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.

God's Under-Shepherds

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.

Perspective in Suffering

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.

Keeping it Real

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.

Enough!

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.

Think Different

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.

Jesus Christ: Our Once-Crucified Reigning King

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.

Our Mindset in Suffering

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.

Developing A Christian Mindset

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.

How Husbands Lead

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!

Wisdom for Wives

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.

Covered by the Blood!

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.

Indefatigability Under Injustice

April 21, 2013: Christians and Government

1 Peter Series message 14

Text: 1 Peter 2:13-17

We are citizens of heaven and pilgrims passing through in this world, so how do we interface with earthly leaders? God establishes rulers and Peter has instructions on how to relate with our governing authorities. Even if we do not agree with policies or are oppressed, the scriptural mandate is clear. Special attention will be given to the commands to honor, love, and fear.

Christians and Government

April 14, 2013: The Battle That Rages

1 Peter Series message 13

Text: 1 Peter 2:11-12

On Sunday we will begin the second part of Peter’s letter. He moves from doctrine and basic principles to very detailed and practical advice on living it out. We're going to talk about worldly passions - a struggle to which we can all relate. His counsel is wise and uncompromising; we will do well to heed his words.

The Battle That Rages

March 31, 2013: Jesus Christ, Our Risen Lord!

1 Peter Series message 11

Text: 1 Peter 2:4-8

Our text this week provides an insightful Resurrection Day theme. Peter reminds us that, while the Old Testament temple was made of brick and stone, now we are the living stones, which comprise the House of God. Through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are empowered to serve God in a meaningful way. After our worship service, we will baptize 11 people! HE IS RISEN!

Jesus Christ, Our risen Lord!

March 24, 2013: Of Donkeys, Disappointments, and Delays

Text: Matthew 21:1-11

Special Guest Speaker (and awesome youth leader) Dave Neff

The crowd enthusiastically welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Hosannah!), but, within a week, their attitude on Him had soured (crucify Him!). God was obviously sovereign in all of this, but we can all relate to a pattern of periods of enthusiasm followed by periods of disappointment. Does Scripture offer any encouragement for staying enthusiastic about Christ?

Of Donkeys, Disappointments, and Delays