1 Peter Series message 31
Some 'parting shots' as we review and close out this series.
September 1, 2013: Temptation Pt.2
1 Peter Series message 30
Text: I Peter 5:9
Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott
The great hymn of the faith, A Mighty Fortress is our God, penned by Martin Luther in 1529, was considered the Battle Hymn of the Reformation, and was also sung at President Eisenhower's funeral. It speaks well to our second message on temptation; namely, resist him. Consider the lyrics of this hymn, which we'll sing this Sunday:
"For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal."
This is the truth! We saw this in Sunday's sermon and experience it every day.
"Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing."
AMEN to that!
But THIS is how we resist, how we thrive as OVERCOMERS:
"And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him."
August 25, 2013: Temptation!
1 Peter Series message 29
Text: 1 Peter 5:8
As Peter closes out his letter he is giving practical advice on Christian maturity. Because of the hope within us, we should be growing in trust (towards the Lord) and humility (towards others and the Lord). We need to recognize the work of the evil one as he tempts us in various ways, maintaining vigilance and and a sober mindset.
August 18, 2013: Winning over Worry
1 Peter Series message 28
Text: 1 Peter 5:7
Anxiety can be crippling; it keeps our focus off the Lord and set on our challenges. Peter addresses this directly. He shows us how to attack anxiety and win over worry. The key is to understand the context of this powerful verse.
August 11, 2013: Humility Defined and Practiced
1 Peter Series message 27
Text: 1 Peter 5:5-6
Peter tells us to follow Christ's example by embracing suffering for His Name's sake. Likewise, he calls us to follow in His footsteps of humility. The flip side of elders leading well is for the church to have a submissive spirit towards their leadership. But bigger than that is everyone having a spirit of humility towards each other, beginning with humility towards GOD.
August 4, 2013: God's Under-Shepherds
1 Peter Series message 26
Text: 1 Peter 5:1-4
Peter has just told us that judgement begins in the household of God; we referenced two OT passages in which the elders were held to account. Peter appeals to his fellow elders to correctly understand their role in the church and serve with honorable motives. This passage informs elders of their calling and shows the flock what to expect of their leaders.
July 28 2013: Mission Trip Reports
Trip reports from various teams that traveled over the summer. These will not be posted to the web or podcast.
July 21, 2013: Perspective in Suffering
1 Peter Series message 25
Text: 1 Peter 4:12-18
Don't be surprised, Peter said, at the fiery trials you are facing. Acute suffering should not take us aback but rather, as we press through, become badge of honor as we follow our Savior. We may never face the persecution Peter's audience faced, but these challenges authenticate our faith as we entrust ourselves to our faithful Creator.
July 14, 2013: Keeping it Real
1 Peter Series message 24
Text: 1 Peter 4:7-11
No matter what your personal circumstances, the next big event on God's prophetic calendar is Christ's RETURN! In light of that, we cannot live in unrestrained passion as those around us might be. If we did, our prayers would be terribly ineffective. Rather, we should focus on LOVING each other deeply, offering hospitality, and blessing others with the gifts God's given us. This week we'll focus on putting into practice what Peter brings to our attention in this very practcial passage.
July 7, 2013: Enough!
1 Peter Series message 23
Text: 1Peter 4:3-6
Достаточно!
That's Russian for "That's enough!" or "sufficient". We have lived long enough pursuing the lusts of the flesh; now that we are Christians, Peter tells us, it's time to leave that behind and pursue righteousness. We must not be swayed in our resolve to live out our convictions, knowing those who mock us will give an account to Him who judges the living and the dead.
June 30, 2013: Think Different
1 Peter Series message 22
Text: 1 Peter 4:1-2
In 1997, shortly after Steve Jobs returned to Apple, they launched their "Think Different" campaign which, in marketing terms, was a huge success. They had stumbled upon a truth that Peter wrote about centuries earlier. However, Peter's version was much more radical than Jobs'. Peter, immersed in the truth of Jesus Christ, calls his readers to think differently and, in doing so, live differently in the midst of the suffering they faced. So can any good come from suffering? Peter says yes, but it may not be what you expect.
June 23, 2013: Jesus Christ: Our Once-Crucified, Reigning King
1 Peter Series message 21
Text: 1 Peter 3:19-22
Christ left for us the ultimate example of suffering; He suffered unto death as One without sin. In His death, there was victory in that we were brought near to God. Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to God's right hand where He reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Even if our path of suffering involves death, that is our gain as we enter immediately into His presence. A subtheme of our message will be baptism, which Peter references.
June 16, 2013: Our Mindset in Suffering
1 Peter Series message 20
Text: 1 Peter 3:13-18a
This Sunday we will dig into Christian suffering. We will specifically address being ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within, and how Christ left an example by suffering unjustly for US (the Gospel)! We will mark Communion together as we embark on our journey to our new building.
June 9, 2013: Developing A Christian Mindset
1 Peter Series message 19
Text: 1 Peter 3:8-12
Do you long for lasting friendships that go deep? Do you wish your unsaved friends would see something radically different in your Christian friendships? Peter closes his discussion on Christian conduct by speaking to all of us in very specific terms; he identifies Christian markers which will consistently set us apart from those around us.
June 2, 2013: How Husbands Lead
1 Peter Series message 18
Text: 1 Peter 3:7
Last Sunday we looked at a wife’s submission to her husband, how she pursues inner beauty, and how she seeks to overcome fear in her marriage and life. This Sunday we will address husbands: how men are to live with their wives in an understanding and honoring way.
May 26, 2013: Wisdom for Wives
1 Peter Series message 17
Text: 1 Peter 3:1-6
Recently we've seen Peter's wisdom in regards to interaction with government and masters (for house servants), as well as the example of Christ Himself submitting to suffering. This Sunday, we will examine three specific truths for wives in how they relate with their husbands. Everything Peter tells us flows from the foundation of the Gospel. The Gospel changes everything!
May 19, 2013: Salt Sunday
Salt Sunday. Church-wide community service event.
May 12, 2013: Joy in Generosity
An overview of some key elements from the example of the Macedonian church. How to give, and the mindset we should have. It's a grace in which we should excel!
May 5, 2013: Covered by the Blood!
1 Peter Series message 16
Text: 1 Peter 2:24-25
Our text is one of the clearest declarations of the substitutionary work of Christ; that is, One suffered in the place of others. And as we receive the gift of eternal life, we are enabled and called to pursue holiness. We will mark Communion together after we examine our text.
April 28, 2013: Indefatigability Under Injustice
1 Peter Series message 15
Text: 1 Peter 2:18-23
That's a big word! It means tireless persistence. When we personally face injustice in life, be it an unfair boss or cruel family member, how do we respond? How does the Gospel change or thinking, or, our response? As we saw in Job and also thus far in I Peter, the Gospel is a game changer, it changes everything... for the good! We will examine a Christian's response to suffering, in the context of the mercy we've received.