Christ or Comfort

1 Peter 2:18-25

Significant Principles on Suffering:

1. You have been called to suffer

a. Willingness is born out of worship

b. Works grace into our heart

c. Witness to a watching world

2. Jesus is your example in suffering

3. Jesus is your substitute in suffering

At moments of unjust suffering, we discover who we worship:

Christ or Comfort

We are swimming in toxic political waters that are poisoning the unity Jesus has for His church and this church, and we are polluting the glory Jesus deserves through us in the world. In this message Pastor Whit challenges us to look to the word of God, our final authority in the Christian life in all circumstances- even in how we vote.

Voting for the Donkey, the Elephant or the Lamb?

Luke 17:20-33

1. Christians have a Responsibility to Vote

2. Christians have a Reason to Vote

Pastoral Encouragements to consider when voting:

• Vote Righteously

• Vote Morally

• Vote Family

• Vote Principles

o Vote principles over party

o Vote principles over pocketbook

o Vote principles over popularity

o Vote principles over political speech

What is the biblical relationship for Christians and government? In this 2-Part series, Pastor Whit will walk us through how our life in Christ should influence our view of government and the actions we take as a result.

What is the Command for Christians?

Submit to governing authorities

Authority is God’s idea

Authorities are appointed by God

What is the Conduct of Government?

To punish wrong

To protect Good

What is the Christians Response Towards Government?

We Are to Pay for Our Government

We Are to Pray for Our Government

We Are to Praise Our Government

We Are to Participate in Our Government

We Are to Persuade Our Government

What are other Common Questions?

1. How far can a Christian go in expressing opposition to an unjust government?

2. What should Christians do if the government orders them to do something that conflicts with their faith?

3. What about civil disobedience?

4. What does it mean to be a good Christian and a good citizen?

Are we alone in the Exile?

1 Peter 2:1-12

We are part of:

1. An ever-changing community

A. Putting off sin (sanctification) – 2:1

B. Nourished on the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word (vv. 2-3)

C. Focused on Jesus (who is our standard of holiness) (vv.4-8) –

Together, We are being built up in Christ

2. Proclaiming the excellencies of our wonderful Savior

A. We boast of who we are in Christ!

B. We boast of who Jesus is (He is the one who called us out of darkness!)

C. What does the Lord Jesus Christ mean to you?

3. Conducting ourselves in honor as we await His coming kingdom

A. We remember we are sojourners and exiles (aliens/strangers)—our home is elsewhere.

B. We abstain from the passions of the flesh which wage war against our souls.

C. We engage the world around us in honorable conduct.

Do you suffer from a holiness deficiency? 1 Peter 1:13-25 challenges us, as followers of Christ, to a call of holiness. Let's look at how we can "Get in Gear" for His calling on our lives.

Getting in Gear

1 Peter 1:13-25

Steps to Getting in Gear:

1. Get Ready

2. Set Your Hope

• What must happen in your life for you to feel like God loves you and is keeping His promise to you?

3. Do Not Look Back

• What do I continue to run back to?

4. Be Different

5. Stand Amazed

6. Love Extravagantly

Why?

You have been born again

What, or better yet, Who is our reason for hope? In part 2 of the EXILES series Bro. Whit preaches about our "Reason for Hope While Living Uncomfortably."

Jesus conquered death and has secured our future as His followers. He is our reason for HOPE.

As Christians we are exiles in a world where we don't belong. Are we ready and willing to live this exiled life? Following Jesus as an exile is costly and challenging. Is it worth it? He stands ready with the grace and peace we need for the opposition that we are facing.

In the conclusion of our LIVING THE DREAM:The Life of Joseph series we take a look at Genesis 50. Are we willing today to make a commitment to God that we desire to live intentionally to point our families to the hope of Christ and Christ alone?