1 PETER 5

Respect Your Elders

• Peter speaks here as an elder in the community. That is, an important and respected guy in the flock.
• He wants other elders to know that they've got a big responsibly. They're the shepherds guiding God's little sheep. They shouldn't be looking to get something for themselves or lording their authority over everyone. They should just be in it for the love of God. And the free bread and wine, natch.
• On the other hand, new believers need to recognize that the elders are the guys in charge. Elder knows best!
• But both the elders and the new believers should be nice and respectful to each other. God loves it when you're humble, so try that out for a change.

It's the End of the World as We Know It

• The end is nigh, so submit to God totally and completely.
• He cares about you, so tell him your troubles and he'll help. But don't forget to be disciplined and stay on guard. 
• A (metaphorical) lion is prowling around the community looking for strays to gobble up. But if everyone sticks together, he can't touch them. There go his dinner plans.
• Sure, you may be suffering right now—Christians all over the world are—but this is only a temporary situation. Give it some time, says Peter. Jesus will be back soon and everything will be awesomesauce.
• Peter closes the letter by saying that he's sending it on with his friend, Silvanus.
• The church in Rome sends greetings. Peter calls it by the code name "Babylon" because he considers the Romans as wicked as the Babylonians—those baddies who destroyed Jerusalem back in the Hebrew Bible. So much for not stirring up trouble.
• Hugs and kisses and peace to everyone. Peter will see you later, fellow Christians. Peace out. 

1 PETER 4

A Little Suffering Never Hurt Anyone

• Here's what Peter thinks: Jesus suffered and died, and that means that you've got to be ready to suffer a little, too.
• You've already lived your life as Godless pagans, he tells them. Now it's time to start living for Christ alone. Warning: it'll totally mess up your crazy weekend plans.
• Those Gentiles out there don't have moral or sexual restraint. They're huge drunks who worship a bunch of silly idols, and they think you're becoming a bit of a buzzkill since your conversion.
• But you've already given your lives over to God. You know what's right—and it's not drunken orgies.
• Our time is short. This world is coming to an end. Very, very soon.
• That means you've got to keep on the straight and narrow path. Be serious and disciplined. Pray. Love each other. Don't complain. Help everyone.
• He continues: We all have different gifts. We should use them to make the world a better place. Well, at least until Jesus comes back and ends life as we know it.
• More warnings: don't be surprised if things start getting a little hot around here. Not everyone likes Christians, and occasionally someone will get arrested or hauled into court or maybe even put to death.
• It's all part of God's plan. If you've got to suffer—be happy about it. Remember how Jesus suffered? Well, you're getting a share in that. 
• If some official hates on you because you love Jesus, that's great news.
• But if you get hauled into court because you've murdered someone or stole something or even just stirred up trouble in town? Well, that's bad news. 
• Those who suffer as Christians will be blessed by God. 
• In any case, it's better just to keep the faith and get your reward at the end of the game. After all, if this is what believers are gonna go through, just think what God has in store for anyone who rejects Him. Shiver me timbers. Fear and tremble. 

1 PETER 3

Wifely Duties

• More Peter, more not-21st-century-friendly advice: ladies, obey your husbands.
• Even if your man is an unbelieving jerkwad, just keep being sweet as pie.
• Hey, maybe one day you'll win him over with your feminine charms and Christian piety. Maybe.
• Also, girls, don't spend too much time on your image. Just say no to braiding your hair, wearing gold, or putting on fancy clothes. It's overkill.
• Instead of worrying about what you look like on the outside, show off your beautiful inside. There's nothing hotter than a "gentle and quiet spirit."
• Try to be like Sarah. She listened to her husband, Abraham, and nothing weird ever happened to them. Hmm…might want to take a peek at Genesis again, Peter.
• Okay, so we've heard about wives. How about the gents?
• Well, Peter thinks that husbands should be considerate to their wives, too. 
• Sure, the ladies are the "weaker sex," but they're also God's children who will reap all the same rewards as men. We guess there's no misogyny in Heaven.

