The Church at Rancho Bernardo

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Temporary Residents in a Foreign Land

A Study on 1 Peter

To the Elders & the Flock & Final Greetings

July 14, 2019 • Dr. Jeannine Brown

Returning to the topic of the Christian community’s care for each other, Peter emphasizes the ways leaders and followers are to seek not status but service.

Suffering for Being a Christian

July 7, 2019 • Dr. Jeannine Brown

In this passage, Peter sums up key themes from his letter to Christians in Asia Minor. They should not be surprised by the suffering they are experiencing but are encouraged to see it through the lens of Christ’s own suffering.

Standing Firm in the End Times

June 30, 2019 • Brad Lichtman

Just as Christ suffered, so shall we, for the sake of righteousness. We need to put aside worldly behaviors, even at the risk of being ostracized by others, including those with whom we are close.

Suffering for Doing Good

June 23, 2019 • Pastor Ken Ingold

Peter continues his instruction on how to live as Christ-followers both inside and outside the church, even in the midst of personal suffering.

Living Out the Life of Christ with our Families

June 16, 2019 • Dr. Mark Strauss

Peter continues his instruction on how to live as Christ-followers in an often alien and hostile pagan society. Just as Jesus suffered in order to bring us salvation, so our suffering in the world can produce healing and redemption through the example we set for others.

Living as Foreigners & Exiles in a Pagan Society

June 9, 2019 • Dr. Jim Smith III

As I Peter 2 opens, the Fisherman-turned-Apostle provides several vivid word-pictures for the Church: living stones, spiritual household, royal priesthood, chosen race, holy nation, people of God.

The Drama of Rejection and Embrace

June 2, 2019 • Dr. Glen G. Scorgie

Once again, Christ sets the pattern—discarded by people as worthless, but in the end the very cornerstone of what God is building.

Be Holy: Living Thoughtfully in Your Time as Foreigners

May 26, 2019 • Dr. Jeannine Brown

Peter begins the body of the letter by giving five central exhortations for living well in a context where slander might be leveled at the Christian communities.

The Emotional Dimension of Resilient Faith

May 19, 2019 • Dr. Glen G. Scorgie

Here Peter reflects on the improbable fact that persons who had never physically encountered Jesus nonetheless believe in him, love him, and are willing to pay a price for following him.

Praise to God for a Living Hope

May 12, 2019 • Dr. Mark Strauss

Peter begins his letter by praising God for the salvation He has provided. This salvation comes through God’s grace alone rather than anything we have done and provides us with new birth and resurrection life.

To the Scattered People of God

May 5, 2019 • Dr. Mark Strauss

Peter addresses believers scattered throughout five Roman provinces in what is modern Turkey. These believers were experiencing a great deal of opposition and persecution because of their faith.