God is a personal being, possessing intellect. As such, He thinks. In His Word, God refers to His thoughts and indicates they are different from and higher...

Why I Love Israel

And your eyes need to be there as well because the Jews are God’s people, and Israel is the land of destiny. Israel is God’s measuring rod and blueprint for what He is...

Drama Around the Triclinium

Reasonable, educated speculation based on an understanding of the Jewish seating custom can help us appreciate the drama in the Upper Room at Jesus’ final Passover more than 2,000 years ago.

Expectancy–Prayer

My God, the soul which Thou hast placed in me is pure. Thou hast fashioned it in me; Thou didst breathe it into me, and Thou preservest it within me...

Isaiah 53 and the Messiah of Israel Part Three

In Isaiah 53:8 the prophet spoke of the distorted trial held for the Servant of the Lord and of His death: “He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare His generation?

A Tale of Two Holidays

Two Jewish holidays seem to have strikingly similar origins: A man arises who hates the Jewish people and decides they must be dealt with. One such enemy enslaved them, while the other sought...

Israel in the News Mar/Apr 2008

January was one of the worst months for Kassam attacks in Sderot. Arutz-7 reported many straight days of more than 40 hits per day. Parents keep their children home from school...

Zvi Mar/Apr 2008

I live in a neighborhood in Jerusalem where many Russian immigrants live. I have lived in this home 34 years, but many of them arrived recently and do not go to synagogue...

Daily News from Israel

News Digest — 7/14/25

Israeli troops found more than three tons of weapons while raiding military facilities inside Syria. The sites had been...

News Digest — 7/11/25

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed Washington for Israel Thursday evening (10th) aboard the “Wing of Zion” plane...

News Digest — 7/10/25

Shortly before 5:15 a.m. Thursday morning (10th), the IDF identified that a missile was launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory...

News Digest — 7/9/25

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived on Tuesday (8th) at the White House for another meeting with US President Donald Trump...

Are the Palestinians Joining the Abraham Accords?

Top West Bank Sheikh Wadee’ al-Jaabari has joined other...

News Digest — 7/8/25

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed US President Donald Trump on Monday evening (7th) that he has nominated...

Week 91: Israel at War

Talks are ongoing for a ceasefire and release of hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu recently received notification of 20 surviving hostages...

News Digest — 7/7/25

Hours after the IDF carried out a massive strike on ports in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen Sunday night (6th), sirens warning of rocket...

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