Be Excellent to Each Other 

• And some advice for everyone: just love one another.
• If someone does something bad to you, don't try to get even by seeking revenge. Bless them instead.
• It's the only way you're gonna inherit that kingdom of Heaven everyone keeps talking about. Just say no to evil.
• After all, if you're trying to be good, who could fault you for that?
• And even if someone does attack you while you're doing the right thing, God totally has your back. Not literally.
• Don't be afraid if someone asks you what you believe. Tell them politely. If you're a good person, it'll be tougher for naysayers to attack you.
• Peter keeps going: you've got nothing to worry about because Jesus suffered and died so that everyone could be saved. Even those naysayers.
• Remember when Noah built that ark and God saved only eight people after cleansing the world with water?
• Now he wants everyone to go through water—the water of baptism, to be exact. By being baptized, believers ask God to help them do what's right. They need him to keep a clear conscience. 
• All this is possible because of Jesus. 

1 PETER 2

Let's Get Stoned

• Peter has plenty more to say: if you're on God's team, act like it. Don't be hateful or bitter or insecure or envious or a liar.
• Act the newborn Christian you are. Drink nothing but spiritual milk and you'll grow up big and strong and holy.
• Or be like a stone. 
• Again, stay with us here.
• There are some stones that folks didn't think were good enough for building houses. Jesus was one of those. Believers are the others.
• But these rejected stones will be used to build up a spiritual house, says Peter
• Again, Peter quotes Isaiah's thoughts on stones. He tells us that the stone that everyone hated will become the cornerstone—the most important piece in the whole building. Take that, inept builders.
• That same stone will trip up those haters and make them fall. Fall into sin, that is. They've turned their backs on God and they'll get their comeuppance one day.
• But believers are super special. They're God's new people. And he's gonna be merciful with them. Other folks? Not so much.

Be Good

• Okay, so if you're a believer in Jesus, how should you be acting?
• Well, first of all, don't sin. Also, you should try to behave yourself when you're dealing with non-believers. They may think Christians are a little wacky, but if everyone keeps their behavior on the up and up, it could change their mind. Hey, it's worth a shot.
• Also, don't go around challenging authority figures on purpose. Be respectful to the president and his governors. Peter doesn't want anyone thinking Christians are anti-social anarchists. Honor everyone you meet. But especially throw in a little groveling when you're dealing with the president.

They're Slaves for You

• Okay, how about slaves? Well, says Peter, you guys should also be totally accepting of your masters. Even if they're super hard on you.
• After all, if you do something wrong and get beat for it, then that's on you.
• But if you haven't done anything at all and still get the crud kicked out of you? Well, that time God is on your side.
• Actually, this makes you just like Jesus. He didn't do anything wrong and the "powers that be" beat and crucified him. He never even retaliated—he just trusted that God would sort it all out.
• So think of that when you're being mercilessly whipped over a missing loaf of bread that you didn't steal.

1 PETER 1

For Pete's Sake

• This letter's from Peter. He's an apostle of Jesus Christ, and he's ready to party.
• Peter's writing to believers. 
• There's probably a mix of Jewish-Christians and Gentile-Christians in those parts. In any case, it's a pretty diverse group. 
• Now, what does Peter have to tell us?
• Well, for starters—everything is awesome!  God gave the world Jesus and anyone who believes in him is gonna get some sweet rewards. That's the good news.
• The bad news is that some people are gonna have to suffer for their faith. Yeah, it's a bummer, but some good things can come of it.
• Namely, those who stay strong will show how amazing Jesus is and how much they love him. They're proving it all night. If they do this, they'll be saved. 

The Bible Tells Us So

• So, actually, this is good news. According to Peter, Jewish scriptures talk about the coming of Jesus, what he would do, and how he would save the people. Now Christians are reaping the benefits. Even angels don't get these sweet perks. 
• That means it's time to get ready. Gird your loins, gents. Don't fall back and start living like you did before you found out about Jesus. Keep the faith and good things will happen, says Peter.
• God judges everyone by what they do. So don't get sloppy now.
• You escaped from the crazy, pagan worship of your ancestors. You figured out that idols made of silver and gold could never save you—only the blood of Jesus could. 
• Now that you know the truth, he says, your souls are good to go. So, love your fellow believers. You're all like newborn babies who get a new chance at living life with God as your dad.
• Peter quotes the prophet Isaiah and compares people to grass and flowers. Stay with us. Grass and flowers grow, but eventually, all plants wither and die. Just like human beings. 
• God, on the other hand, keeps going forever.

