Sermon Audio

Abraham demonstrates a heart of hospitality to three visitors, which is in stark contrast to how the visitors will be received in Sodom. Here the Lord reaffirms the promise and this time allows Sarah to hear it from His own mouth, as he exposes her heart.

Peter writes this epistle to churches in a vast area of Asia Minor. These Christians are going through trials and sufferings because of their faith in Christ. At least 15 times in 1 Peter’s five chapters, he references the trials and sufferings of these believers. This epistle is intended to instruct believers in how we follow Christ in the midst of a world that is growing darker and more hostile to Jesus. Yet, before Peter begins giving commands and instructions to these believers, he starts by reminding them of who they are. He reminds them of what God has done for them and he joins them in blessing God even in the middle of their trials.

In the midst of prophesying judgment on Jerusalem, God foretells the day when He will make a new covenant with His people. In this new covenant, He will write the law on their hearts rather than on tablets of stone. He will be their God and remember their sins no more.

Jesus restores Peter to service giving him an opportunity to affirm his love three times just as he denied Jesus three times. In this we see Jesus' command for all those who love Him. We are called to tend sheep. We are called to make disciples. This call is fueled by a love for Jesus and it is a call that costs your life.

Abram comes off the heels of an formalized covenant promise from God, yet he still doesn't have an heir. Sarai and Abram decide to help God's promise along by using a custom of the day to have a child. Instead of waiting on the promise of God, they use worldly means to accomplish what they think is God's purpose.

Jesus uses a fishing trip to illustrate how the disciples will live on mission as they serve the now risen Christ. This fishing trip will remind Peter, John, and James of the day that Jesus first called them to follow Him and become fishers of people. They will be forced to face the reality, and practically apply Jesus’ words, "without me you can do nothing." In this event, we will also come to see more fully that Jesus alone is the provider and the nourisher of his weary and hurting servants.

Abram questions God's promise which has yet to be fulfilled years after it was made. God responds by making a covenant with Abram in the most dramatic way imaginable. In this the gospel is foreshadowed.

In verses 24-31, the disciples will hit their first roadblock. They will come face to face with the impossibility of living on mission in their own power. One of their own, Thomas, refuses to believe their testimony. How could they ever hope to convince anyone else when one of the 12 won’t even listen? John gives us the answer as He shows us the power of the risen Christ. Only an encounter with Jesus changes hearts. Sunday we examine Thomas’ encounter and see how John himself (in v. 30-31) connects Thomas’ experience with ours today. Our calling to make disciples is a supernatural one accomplished by the word of the gospel, as the Spirit moves upon it. Even in a drastically changing world, we have a mandate from the King of kings who is with us as we fulfill it - even to the end of the age!

Abram is embroiled in an international war in order to save his nephew Lot. This leads to an interaction with two kings that shows Abram is growing in his faith according to the promise.