1 Peter 4:1–11

Stewards of God’s Grace

[1] Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, [2] so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. [3] For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. [4] With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; [5] but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

[7] The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. [8] Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: [11] whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)

1 Peter 3:8–22

Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake

[8] Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. [9] Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. [10] For

“Whoever desires to love life

and see good days,

let him keep his tongue from evil

and his lips from speaking deceit;

[11] let him turn away from evil and do good;

let him seek peace and pursue it.

[12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and his ears are open to their prayer.

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

[13] Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? [14] But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, [15] but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, [16] having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. [17] For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

[18] For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, [19] in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, [20] because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. [21] Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [22] who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. (ESV)

The Scriptures portray marriage and singleness as places where Christians can serve others in unique ways. In this episode, Pastor John and Pastor Tim discuss the often neglected - but very important - vocation of singleness. While modern churches often cater to married couples with families, the New Testament and church history tell a different story. Jesus, Paul, St. Augustine, St. Theresa... the list goes on and on of those who lived the single life for God's glory and the good of others.

1 Peter 3:1–7

Wives and Husbands

[1] Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, [2] when they see your respectful and pure conduct. [3] Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—[4] but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. [5] For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, [6] as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

[7] Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. (ESV)

PT sits down with the three best Directors of Christian Education in the world to discuss how they survive in busy seasons while staying connected to Jesus.  

1 Peter 2:11–25

[11] Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. [12] Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Submission to Authority

[13] Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, [14] or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. [15] For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. [16] Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. [17] Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

[18] Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. [19] For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. [20] For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. [21] For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. [22] He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. [23] When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. [24] He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. [25] For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (ESV)

1 Peter 2:1–10

A Living Stone and a Holy People

[1] So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. [2] Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—[3] if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

[4] As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, [5] you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [6] For it stands in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,

a cornerstone chosen and precious,

and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

[7] So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone,”

[8] and

“A stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

[9] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (ESV)

1 Peter 1:13–25

Called to Be Holy

[13] Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. [14] As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, [15] but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, [16] since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” [17] And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, [18] knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. [20] He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you [21] who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

[22] Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, [23] since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; [24] for

“All flesh is like grass

and all its glory like the flower of grass.

The grass withers,

and the flower falls,

[25] but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you. (ESV)

April 23 2023 recording of “SEE WHAT TODAY IS DONE” – By David Von Kampen

Led by Jolene Burke, 40 singers, 15 strings, and a pianist combined to bring this worshipful sound of joy to God in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. Pastor Tim provides some commentary on each of the 5 songs and then the Cantata is played in entirety. Music begins at the 9 minute mark and the lyrics are below.

Movement 1:  “He is Arisen! Glorious Word!”

He is arisen! Glorious Word!

Now reconciled is God, my Lord;

The gates of heav'n are open.

My Jesus did triumphant die,

And Satan's arrows broken lie,

Destroyed hell's fiercest weapon.

Oh, hear what cheer!

Christ victorious Rising glorious,

Life is giving.

He was dead but now is living!

Text by Brigitte Katerine Boye (1742-1824), tr. George A.T.

Movement 2:“A Sound of Exultation”

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his mercy endures for ever.

Let Israel now proclaim,

"His mercy endures for ever."

The Lord is my strength and my song,

and he has become my salvation.

There is a sound of exultation and victory

in the tents of the righteous:

"The right hand of the Lord has triumphed!

the right hand of the Lord is exalted!

the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!"

I shall not die, but live,

and declare the works of the Lord.

This is the day that the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-17, 24 (ESV)

Movement 3:  “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands”

Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands

For our offenses given;

But now at God's right hand He stands

And brings us life from heaven.

Therefore let us joyful be

And sing to God right thankfully

Loud songs of alleluia!

Christ Jesus, God's own Son, came down,

His people to deliver;

Destroying sin, He took the crown

From death's pale brow forever:

Stripped of pow'r, no more it reigns;

An empty form alone remains;

Its sting is lost forever.

Alleluia!

Text by Martin Luther (1483-1546), tr. Richard Massie (1800-87)

Movement 4: “Job 19:25”

For I know that my Redeemer lives,

and at the last he will stand upon the earth.

Movement 5: “Awake, My Heart, With Gladness”

Awake, my heart, with gladness,

See what today is done;

Now, after gloom and sadness,

Comes forth the glorious sun.

My Savior there was laid

Where our bed must be made

When to the realms of light

Our spirit wings its flight.

Text by Paul Gerhardt (1607-76), tr. John Kelly (1833-90)

In this second of two episodes, Pastor John and Pastor Tim continue their discussion of a very important question - "Was Jesus raised from the dead?" As the religion scholar Jaroslav Pelikan once put it, "If Christ is risen, nothing else matters. And if Christ is not risen, nothing else matters." Enjoy!