The early Church relied on the apostles to teach and lead them to be followers of Christ.  But as the Church spread across the known world, local congregations appointed "elders" to lead them.  In 1 Peter 5:1-5, the apostle encourages the elders to to be godly leaders.  Pastor Mike draws from this passage to encourage the church to pray for their leaders, and to encourage church leaders, as Peter does, to lead willingly, not grudgingly; eagerly, not greedily; and to be exemplary, not domineering.

Suffering is an unfortunate part of life. As we live our Christian life, with our Christian worldview, we will collide with the world and its secular worldview.  Sometimes this results in persecution.  But some believers have an attitude of "gloom, despair, and agony on me."  We need to learn to find grace in those times when we suffer for the sake of righteousness.  We need to be persuaded that God is in control, be prepared to testify, yet be polite and respectful.

If there was ever an arena where Christ's presence needs to be seen it is in marriages. The world is full of bad advice concerning marriage. Because believers live under a different economy, our marriages need to reflect the love of Christ. In a Christ-like marriage, the wife is to live submissively, and the husband is to love selflessly.

What do you do when life gives you a raw deal?  As believers we should always seek to extend the same grace that we have received.  So when we are treated unjustly we should submit with respect, suffer without retaliation, and surrender to righteous judgement.  Glorify God in all ways and at all times.