Broken, lost, distorted, venomous sinners like us have come to believe in Jesus and made new. How does that happen? Because Christ Jesus who descended to death for us, keeps doing it. He goes down into the dead hearts and brings us to life. Heart by heart he enters those he saves. Christ has to restore even my ruined capacity to choose him. He has to restore my will in order for my will freely to trust him. So now the triumphant savior does not turn from reaching his holy hands into my sticky guilt. He penetrates the venom sack in my soul and washes it clean with his Spirit. No hell of heart is too stained, too hot, too hard, or too remote for the God who went beyond the ends of the universe of human experience to save us. On this you can rely. On this we must rely, opening our hearts to trust such a savior. Whatever else I Peter 3 means, that much is clear. Christ died for you. Christ rose for you. Christ will come again for you. Trust him with all your heart.
Events That Save
October 23, 2022 • Gerrit Dawson • 1 Peter 3:18–22
After a Little While
November 20, 2022 • Gerrit Dawson • 1 Peter 5:6–11
This week, as you sit down to a Thanksgiving feast, give thanks above all that you have received the faith once for all delivered, the truth upon which eternal lives can be built. Give thanks for all God has brought you through. Give thanks that the season of your suffering will not endure forever, maybe not even for much longer. The Father, Son and Spirit himself has undertaken to restore you, confirm you, strengthen and establish you. I will give thanks for you, dear ones. Your faith and love are a shining witness and constant encouragement. And may we all say with Peter, even as the turkey gets carved, “To Christ be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Shepherd the Flock of God
November 13, 2022 • Barry Phillips • 1 Peter 5:1–5
Peter calls for the disciples to “Shepherd the flock of God.” The church was being persecuted. They needed Godly wisdom and strength and encouragement. Peter’s instruction to the elders was to “Shepherd the flock of God” What does that mean?