JAMES 5

Mo' Money, Mo' Problems

• Listen up, rich folks: God is not amused with you.
• Major bad times are coming your way. All your wealth will rot. Your fancy designer clothes are gonna be eaten by moths. Your gold and silver coins are gonna rust. Then the rust is gonna eat away at your skin like fire. Yeah. It's gonna be pretty miserable.
• It's bad enough that you hoarded money, says James, but you didn't even come by your cash honestly. The folks you've cheated out of their hard-earned dollars have appealed to God and he's heard them. You lived in the lap of luxury during your time on Earth, but all that will be over soon. 
• But believers (who we're assuming aren't rich) should just be patient. Jesus will be coming back anytime now.
• Wait for him like a farmer waits for his crops to grow. You know they're coming. It's just a matter of finding the right time.
• Stay strong and don't start complaining about everyone else. Otherwise you're gonna be judged. Big time.
• If you're looking for examples of folks who have done it right, look no further than the prophets of the Hebrew Bible. Especially Job. These guys faced tough times, but they kept on keeping on.

More Advice

• Also, when you say something, really commit to it. Seriously, no means no and yes means yes.
• Whether you're having a good time or a bad time, you should pray. God likes it when you check in every once in a while, says James.
• If you're sick, ask some of the elders in the church to pray over you and anoint you with oil. Hey, it can't hurt. And that oil really smells good.
• If you sin (oops!), admit what you did to other believers. God will totally forgive you if you take responsibility when you come up short.
• Everyone should also pray for each other. Prayer can be pretty powerful. Elijah prayed that it wouldn't rain, and not a single drop fell for three years and six months.
• And if any believer stops believing, the rest of the community can try to win him back. After all, scooping up lost sheep is one of God's favorite pastimes.
• On that note—bye-bye! See you on the flip side!

JAMES 4

Let's Fight!

• Why do people love to fight so much?
• Well, sometimes a person wants something they don't have. So they get all freaked out and angry about it and start going to war with other folks. That's one way to get what you want.
• But the real reason those people don't have the stuff they want is that they don't ask God. Or they ask, but they're super selfish about it, so God doesn't hand it over. He's not gonna help you win the lottery if you're just gonna use the money to buy a garage full of sports cars.
• Seriously, says James, don't you know that if you fall in love with the things in this world, then you've made yourself into God's enemy?
• God likes it when folks are humble, not when they act like entitled jerks. If you snuggle up with him, he'll snuggle up with you, too.
• Don't be "double-minded" (thinking one thing and doing another). Walk the straight and narrow with God and everything will be a-okay.
• More rules: don't badmouth another believer. If you're saying nasty things, you're judging. Remember, only God can judge you. Forget the haters, because somebody loves you. 
• And don't make too many plans for the future. It's kind of arrogant.
• Maybe you plan on graduating from college in four years and making mega bucks in the technology industry. Well, you don't know what's gonna happen between now and then. Only God knows that. 
• The world doesn't revolve around you and your dreams. You're like a mist that floats into the world and then disappears a few seconds later. (Has your self-esteem plummeted yet?)
• James would rather you say Maybe I'll get my software engineering degree and then start dropping apps left and right. If that's what God wants. At least then you're showing respect to the Most High. 

JAMES 3

Those Who Can't Do, Teach

• Not everyone is cut out to be a teacher like James. Oh, really?
• Teachers have to watch what they do and say at all times because people are just waiting for them to screw up. Well, it's sort of true. 
• But teachers also make mistakes. Tons of them. Sometimes it's hard to keep control of your tongue.
• A person's tongue is the rudder on a ship. It's a little tiny piece tucked away under the boat, but it can steer the whole vessel through uncharted waters. The tongue is pretty small, too, but it can take you to some amazing places.
• It's sort of like how a whole forest can go up in flames just from a few matches. Our tongues are like tiny fires ready to set the world ablaze. Stand back!
• But an unruly tongue can produce good words and bad words.
• We say all kinds of good things about God with our mouths. But then we talk bad about his creations—other people—in the same breath. How rude! 
• Folks really shouldn't be doing this, says James.
• It makes as much sense as having a faucet that pours out pure, sparkling water on one day and then raw sewage on another. Gross.
• If you're smart, then you'll be humble and kind.
• But if you've got the wrong kind of wisdom (the devilish kind), then you'll be a bitter, envious, selfish, clawing, liar. Yikes.
• The bad kind of wisdom can wreck the world. The good kind can bring peace and sunshine and rainbows to everyone. Let's do the latter. 

