1 Peter 2:13-17

The extreme polarization of politics, the increased incivility of civil service, and the rising spirit of anti-authority rebellion in our culture has found its way into and left its mark on the church of Jesus Christ in America. Christians are more likely to be noticed for their political activism than for their godly actions. Speaking to believers living under a thoroughly pagan and increasingly anti-christian civil government, Peter reminds believers of the importance of godly submission to civil authority. Here we look at the first of three messages on godly submission as gospel witness.

1 Peter 2:9-12

The very things that cause much of the division and conflict among people in the world: race, nationalism, social class, individualism and identity, and politics, become unifying factors for those who are changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through Christ, God has made us part of one people, with one purpose, in one kingdom, under one King. And as such he has set us apart in this world to shine the light of the gospel and the glory of his name through out everyday lives that others may know him. We continue our study of 1 Peter and consider how we as the church are set apart to shine.

1 Peter 2:4-8

In a day of quick construction and cookie-cutter homes and neighborhoods, a custom built, designer home often stands out both in terms of it's unique beauty, function and durability. The same can be said of God's church. In world of quick-fix spirituality, God's people are being built together on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ, into a custom built house in which the Lord dwells by his Spirit and through which his glory and truth shine in our lives together. Join us as we continue our study of 1 Peter and look at what it means to be custom built in Christ.

1 Peter 1:22-2:3

When our hearts are captured by affection and longing for a deeper relationship with someone, we sometimes say we are "falling" in love as if we've stumbled upon and have no control over our feelings and actions. When our hearts are captured by the love of God in the gospel, we are called not to fall, but to actively grow into greater love for God and for one another through the living power of God's Word at work in us. Join us this Sunday as we look at what God says about growing into love through his word.

1 Peter 2:13-21

We live in a society that increasingly prizes being different and encourages non-conformity. Choosing one's identity and living an alternative lifestyle is often celebrated as the epitome of self-expression and personal freedom. And yet, apart from God, such choices are in reality the ultimate act of conformity and bondage to the ways of this world. God chooses us, as followers of Jesus and as his children, to be radically different, to live a truly alternative lifestyle that reflects his calling, character and commands such that we will be expressions of his grace and glory and experience his true freedom. Now we look at the alternative lifestyle we are to live as elect exiles in this world.

Psalm 34: 1-10

Is God really good? Perhaps you know this to be true intellectually, but in the midst of uncertainty, fear, trial, or suffering, do you truly believe that the Lord is good? Here we turn together to God’s Word in Psalm 34 and consider what it means to delight in, seek, and celebrate the Lord’s goodness even when we’re not sure just how good He actually is to us.

1 Peter 1:3-9

When our hope and our joy in life are tied inextricably to our current situation or circumstances, then by nature both will be unstable and fleeting, "here today, gone tomorrow" depending on what life brings. When our hope and joy are rooted in that which is unshakable, firm, guaranteed no matter what the circumstance, the result is a hope-filled joy that cannot be shaken. Here Peter points us to the only true source and reason for hope-filled joy.

1 Peter 1:1-2

Usually when we talk about being exiled or alienated it is because someone or some group has rejected us or pushed us out. For the follower of Jesus, our alienation and exile in this world is a result of God having chosen us and brought us in. Join us as we consider the hope that comes in being elect aliens.

Luke 22:7-30

Jesus' last meal with his disciples at the Passover initiated and served as a blueprint for the ongoing sacrament of the Lord's Supper that we celebrate regularly in the church. This meal served as the occasion for some of Jesus' last word to his disciples before his death, communicating significant truths which would encourage and sustain them and his church down through the ages each time we celebrate "communion" together. Now consider what is communicated through the means of grace that we call Communion.

Ephesians 4:29-32

Words are a powerful weapon. Everyone of us has been wounded in some way by the words of others, and we all have done our share of damage with our own words. But it doesn't have to be that way. The gospel changes our hearts and in doing so, gives us the power to use our words to encourage others and build others up such that they experience God's love, forgiveness and grace through us. Hear now the third message in our series, "Seasoned Speech" and hear how God would have you use your mouth as a means of grace.