Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
It’s easy to miss what’s going on here. Something happened to Jesus in this world of dust and swiftly passing time. God the Father raised the crucified and buried Jesus to new life. Jesus got up from the dead. Now that historical event that happened to that one particular man still has power to change what you feel in your heart, mind and soul, right now. Today. Jesus rose. The same guy, but made new. Risen Jesus was a new creation, a man no longer mortal. Still a man but outfitted for everlasting life. When someone opens their heart to this news, he or she gets made new on the inside. We become a new creation. It’s like getting born all over again, but into a higher, fuller life.
Living Hope
August 21, 2022 • Gerrit Dawson • 1 Peter 1:3–5
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?