Now that was a delicious cup of "theoffee!" 

Robbs 

JAMES 2

Sorry, One-Percenters

• Being a faithful person means that you don't favor rich people over poor people.
• When fancy folks wearing expensive clothes stroll into church, everyone falls all over themselves to get these hoity toity guys a seat.
• But when someone without a lot of cash in his pockets walks in, he's told to stand or sit on the ground. It's not very polite.
• If that's how you treat the poor—whom God specifically said were going to be part of his kingdom—then you are really not getting it. 
• Why should Christians love these rich guys so much anyway? Wealthy folks are the ones who have you arrested for following Jesus. They drag you into court and basically mock God. What's so awesome about them, again?

Faith vs. Works: The Ultimate Showdown

• Remember when Jesus said that you should "love your neighbor as yourself"? He was pretty serious about that.
• If you don't follow his teachings, then you've broken God's law. And we know what happens to law-breakers, don't we? Hint: it's not pretty.
• If you're merciful to others, God will repay the favor. But if you spend most of your free time judging people based on their appearances, then God is gonna judge the heck out of you, too. 
• Seriously, you can't say you follow God and then act like a jerk.
• Having faith alone can't save you. You also need to do good works to complete the picture.
• James continues: it won't help anyone for you to just smile at poor people and wish them well. Where are they supposed to live? How are they going to eat? If you don't help those who need it, all your pious faith and feel-good beliefs are dead in the water.
• Of course, some knuckleheads think that you can separate out faith and works.
• These folks say, Hey, I have faith in God. You do the good works. Then everyone will be covered.
• Nope. Sorry. Doesn't work like that.
• Look, says James, there's one God, right? That means you can't divide out believing and doing. If you have faith in him, you'll act like it. Put your money where your mouth is.
• Take Abraham for example. God told him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, and Abraham was totally gonna do it. He had the knife at the young mans throat when God told him to stop.
• Abraham didn't just believe that what God said was right. He acted on it. Rahab, too. She might have been a Canaanite prostitute, but she helped the Israelites get into the Promised Land. Because of what she did, God totally dug her.
• If your spirit leaves your body, you're dead. And if you just think nice things about God but never do anything, then you're dead, too. 'Nuff said.

Tip the coffee cup with your pinky out. 

Robbs 

James 1 -http://coffeecuptheology.blogspot.com/2015/11/james-1-fun-commentary_19.html

JAMES 1 {a fun commentary}

The letter of James according to Robbie

Hi, My Name Is…

• What up? James here. Servant of God. Follower of Jesus. All-around good guy. {Oh and Jesus' brother.}
• James says that he's writing to "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion." In other words: Jewish-Christians who don't live in the Jewish homeland in Palestine.
• And what does he have to say? We're glad you asked.
• For starters—don't fret about tough times. Sure, going through trials and tribulations is no fun, but some good can come of it. Do tell.
• Well, it can be a good test of your faith. Oh, and it can help you learn to be strong and persevere. So there's that.
• If there's anything you don't know, just ask God about it. He'll fill you in on the details. 
• But whatever you do, says James, DON'T DOUBT HIM! God doesn't like it when you're saying one thing and thinking another. You won't get JACK as far as he's concerned.

More Advice from James

• Are you poor? No problem! Anyone who follows Jesus and finds themselves short of cash is gonna get a major reward very soon. Raise your hand if living forever with Christ sounds appealing to you! 
• Rich guys? They're gonna wither and die like a plant in the scorching sun. It's not pretty.
• If you want to do something, but know you shouldn't, keep holding out. That really makes God happy. Anyone who can stand their ground in the face of temptation is definitely winning. WINNER! 
• See, James doesn't think that God actually tempts people. You want to eat that extra donut because you think it's delicious. Not because God made it delicious. The donut shop "hot light" is not to blame here either. 
• When you give into your desires, that leads to sin. And sin? Well, that leads to death. 
• Everything good that we do and everything awesome in the world comes straight from God. Bottom line. 
• God created the world then showed it the truth—the truth about Jesus, that is. And believers are the "first fruits" out of everyone in the whole world. They're kind of like hipsters—they were into Jesus before he went mainstream. 
• Anything else? 
• Listen to each other. Don't fight and argue—shut up be cool and listen.  Besides, if you listen more, you might be able to help someone find God.
• Be a doer. Don't nod along when you hear people talk about doing awesome things. Go out and do your own good stuff. 
• Seriously, don't be a giant hypocrite. You can't say you're down with Christ and then just sit there doing nothing. Hearing about Christ isn't as important as doing His work. So get out there and care for some widows and kids without families already.

