People of the Book - God's Great Plan of Salvation

People of the Book - Restoration History

People of the Book - Introduction

Look out! Our study takes an unexpected turn today. Phil and Mark explore what Scripture tells us about the angelic world. It's more than fascination that takes them down this path, it's Peter. The apostle wants all Christians to understand the magnitude of grace and he uses angels and prophets from the OT to remind us of what we have in Christ.

Do we really understand how powerful and how awesome the Gospel is? Probably not, and we may never truly grasp the magnitude of it this side of eternity.  However, that does not keep Peter from trying to tell us. 

Join us as we dig deep in the well of God's love for us as we explore a world we cannot see but we know it's real and one day we will be in it! 

A study guide for Lesson 3 is available upon request. God bless.

Do you know what you mean to God? Peter does and he wants all who believe in Jesus to know their value in God's eyes. You are chosen exiles who have been sanctified for an inheritance that will never perish. It will also never fade or lose its value. The plan of redemption in Jesus Christ was all for you. That's what you mean to God! So, with all those certain promises in place, we rejoice even though we may suffer various trials while we linger in this broken world. 

Peter also tells us about the "Principles of Suffering" (1:6-7)

1. There is a limit - "little while/short time" (Note: God's powerful hand controls this) 

2. There may be a greater purpose we do not understand - "may have to"

3. There is distress - "grieved" 

4. There are different kinds - "various"

5. There is nothing lost - "This brings great joy" (We lose none of the promises of inheritance) 

* For some, suffering leads to more genuine faith. Like a refiner's fire, it purifies and creates what is even more precious than gold! (vs 7)

Peter is speaking to believers who did not have the honor of walking and talking with Jesus like he did. However, their faith is just as strong. "You have not seen him but you love him!" May this be all of us. God bless you as we study this wonderful letter together.

We begin our study in 1 Peter with an overview of this powerful letter. More than likely Peter is writing from Rome shortly before the tumultuous persecution of Christians under the direction of the Roman Emperor Nero (64 AD).   

This is the first book of the Bible to actually address the pain of living in the Roman empire for many. It has been estimated that 20%-33% of the population were slaves. Yet, Peter seeks to give all Christians great hope. The plan is not to overthrow Rome but overcome the world through the mercy and grace of Christ.   

In the introduction, Peter encourages all the saints with a reminder that they are the "favored and elect" of God. Although they are "exiles" now, their home with the Lord awaits and He will fulfill His work in those that are "sanctified" and "obedient" to the cause of Christ.   

The theme of the letter is "Suffering for the Cause of Christ." (1 Peter 1:21-22).   

May the Lord's grace and peace be multiplied in all of us as we study this wonderful text and make applications to our lives today. God bless.

Hosea #7

After being apart for a long time due to COVID, we returned to one assembly with a song service.

Mark 6:14-29

John 16:33