The "Heavenly Citizens" series serves as a tool to help the Christian understand not only what the Bible teaches us, but also how to study the Bible. Explaining what the Bible teaches is like giving someone a fish to eat. Teaching him how to study the Bible is like teaching someone how to fish so he can feed himself. Both approaches are essential to developing spiritual maturity.

"1 Peter" is the twenty-third volume in the "Heavenly Citizens" series. Apostle Peter begins with an observation to be seen on any day, in any age, in the life of any believer. The issue is "suffering" and the right worldview to take toward it. Peter points believers to their suffering, notes how Messiah Jesus went through all of the same suffering before them, and is there with them to lead them through their own suffering.

Then Peter exhorts them to look past their suffering and look upward to eternity, where Messiah Jesus is preparing a place for them. When their time comes and they go to their eternal home, King Jesus will reward them for their suffering, and for their service to Him in doing the ministry to which He appoints them.

Additionally, the Apostle Peter instructs the believers on how they are to live on earth. They are to be holy, even as Christ Jesus is holy. To be holy is defined by Peter by many practical applications in their daily living. One such application has to do with submission on every level. Anyone who has authority over the believer is to exercise that authority as God's Word instructs because their authority come from God. Those under authority are to submit to those over them, as doing so to King Jesus, the ultimate authority and wellspring of all authority.

The approach for "James", and for every volume in the "Heavenly Citizens" series, is to teach the student the meaning of Scripture. We also teach him or her how to study the Bible on his/her own. We do this in two ways: we provide a few rules by which to govern our Bible study, and we demonstrate by example how to study the Bible. Experience is an outstanding teacher. In our books we put into practice the rules for Bible study. By walking through the Bible with us, the reader experiences firsthand what our method of study is like.

We believe the student will come out of our studies with both an understanding of the Bible and the ability to truthfully understand the Bible on his/her own. The path lies before you. Walk through the gate and join the journey with us! And may the blessings of the Lord Jesus Christ be yours in abundance. The "Heavenly Citizens" series serves as a tool to help the Christian understand not only what the Bible teaches us, but also how to study the Bible. Explaining what the Bible teaches is like giving someone a fish to eat. Teaching him how to study the Bible is like teaching someone how to fish so he can feed himself. Both approaches are essential to developing spiritual maturity.