05 - The Pursuit Of Holiness
April 15, 2018 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann • 1 Peter 1:13–17
In the second half of 1 Peter 1, in vv. 13-17, Peter shifts his attention from the mystery of salvation to the application of it and what it means in the life of a believer. To that end, he stipulates that there are in fact certain expectations, obligations, and responsibilities that salvation places on those who have received it. And chief among them is the active pursuit of holiness, the practice of godliness, and the exercise of righteousness. But are such expectations mandatory for those saved by grace alone through faith alone? In this sermon series, Pastor Ronald H. Gann looks at Peter's advice, affirmation, and admonition to his scattered readers abroad.
04 - The Mysterious Joy Of Salvation
April 8, 2018 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann • 1 Peter 1:6–12
In 1 Peter 1:6-12, the apostle Peter emphasizes two major points. They are: (1) No matter how adverse our circumstances as Christians may be, we should never stop rejoicing over the greatness of our salvation; and (2) Our salvation is in fact so great that it is, and always has been, a mystery to even the godliest of men. So, if the mysterious joy of salvation was indiscernible to the prophets of old (who wrote about it) how then can we ever hope to understand it? In this sermon series, Pastor Ronald H. Gann looks at Peter's advice, affirmation, and admonition to his scattered readers abroad.
03 - Our Inheritance In Christ
March 11, 2018 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann • 1 Peter 1:3–5
Peter follows up his opening salvo with a sweeping doxology regarding the wonder of salvation. It is a hymn, really, designed specially to encourage his readers in the midst of suffering that an inheritance of riches awaits them in the life to come. And this special inheritance, he writes, not only comes from God, and is preserved by God, but it is only for those born again of God. In this sermon series, Pastor Ronald H. Gann looks at Peter's advice, affirmation, and admonition to his scattered readers abroad.
02 - The Majesty Of Election
March 4, 2018 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann • 1 Peter 1:1–2
The opening salvo in 1 Peter 1:1-2 isn't difficult to understand by most. But it has proven over the centuries to very difficult to accept by some. And that is because in his opening remarks, Peter touches on two of the most controversial doctrines in Christendom-the doctrine of election and the doctrine of obedience. But why would Peter open up his first letter to a church already in chaos with such controversial verbiage? In this sermon series, Pastor Ronald H. Gann looks at Peter's advice, affirmation, and admonition to his scattered readers abroad.