Humbly Feed His Sheep– 1 Peter 5:1-6

/ Bob

After His resurrection, Jesus met and ate with His disciples on the shore of Lake Galilee. He had already appeared to them more than once, but this time was a little different. The disciples were on the lake fishing largely because Peter had told the group, “I’m going fishing” whereupon the others decided to join him. Jesus called to them from the shore and, true to form for the Master, gave them a lesson in fishing. When they realized it was Jesus, Peter leapt from the boat so that he could get to shore faster.

They had a fish fry right there on the spot. Jesus took some bread and shared it with the disciples and then he gave them all some fish. (Note the similarity to the meal they had the night before He was crucified.) This was the 3rd time Jesus had met with them. Then Jesus spoke with Peter directly. Peter no doubt remembered on this 3rd visit with his Lord the 3 times he had denied knowing Him. Then Jesus proceeds to ask Him 3 questions which were sort of the same question each time. 3 times Peter answered and 3 times Jesus told Him to shepherd His flock.

When we arrive at 1 Peter 5 we find Peter telling the elders of the church to shepherd the flock of Jesus. Coincidence? I think not. Nor do I think it a coincidence that Peter told them to clothe themselves with humility in doing so. Peter had learned true humility when confronted with the true grace of God. Hopefully, they would listen to him since his instructions were not only given to him by the Holy Spirit, but they were also borne out in his personal experience.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, April 6, 2025. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is Hunger for Holiness: Living Pure in an impure World. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/hunger-for-holiness-1-peter-digital-study-guide/ .Handouts with slide content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Class Notes – 04.06.2025 – Humbly Feed His Sheep – 1 Peter 5.1-6Download

Rejoice in Suffering– 1 Peter 4:12-19

/ Bob

As Peter wraps us his discourse on suffering he delivers several timely thoughts. He tells the believers not to be surprised that they have to endure hardships. Here he echoes the message of Jesus in John 15 that hatred (and subsequent trials) are part of being a follower of Christ. He was hated and they would be hated as well. Furthermore, they could rejoice in their sufferings just as Jesus said they should in Matthew 5:11-12. “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (1 Peter 4:14)

He sums up this section of his letter with this statement in verse 19: “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God must entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing good.” In other words, as a follower of Christ, rejoice when you suffer for His name’s sake and trust God as you continue to honor Him with your holy living.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, March 23, 2025. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is Hunger for Holiness: Living Pure in an impure World. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/hunger-for-holiness-1-peter-digital-study-guide/ .Handouts with slide content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Class Notes – 03.23.2025 – Rejoice in Suffering – 1 Peter 4.12-19Download

Out With the Old, In With the New – 1 Peter 4:1-11

/ Bob

Christ suffered for sins, once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, we must arm ourselves with the same purpose. because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. (1 Peter 3:18 & 4:1) Jesus suffered through all of the indignities of sin even though He was sinless. He paid the ultimate price for sin – death. And He did so in order that we might walk in the newness of victorious life with Him – not so that we can stumble through life in the darkness and pain of sin.

In this new life we are to live in victory over sin by following Christi who was himself victorious over sin. Furthermore, we are to let love – His love – be our guide in how we live and interact with those around us. His love covers our sin and our Christ-given love should do the same. God demonstrated his love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Our love can’t save someone from the judgment of God, nor can it cleanse someone of their sin – that’s all in Jesus’ authority. However, our love can show them what the unconditional love of God looks and feels like and our new, victorious life can give them a light of hope in their dark world.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, March 16, 2025. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is Hunger for Holiness: Living Pure in an impure World. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/hunger-for-holiness-1-peter-digital-study-guide/ .Handouts with slide content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Class Notes – 03.16.2025 – Out With the Old In With the New – 1 Peter 4.1-11Download

When the Floods of Life Come, Jesus Is Our Ark– 1 Peter 3:18-22

/ Bob

There are times in life when we are up to our necks in flood waters only to look around and see alligators and fire ants coming our way. Jesus swam in these same waters and lived a perfect life in the process. Jesus, who was the only perfect human, died on the cross to save all of the imperfect humans on the planet. Having done so, he proclaimed His victory to the entire universe – beings seen and unseen.

