ONE THING: The joy generator of life is Jesus Christ

1 Peter 1:8-9

CONTEXT: A passion filled reminder of the camaraderie shared among Christians, Jesus.

   You are not alone or purposeless, you are part of God’s family.

   The Holy Spirit and Word of God will show you the way!

Blessed are they who believe and love without seeing, laying eyes on Jesus. 

Such good news we must... 

   Embrace in faith (Study the Bible, Pray) and 

   Demonstrate in deeds (serve God and others before our own needs)

   For the glory of God and to make disciples of others.

ONE THING: Faith In God will produce treasures out of trials.

1 Peter 1:6-7

In God's hands suffering doesn’t destroy faith it refines it.

Hardships are handy and helpful even though they hurt.

THREE TREASURES

Your faith may produce praise (verbal) honor (actions perceived) glory (truth of name and renown) at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Second coming, Jesus in life now = assurance of salvation = the goal)

Respond in real life = a point of your faith is to produce verbal praise, biblical actions and deeper relationship with Jesus Christ in others and self. 

   Sometimes modeling it = faith planting 

   Sometimes seeing it in yourself = faith bearing fruit

   Sometimes seeing it in others = harvesting faith

SERIES THEME:

To be encouraged to bring God glory by living boldly like Jesus Christ.

ONE THING: Life can and will be better in Christ alone.

1 Peter 1:3-5

Born Again to a Living Hope of a Heavenly inheritance.

ONE THING: A Christian is chosen to not be frozen.

1 Peter 1:1-2

Statues make terrible friends.

Be saved.

Trust God.

Be like Jesus Christ.

Observe Bible truths and ways.

ONE THING: God wants you to be personal, power filled and purposeful.

Because He is all these things to us for His glory and so we will make disciples (Christlike)

Ephesians 4:4-6, Acts 1:1-5,8

Proclaimers of what God has done, is doing, will do

ONE THING: The sovereignty of God is seen quite well in public displays of faith.

Ephesians 4:4-6, Joshua 10:10-14

 Talk to God in front of others. Live for God in front of others. 

 Specific trust brings about specific actions.

ONE THING: God is infinitely more and all you need rely on.

Ephesians 4:4-6, Isaiah 40:21-26

Transcendence = Over all = Over ruling care

Imagine and embrace the magnitude of God's powerful care over all...over you.

Lift up eyes on high and see.

   Step back, get perspective of God over life.

God's power and strength is expansive and personal to you.

ONE THING: The God of the Bible is the one true God.

Ephesians 4:4-6, Acts 17:16, 18, 23-31

God THE:

Creator of All v24

Lord of Heaven and Earth v24

Giver of Everything Mankind Needs v25

Made from One Man Every Nation v26

Determiner of Where, When, How Long We Live v26

Father of All People v28

Judge v31

Way Maker for Forgiveness v31

God has no desire to remain unknown nor does He deserve to be treated that way.

ONE THING: Baptism is essential and moves us closer to God.  

Ephesians 4:4-6

Just like Jesus we follow His example, baptism moves us closer to how we ought to be before God.  

Baptism pleases God and makes it easier for others to get to Jesus.

ONE THING: Faith is at its best when it is obvious.

Faith is meant to be lived out.

An obvious faith is a God honoring faith.

Ephesians 4:4-6