Study Desk

We will receive the great things that we have been promised. They are being kept safe in heaven for us. They are pure and will not pass away. They will never be lost.

With this hope you can be happy even if you need to have sorrow and all kinds of tests for awhile.

You will get what your faith is looking for, which is to be saved from the punishment of sin.

Get your minds ready for good use. Keep awake. Set your hope now and forever on the loving-favor to be given you when Jesus Christ comes again.

The Holy Writings say, "You must be holy, for I am holy."

You have made your souls pure by obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit. This has given you a true love for the Christians. Let it be a true love from the heart.

But you are a chosen group of people. You are the King's religious leaders. You are a holy nation. You belong to God. He has done this for you so you can tell others how God has called you out of darkness into His great light.

When you are around people who do not know God, be careful how you act. Even if they talk against you as wrong-doers, in the end they will give thanks to God for your good works when Christ comes again.

Obey the men who work for them. God sends them to punish those who do wrong and to show respect to those who do right.

Servants, you are to respect your owners and do what they say. Do this if you have a good and kind owner. You must do it even if your owner is hard to work for.

This shows you have received loving-favor when you are even punished for doing what is right because of your trust in God.

What good is it if, when you are beaten for doing something wrong, you do not try to get out of it? But if you are beaten when you have done what is right, and do not try to get out of it, God is pleased.

These things are all a part of the Christian life to which you have been called. Christ suffered for us. This shows us we are to follow in His steps.

You were like lost sheep. But now you have come back to Him Who is your Shepherd and the One Who cares for your soul.

For "If you want joy in your life and have happy days, keep your tongue from saying bad things and your lips from talking bad about others.

Turn away from what is sinful. Do what is good. Look for peace and go after it.

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, you will be happy. Do not be afraid or troubled by what they may do to make it hard for you.

Your heart should be holy and set apart for the Lord God. Always be ready to tell everyone who asks you why you believe as you do. Be gentle as you speak and show respect.

If God wants you to suffer, it is better to suffer for doing what is right than for doing what is wrong.

Christ suffered and died for sins once for all. He never sinned and yet He died for us who have sinned. He died so He might bring us to God. His body died but His spirit was made alive.