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The Future of the Image of God (Romans 8:22-30)
Romans 8:22-30
What is the future of the image of God?
This week at Grace, as we finish our series on the Image of God we're going to consider what is still in front of us with regard to the Image of God. As Romans 8:29 states, it is the image of God (interestingly, described here as the image of his Son) that we will be conformed to.
Why would we need to be conformed to the image of Christ (future) if we are already made in the image of God (past)?
During this series, we've talked about how Adam and Eve were made in God's image, and how God's image continued after the fall in every person, regardless of capacity, age, generation, gender, or any other difference.
As we came to the New Testament, we saw that the image of God is not only a general description of all people, it is also the hope we have for knowing Jesus, the perfect image of his Father, and for our own spiritual life in Christ.
I hope that as we finish this series, it will give you a longing for God and help you understand how the doctrine of the image of God points us to the gospel:
- We were made in God's image.
- Our sins could not destroy God's handiwork.
- We have been redeemed by God's Son, the perfect image of the Father.
- We are redeemed into the image of Christ.
- We will be conformed to the image of Christ forever.
Praise God.
See you Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
-Romans 8:22-30
Formed Into the Image (1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18)
1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
I’m looking forward to sharing with you this Sunday!
As we’ve been learning in our series, we are created to represent and reflect the image of God, and this Sunday we’ll discover and be reminded that there's also a transformation occurring within us as believers.
The sin-behavior habits of our hearts and our disordered loves mar the image of God that we were designed to live into, but there is a trail to restoration. There is a way back - or, a path forward really - a way to recapture the image - and it is found in Christ. This is a long journey, a slow process, the adventure of a lifetime. This is our challenge, our invitation; to take a journey of transformation toward Christlikeness.
Imitating Christ in every area of our lives will never happen this side of heaven. He is perfect and we are not. But we can begin the journey of transformation into Christlikeness from “one degree of glory to another.” And, the good news for us today is that “this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Jesus, who went before us to make a way to God, paid the ultimate price so that the image of God designed in each of us could be recaptured. His Spirit provides the guidance and direction and power for us to walk with Christ and become like Him - finding the freedom and wholeness that we were destined for. Let’s embark on the adventure together!
See you Sunday!
Justin
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
-1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
The Image of God in Others (James 3:7-11)
James 3:7-11
Have you said anything you wish you could take back?
Something that made you cringe when you thought about it later?
I have. Many, many times.
I could write it off as an occupational hazard as a pastor. Jokes that fall flat, awkward turns of phrase, and confusing points are frustratingly common in preaching.
But the words I really wish I could get back aren't ones I've given up front, but those I've said in the living room with my family, at dinner with friends, or before bed with my wife.
Thinking about the dumb, hurtful, and selfish things I've said (even just this year!) brings grief to my soul.
This week at Grace, we're looking at James 3. This passage outlines how amazingly capable our speech is, but how that comes with danger. Because our speech to others isn't just a matter of our relationship - it's an act of worship toward God.
How we speak to people made in God's image shows what we think of God. That's because our speech to people is speech made to images of God. As "The Message" paraphrases James 3:9, "With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image."
I hope that this Sunday we can reflect together on our speech in light of the gospel and move forward together as a community of grace together!
Hope to see you Sunday at Grace!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?
-James 3:7-11
What is the Opposite of the Image of God? (Acts 17:22-31; Exodus 20:3-4)
Acts 17:22-31; Exodus 20:3-4
Since we're in a series on the Image of God, it's worth asking: What is the opposite of the image of God?
My knee-jerk answer would be to say something like, "un-human" or "beastly." But I think Scripture gives us more to run with.
In Scripture, the opposite of the image of God is idolatry. Rather than representing and reflecting God, we worship those creatures made of our own hands. And there is a destructive result.
Psalms 115 and 135 says that those who make idols become like them. 2 Kings 17 says that when God's people went after false idols, they became false themselves. Isaiah 44 says that worshiping idols makes us as unable to see, hear, or think as the blocks of wood in front of us.
This Sunday at Grace, we're going to look at Acts 17:22-31, where Paul describes the gospel to the Athenians based on the image of God, and contrasts it with the idolatry that marked their lives.
This passage is very important to understanding the image of God as a concept because it shows that in addition the image of God describing our lives, it also calls for action on our part.
I'm eager to think with you on Sunday about how we can apply this to our lives, so that we can live as joyful image bearers of Christ together.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
“You shall have no other gods before me.
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
-Exodus 20:3-4
The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;
as even some of your own poets have said,
“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.
- Acts 17:24-29
The Wonder of God's Image (Psalm 8)
Psalm 8
I spent a little time in Montana last year, and I quickly realized why they call it "Big Sky Country." Looking off into the distance on my friend's porch at sunset was striking. But, what came a few hours later was the real spectacle to see; stars, lots and lots of stars. Thoughts of personal greatness and importance were immediately squashed when I learned that I was most likely looking at a few thousand stars out of 100 billion in our galaxy alone.
David had the same feelings of awe, wonder, and insignificance arise when writing Psalm 8. Join us this week as we consider this important text in our Image of God series. We will discover how the infinite creator of the universe has unexpectedly made His name "majestic... in all the earth" through finite human beings like you and me.
I'm looking forward to worshiping together,
Pastor Chris
O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
-Psalm 8:1-9
The Image of God: Damaged but not Destroyed (Genesis 1, 5, 9)
Genesis 1, 5, 9
You've probably heard the saying, "God don't make no junk!"
Maybe you've also heard someone say, "they sure don't make things like they used to."
Both of these are statements of quality. As for the 2nd phrase, people usually have in mind the quality of classic cars vs. those with fiberglass front ends. Or IKEA furniture vs. – you get it.