A WRITING CHALLENGE

Over the next couple days, I am going to attempt to post a fun commentary on the books of the bible that I am reading during my daily time alone with God. This is to serve as an "aide" to internalize the principals of God's love letter and help us navigate life in a manner that is pleasing and in obedience to the Lord. 

I will begin with this short whimsical introduction to James, Peter and Jude. 

Everyone needs good advice. 

That's why people love Oprah, Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz and stuff. There used to be tons of advice columns like Dear Abby, Miss Manners, etc. Why? 

Life is confusing. And it's always nice to make decisions with the help of total strangers.

If you're looking for some really solid direction in life, you might want to hit up the Bible Bros.  Back in the first century, there were no Christian bookstores to help guide believers through life. But they did have James, Peter, and Jude at their service! These three BFF's of Jesus, laid out a grip of good advice to fellow believers that you might mistake them for Ann Landers. Just take a peek at how some of their advice letters may have looked: 

Dear Bible Bros. 

I was recently arrested for my faith. Now I have to appear in court. I love Jesus, but he's making everything so complicated. Should I ditch him before he totally ruins my life?

Samuel— Suffering in Syria

Dear Suffering,

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.

Yours in Christ, 
Peter 

*****

Dear Bible Bros,

I believe in God and obey his laws. But I'm not so big on doing stuff for others. Poor people make me uncomfortable. Plus, they smell funny. I think I can just put my faith in God and leave the good works to other suckers—er, Christians. Is that okay?

Eli— Faithful in Philippi

Dear Faithful,

Bruh! What good is it if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and you say to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill," and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? You senseless person! Faith without works is dead. 

Yours in Christ, 

James

*****

Got questions? 

The Bible Bros have answers for you, too. 

Will you join me on this adventure and perhaps leave your own funny take-aways in the comments?! 

We will:

•read James chapter 1 in the Bible

•tap on Coffee Cup Theology (saved on your home screen) 

•add an additional 5 minutes of fun reimagining the text by grace. 

Next post will be James 1. 

Coffee never tasted so good!

Robbs 

 

BY NOW YOU SHOULD BE TEACHERS

Solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14)

Now this is amazing. Don't miss it. It could save you years of wasted living.

What this verse is saying is that if you want to become mature and understand the more solid teachings of the Word, then the rich, nutritional, precious milk of God’s gospel promises must transform your moral senses — your spiritual mind — so that you can discern between good and evil. 

[implication: is that milk drinkers cannot discern between good and evil. And that is how they "get got" or "caught up" in unrighteousness.]

Or let me put it another way. Getting ready to feast on all God’s Word is not first an intellectual challenge; it is first a moral challenge. If you want to eat the solid food of the Word, you must exercise your spiritual senses so as to develop a mind that discerns between good and evil.

The startling truth is that, if you stumble over understanding Jesus in Matthew and John, it may be because you watch questionable TV programs. 

If you stumble over the doctrine of election, it may be because you still use some shady business practices. 

If you stumble over the God-centered work of Christ in the cross, it may be because you love money and spend too much and give too little.

The pathway to maturity and to solid biblical food is not first becoming an intelligent person, but becoming an obedient person. 

What you do with alcohol and sex and money and leisure and food and computers has more to do with your capacity for solid food than where you go to school or what books you read.

This is so important because in our highly technological society we are prone to think that education — especially intellectual development — is the key to maturity. There are many Ph.D.’s who choke in their spiritual immaturity on the things of God. And there are many less-educated saints who are deeply mature and can feed with pleasure and profit on the deepest things of God’s Word. (Be THAT guy.) 

Read, believe, obey and grow. 

Chai area Soy Later with Whip, for the matur-ing. 

Robbs