It’s an amazing privilege to be made an heir of God’s heavenly blessings. But becoming an heir also means belonging in the family. Peter wants his readers to know where, and to whom, they belong as they live as exiles in the world.

Peter wants his readers to know the certainty and security Christians have of a future in heaven with Jesus. Knowing the destination, and the journey to get there, will help us have perspective on the trials and struggles we'll face on the way.

At the beginning of Peter’s first letter, he reminds us who we are. At the end, he reminds us what we have. Being firmly convinced of both is essential if we’re going to stand firm under the suffering we will experience this side of heaven.

Small group leader training for teaching 1 Peter, for our sermon and study series titled ‘Stand firm: Grace-filled Living in a Difficult World’, presented by Darren Burnett and Clint Lombard.

Study outlines available to download below.

Christians are called to fight. To fight a good fight. A fight of the faith. Only this fight doesn't take place against outside enemies. It takes place in our own hearts, as we fight take hold of the life which is ours already in Jesus, so that the gospel dominates every part of our lives.

God's in charge of everything. But what do we do when the world seems so powerfully set against God? The solution is to set our sights high, and to see Jesus, the one who has already conquered.

This message was preached at the recent installation service of Rev Darren Burnett, to remind us of the serious responsibility elders have in Christ's church. (Guest preacher: Rev David Smith)