FBC Eugene

This Sermon, Peter concludes his teaching on the believer's life in exile in this world with a loving kiss--really!
In 1 Peter 5:6-14, he re-captures the dominant themes of his letter, taking us deeper into the realities behind Christian suffering that should comfort us and give us hope in even the most painful of times.

In this Sermon, Pastor Ben will share a report on his recent ministry to missionaries in Kenya, Africa.

We will also take a brief look at 1 Peter 5:1-5 and the vital role elders play in the local church, especially in times of crisis and suffering. This passage presents a timely opportunity for us to commission the four new elders our church family recently affirmed.

Please join us for this important moment in our church's life.

Have you ever received a gift you didn’t want? Maybe it was practical, but not exactly enjoyable. You wanted fun, but you got functional.

Suffering is the gift no one wants, but it is one of the most important ways God prepares us for blessing in this world and glory in the world to come.

In 1 Peter 4:12-19, we not only learn what Christian suffering is and the benefits it brings, but also how to respond to suffering and experience God’s best.

We live in a time of heightened uncertainty. Articles abound suggesting ways to cope with these uncertainties, even to embrace them with a stiff upper lip as part of the evolutionary process. After all, that’s what the fittest do to survive, right?

The Gospel provides an entirely different way to deal with life’s uncertainties—by embracing the absolute certainties afforded us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this sermon, we will explore five such certainties that offer us peace, rest, hope, power, and enthusiasm in uncertain times.

“The end of the world is coming soon.” Did that get your attention?

In light of the inevitable reality that the future of the world will end, our focus needs to be on how we are living today and on the needs of those around us and ultimately bringing praise, honor, and glory to God because of our relationship with Jesus. Peter, was fully aware that, at some point, the world would be no more, so he takes the opportunity to challenge his readers to continue living their lives with a “last days” perspective, and staying committed to the things that matter most and making the most difference in the midst of the “now”, with an eye and heart towards the “later.”

Read 1 Peter 4:7-11 as we examine this passage and learn how to live a “Last Days” life.

Several years ago, renown author Lee Strobel commissioned a national survey and asked people what question they’d ask if they could only ask God one thing. The number one response was “Why is there suffering in the world?”

Though there are no easy answers to that question, in this sermon, as we continue our study in the book of 1 Peter, may we find encouragement and hope in seeing God's divine purpose in suffering even as we grapple and struggle with the "why".

Read 1 Peter 4:1-6 to prepare.

A vivid memory, growing up in rural Montana, was a time when my Dad was unfairly treated. It really troubled me, but with a slight smile he said, “It’s okay, Ben. My day is coming.” And sure enough, Dad was vindicated. Those who wrongly treated him were exposed.

In a far more profound way, Jesus was vindicated, after being mistreated and murdered. The good news is, those who know him and are treated like him, will be vindicated as well.

Peter reminds us that our day is coming in 1 Peter 3:18-22, one of the most fascinating passages in all the Bible.

Life is hard. Hurt can run deep, especially when it’s intentionally inflicted by another person.

Suffering plays a central role in the life of a Christian. It’s essential to our spiritual development as followers of Jesus and can be the source of great blessing for us and others.

In our text in this sermon, Peter shares several insights that reveal how we can have a blessed life, no matter how much it may hurt.

Read 1 Peter 3:13-18 to prepare.

Pew Research surveyed 10,000 American adults over a 20-year period (1997-2017) and found that the polarization of our society in 2017 was at a 20-year high. The division is even greater today.

Jesus called his people to be peacemakers—to stand in the gap of conflict. Today, Christians have an unprecedented opportunity to bless one another and their host communities (as spiritual aliens and exiles) with a clear and compelling picture of what Jesus' love looks like, in the midst of intense conflict.

Please read 1 Peter 3:8-12 to prepare for this sermon.

Listen in on this sermon as Josh Bidwell gives a message about being a Faith Filled Follower to reset our minds and our hearts - less on the details of our lives, and more on the Savior OF our souls!