In the Old Testament the Temple is where God's presence dwells on earth, the most holy places opened only to a few and only infrequently. Now, amazingly, the curtain has been torn in two and the promise of the presence of God is for all who believe. The Church (as the people of God) is now where God dwells by His power.

In the Old Testament the Temple is the centre of worship. Now, in Jesus, the Church fulfils that same role; calling people to know and worship the living God.

God is committed to building his house. In fact we find that "Unless the LORD builds a house, those who build it labour in vain" Psalm 127:1, and any attempt to build something for God from our strength is foolishness. Jesus has promised that he will build His Church (Matt 16:18) and it is in light of this promise that we are called to become "co-workers with God" (1 Cor 3:9).

In Isaiah 66:1 the LORD challenges his people by asking the question "What kind of house would you build for me?" - and impossible question! And yet we see as we look through the bible that it has always been God's plan to live with his people. The Temple in the Old Testament becomes a picture that points ahead to what will be fulfilled in Jesus and in His Church.

Peter finishes his letter with a final encouragement for us to humble ourselves “under the  mighty hand of God” recognising that the same hand that refines us (1:6-7, 4:1, 4:12, 4:17, 4:19) also shelters and guards us (1:5, 4:13, 5:10), and trusting that at the right time he will  reveal, in full, his salvation and glory in and to us.

Peter calls the Elders/Pastors of the churches to guard and oversee the believers. This  exhortation comes with warnings on two sides.  Firstly, this is clearly a hard task in times of trial and so Peter must tell them not to do it under  compulsion but willingly. Secondly, they are to do it, not for their own gain (financial/power)  but for the good of others. In both of these things leaders are to imitate Jesus, who is the head  shepherd, and in doing so they will set an example for other believers to follow.

Peter makes it very clear to his readers that suffering is a normal part of the life of a Christian,  both because of who we are and the message we carry (4:16) as well as part of the process of being “refined". This week we're joined by Phil Irvin from Jubilee as we look at these things.

Peter’s letter comes with the same urgency as Jesus’ own announcement of the kingdom in the  parables and elsewhere. Once again, he calls the believes to a sober and fixed mindedness (4:7).

Christians are called to live lives that overflow with blessing towards everyone they encounter,  and to imitate God in this way, rather than the people in the world who do “repay evil for evil”  (3:9). Living this way may mean that the believers are treated well (3:13) but even when this  isn’t the case we are to fearlessly do good and “honour Christ the Lord as holy” (3:15) and so  demonstrate the truth of our hope (3:15).

Speaker: Josh Davies

Steve joins us as we continue to look at how the Kingdom of God is outworked in our lives, this week looking at what it means in our living as good citizens and in our working relationships.