But wait, there’s more. Not only did He save use from drowning in our sin, but He called us to live with Him eternally and swim with him for as long as we are dwelling on this planet, 2/3 of which is water. And He uses water to usher us into His kingdom – through baptism. While the thief on the cross will testify, you do not have to be baptized to be with Jesus throughout all eternity. However, in baptism we demonstrate our obedience to Him and our own identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. And, as we read in 1 Peter 3:22, our baptism is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, March 9, 2025. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is Hunger for Holiness: Living Pure in an impure World. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/hunger-for-holiness-1-peter-digital-study-guide/ .Handouts with slide content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Class Notes – 03.09.2025 – When the Floods of Life Come Jesus Is Our Ark – 1 Peter 3.18-22Download

Holy Homelife– 1 Peter 3:1-7

/ Bob

In several New Testament passages we find Instructions concerning the home environment for Christians. Colossians 3:18-19; Titus 2:3-5; Ephesians 5:22-27; and the passage for today’s lesson – 1 Peter 3:1-7 – all give such instruction. While all of these verses outline the roles of husbands and wives, the message from Peter is much more pointed.

Peter has been focused on holiness since the beginning of his letter. The Christians who were the recipients of this letter were facing severe oppression and persecution. Peter encouraged them to remain faithful. His point was that Christians had to live their lives in such a way that their devotion to Christ would be evident to all. They were to be holy – set apart – different – living lives that were obviously “out of this world.” And this included life in the home.

WIVES are to show proper honor to their husbands. They should not put undue emphasis on outward beauty, but let their Godly, inward beauty be seen in all they do and say. HUSBANDS are to be understanding and loving toward their wives and honor them as equal heirs in God’s grace.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, February 23, 2025. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is Hunger for Holiness: Living Pure in an impure World. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/hunger-for-holiness-1-peter-digital-study-guide/ .Handouts with slide content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Class Notes – 02.23.2025 – Marriage Made in Heaven – 1 Peter 3.1-7Download

Living Honorably As Aliens In a Foreign Land – 1 Peter 2:11-17

/ Bob

Do you ever feel like a “fish out of water?” Have you ever felt like you simply don’t belong? Peter addresses the isolation and uncertainty that comes with being a stranger in the place where you live. Moreover, he gives encouragement and practical advice on how to live in your world as a Christian and share you faith in a kind, respectful, and loving way.

In this passage he helps us look at our relationships with the people around us – family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and casual acquaintances. He then goes on to show how we should relate to people in the political arena. He sums up this this section of his letter with 4 simple yet life changing statements: honor all people; love your fellow believers; respect God above all others; and honor the king. (1 Peter 2:17)

We must ask ourselves if all of our interactions with people are honorable. – talking face to face, calling, texting, emailing, memoing, posting, commenting, liking, disliking, looking, listening, smiling, laughing, giving, sharing, holding, touching, crying, hugging, praying, etc. etc. etc. Are our actions honorable, respectful, loving and, moreover, do they point to Jesus?

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, February 9, 2025. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is Hunger for Holiness: Living Pure in an impure World. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/hunger-for-holiness-1-peter-digital-study-guide/ .Handouts with slide content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Class Notes – 02.09.2025 – Living Honorably – 1 Peter 2.11-17Download

Candlemas & Groundhog Day

/ Bob

February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation in the Temple, or Candlemas, commemorating the occasion when Mary, in obedience to Jewish law (Leviticus 12:1-8; Exodus 13:1-2,11-15), went to the Temple in Jerusalem both to be purified 40 days after the birth of her son, Jesus, and to present him to God as her firstborn (Luke 2:22–38).

Candlemas falls on Groundhog Day, but the first known Candlemas reference was in the 4th century, so it predates our groundhog. Each year the eyes of the weather world focus on Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to see if Phil sees his shadow. This tradition came out of an old English poem about Candlemas:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,

Come winter, have another flight.

If Candlemas bring clouds and rain,

Go winter, and come not again.

So, it looks like we are giving a nod to Candlemas when we watch Phil searching for his shadow. Pretty cool. Isn’t it interesting to find the Christian roots behind our traditions?

