The First Epistle of Peter teaches Christians, whatever our cultural context, to view ourselves as exiles—not homeless, but distant from our real home, “the inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4). Our uncomfortable calling as exiles—to be neither isolated from nor absorbed into our environment—means following the footsteps of the Suffering Servant, confident that, even as we are marginalized, “the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (4:12-14).
The Church as Exiles
January 15, 2021 • Dennis E. Johnson
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The Church as Confident
January 16, 2021 • Bradley J. Bitner
Despite the challenging conditions of her exile, the Church of Christ can have great confidence. As Christians we may be confident that God is indeed for us in Christ even when our circumstances tempt us to doubt God’s favor toward us and presence with us. Romans 8:31-39 bolsters our confidence by pointing us to the gracious gift of God in Christ, the comforting verdict of God in Christ, and the glorious love of God in Christ.
The Church as Persecuted
January 16, 2021 • Joel E. Kim
What do the sufferings of the church of Christ in the past and around the globe teach us about the present church? It is easy to forget that Christ’s church is more often marked by persecution and not prosperity. This message explores how Christ’s church bears witness in the midst of persecution, proclaiming the enduring reign of God and the power of His Word.
The Church as Body
January 16, 2021 • A. Craig Troxel
Christ "fills all in all" but the church is his "fullness" (Eph 1.21-22). The headship of Christ splashes upon the shores of millions of galaxies and myriads of angelic hosts, which bow to the dominion of Christ’s supremacy. And yet it is the church—not the universe—which is his body. All things are under his feet. One thing is the apple of his eye. This message unfolds how this marvelous reality influences how we worship and serve Christ as creator, ruler, and redeemer.