We’re going to go through suffering. It may be bodily pain. It may be mental illness. It may be financial setbacks. It may be losing friends because we stand for Christ and the truth of his Word. It may be discrimination at work because of the gospel to which we hold. Whatever the source, we are not to be surprised. This is to be expected. Life is hard, and the way of the Christian harder still. But every suffering can be a link to Christ Jesus. We can know the fellowship of his sufferings. In our pain, we can feel tender towards the pain Jesus bore for us. We can feel our hearts soften toward him. We can know intimate relating to Jesus as we find room in his wounds for our wounds. We share scars. And so, we will be moved to entrust our souls to him. To deposit our lives into his care. Even as we don’t quit but press on. We love God and engage life seeking to do good.
Entrusting Yourself to God
October 30, 2022 • Gerrit Dawson • 1 Peter 4:12–19
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?