Rivercrest Presbyterian Church - Sermons

Stepping through the gateway to the Psalms, we're presented with a picture of the reality of life in all its genuine simplicity, seeing how there are, in the end, Two Ways, Two Peoples, and Two Destinies. 

As we look forward to Christ coming again, Peter encourages Christians to stand firm in the faith and be sober-minded. Believers have an adversary and therefore we must be united as the Church, leaning on one another and Christ. The future hope of restoration, confirmation, strength, and establishment fuels us towards the love of God and one another.

We are reminded of the heart of God in 1 Peter 5:5-7, that we as His children cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. In humility and under the mighty hand of God we faithfully follow after Him, knowing that our Heavenly Father will never let us go.

As we sojourn in this life as Christians we aren't left to figure it out alone, but God gifts His church with elders, shepherds of the flock, who are visible reminders of God's faithfulness and guidance. Elders are called to a high calling and therefore Peter instructs the church the importance of knowing what they are to be, as well as encourages them to follow.

As beloved children of God we are promised blessings, not as a result of our good works, but in ways that point us back and draw us closer to our Creator. In every circumstance Christians have assurance of salvation and hope in Christ.

All Christians are called to be hospitable, to love earnestly and to pray; but Peter also reminds us of our spiritual gifts that make us unique. These gifts are to steward God's grace to one another, making the Church a beautiful picture of community and the gospel as we serve in these last days, awaiting the return of the King.

What does it look like when Christians endure suffering in the world? And how are we meant to respond? Peter gives us answers to those questions.

In one of the most mysterious passages of the New Testament, Peter is encouraging believers in their new creation identity and mission to focus on what we know in Christ. This fuels the Church to move forward by faith and hope where one day those are of the past and only heavenly glory in the presence of the Lord remains.

We have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This is the basis from which all Christian hope flows, that our God keeps His promises. So, our hope isn't in ourselves, or in our faith, but in His faithfulness. 

The people of God are called to unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind. Towards one another this is edifying and an encouragement as we are lights in this world, but Peter also calls us to engage with the evil in the world. Though it is not easy, by blessing those who are evil to us we proclaim a powerful witness of the gospel.