Candlemas has several traditions depending on the cultural and religious context. Here are a few ways it’s celebrated:

  1. Christian Traditions:
    • Blessing of Candles: Churches often bless candles on this day, symbolizing Jesus Christ as the light of the world. Congregants may bring candles from home to be blessed, which they then use for the rest of the year.
    • Processions: Some communities hold processions with candles to symbolize bringing light into the world.
  2. Weather Lore:
    • In some cultures, Candlemas is linked to weather predictions. As the poem suggests, the weather on Candlemas Day is thought to predict the remaining length of winter. This tradition is similar to Groundhog Day in the United States.
  3. Festive Meals:
    • In some regions, people celebrate with special meals or desserts. For example, in France, it’s traditional to make crêpes on Candlemas (La Chandeleur).
  4. Purification and Presentation:
    • For many Christians, Candlemas commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the purification of Mary, as described in the Gospel of Luke.

It’s a time rich with symbolism and history, celebrating both the end of the Christmas season and the hope of light (The Light) returning as winter wanes.

The Living Stone, The Cornerstone, and The Sure Foundation– 1 Peter 2:1-10

/ Bob

Peter becomes the construction manager in the 2nd chapter of his letter. He lays out the blueprints and explains how the church is to be built. Jesus is the foundation on which we build our lives. Jesus is cornerstone. Jesus is the capstone. Jesus is the Living Stone. Jesus is also the stumbling stone for those who refuse to acknowledge Him as Lord.

He also points out that we are living stones which will be the building blocks for the kingdom. And he goes on to point out that we are a royal priesthood of the faith. As he does so, the image of Christians as the Temple of God becomes clear. Just as the Temple was the place where the faithful went to find love, mercy, hope, and faithfulness, now we as the Living Temple should be the place where people go to find the same love, hope, and faithfulness of God through the Gospel Message of Jesus, the Messiah.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, January 26 2025. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is Hunger for Holiness: Living Pure in an impure World. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/hunger-for-holiness-1-peter-digital-study-guide/ .Handouts with slide content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Class Notes – 01.26.2025 – The Living Stone – 1 Peter 2.1-10Download

Only One Life, ‘Twill Soon Be Past

/ Bob

Charles Thomas Studd, often known as C. T. Studd (1860 – 1931), was a British Anglican missionary. Studd was converted during a D. L. Moody campaign and was one of the “Cambridge Seven”, a group of former Cambridge students who offered themselves to Hudson Taylor for missionary service at the China Inland Mission, leaving for there in February 1885. He served as a missionary to China, India, and Africa, dying in Ibambi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the age of 70. I shared his poem, “Only One Life, ‘Twill Soon Be Past,” with the Agape Life Bible Study Class at Brenham’s First Baptist Church. The video of the entire lesson can be seen at https://youtu.be/Y0ZFZko05eM .

Only Whats Done for Christ Will LastDownload

The Gold Standard vs The God Standard – 1 Peter 1:17-25

/ Bob

Gold has been a standard of wealth for thousands of years. Our country’s currency used to be based on thee gold and silver standards. Of course, that is no longer the case. Our currency is a fiat currency which basically means that the government says it’s worth. OK, sure it’s a little more complicated than that, but you get the point. The currency of any nation or kingdom is based on something. So that leads to the question, “What is the currency of the Kingdom of God?” The answer is, quite simply and quite profoundly, blood.

In establishing His law with the Israelites, God set the standard of blood for Kingdom transactions. It was stated in passages like Leviticus 17:11: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” This concept is further addressed in Hebrews 9:22: “And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” The blood sacrifice was the price to be paid for the remission of sins.

In 1 Peter 1:18-19, Peter says, “You were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold from your futile conduct inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” Christ became the blood sacrifice which was the price to be paid for the remission of sins. And now we must live our lives for Him – for the one who paid the ransom for our very souls. He gave us life by giving up His own life and now our lives are His – bought and paid for by the Blood of the Lamb. It is a simple and yet profound transaction that has taken place. As Paul put it in 1 Corinthians 6:20 – We have been bought with a price (the blood of Jesus) and now we are to honor God in our bodies,; that is in everything we say and do.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, January 19 2025. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is Hunger for Holiness: Living Pure in an impure World. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/hunger-for-holiness-1-peter-digital-study-guide/ .Handouts with slide content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Class Notes – 01.19.2024 – The Gold Standard vs The God Standard- 1 Peter 1.17-25Download