The point is that quality endures. There’s a reason why some cars are still being driven 70 years after production and others are smashed into tiny metal squares at the junkyard. Quality.
As for the Image of God in man. A fall (Genesis 3) and a flood (Genesis 6) couldn’t destroy it. That’s some pretty impressive quality. And isn’t that what we’d expect from God?
To hear more about this Image that has been damaged, but is not destroyed, join us on Sunday.
Many blessings,
Pastor Tim
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
- Genesis 1:26-31
Created in God's Image (Genesis 1:26-31)
Genesis 1:26-31
This week at Grace, we're continuing our series on the Image of God that we started on Easter Sunday.
Why do a series on the image of God? Because of the challenges you face in this world, including racism, the sanctity of life, shame, and questions of identity. The concept of the image of God shapes how we respond to each of these.
We're going back to the beginning this week, looking at Genesis 1:26-31: the creation of humanity in the image of God. This famous passage roots the identity of each person who has ever lived in God's image. I'm looking forward to discussing how that shapes our lives today.
Look forward to seeing you at Grace this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
-Genesis 1:26-31
Easter and the Image of God (John 20:17)
John 20:17
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
This week at Grace (both online and in person at Eisenhower Park) we'll be looking at Jesus' resurrection message to Mary Magdalene in John 20. Specifically, in verse 17 Jesus tells Mary what to tell his disciples about the resurrection:
"...go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Almost 2,000 years later, we still need to hear this same message from Jesus: that he is the Son of God who is willing and able to bring us to his father as his brothers.
Looking forward to celebrating Easter together with you!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
-John 20:17
Words of Hope (1 Peter 5:12-14)
1 Peter 5:12-14
Tomorrow we're going to celebrate the baptisms of four brothers and sisters in Christ. I love the joy, hope, and gratitude that accompany baptisms. It feels like the celebration of a wedding, in some ways.
But I'm also aware that just because we begin strong in faith doesn't mean that things will stay that way. While God is faithful to hold on to us, we are prone to wander. Standing firm in our faith isn't automatic, anymore than a beautiful wedding automatically makes for a long marriage.
This week at Grace, we're finishing our series on 1 Peter. These last few verses (5:12-14) briefly reiterate a few of the major themes of the book, so I thought it would be a helpful time to reflect on the overall message of the letter - how hope helps us stand firm in faith even in difficult circumstances.
Let's pray together for our new brothers and sisters to stand firm in their faith, even as we humbly ask God for the same strength for ourselves.
Look forward to worshiping with you tomorrow!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
-1 Peter 5:12-14
The Hope of Glory (1 Peter 5:8-11)
1 Peter 5:8-11
I’m looking forward to encouraging you this Sunday with one of the last passages in 1 Peter.
Do you relate to this quote from the movie The Matrix; “What you know you can’t explain, but you feel it. You’ve felt it your entire life—that there’s something wrong with the world…” Well, if so, you’re not alone!
This Sunday, we’ll see how God uses Peter’s letter to pull back the curtain on the reality of our situation and show us the truth. It’s a vivid, sobering picture, though…are you ready? Again, from The Matrix: “This is your last chance. After this there is no turning back. You take the blue pill, the story ends; you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. All I’m offering is the truth, nothing more.”
Get ready to hear Peter's “wake up call”, the truth from the Word of God, and how we can respond well to the challenge! See you Sunday!
Justin
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
-1 Peter 5:8-11
Humility and Hope (1 Peter 5:5-7)
1 Peter 5:5-7
How humble are you?
I know, it sounds like an impossible question to answer soberly - wouldn't any positive self-asseesment of your humility be grounds for invalidating the results? If you say, "I'm great at being humble!", you must not be.
So, let's do a humility quiz based on Peter's life.
Have you ever:
1. Cried out to Jesus, “Depart from me; I am an unclean man!” (Plus 3 points)
2. Became angry at Jesus for doing something different than what you wanted him to do. Required Jesus to tell you, “Get behind me Satan.” (Minus 10 points)
3. When Jesus offers to wash your feet, initially resist, then jump on board. (Minus 1 point - not a great start, but way to switch quckly)
4. Give up everything to follow Jesus (Plus 10 points - but you lose a couple points if you brag about it, like Peter did)
5. Try to angle to become the greatest in the coming kingdom (Minus 5 points)
6. Cockily announced that even if every one leaves Jesus, “I will never abandon you!” (Minus 3 points)
7. Had your pride wounded when your sin was brought up during your restoration (Minus 2 points)
8. Scared of what people from Jerusalem would think of you, so you stop eating with Gentiles in Galatia (minus 3 points)
9. When threatened to stop preaching the gospel by religious leaders, insist that you must obey God rather than men (Plus 5 points)
So, how did you do?
I get it. Peter's life experiences were unique. But it's not hard to see how we could fall into the same pride traps that Peter did. And I'm sure grateful that God doesn't score our lives based on our behavior, but rather by His grace.
My point is that pride and humility are tricky issues to figure out about our own souls. Even great leaders like Peter struggle with them. And yet humility is essential to the Christian life.
This week at Grace, we'll be talking about 1 Peter 5:5-7, about the value of humility in the Christian life. Peter's words about the importance and value of humility are hard won and insightful for all of us who desire to walk humbly with our God today (Micah 6:8).
Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace, either in person or online!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
-1 Peter 5:5-7
Leading With Hope (1 Peter 5:1-4)
1 Peter 5:1-4
Curious people sometimes ask me why I chose to become a pastor. As I get close to 15 years here at Grace this spring, I think the better question might be: Why would anyone continue being a pastor (or any Christian leader)?
After seeing many friends and former ministry colleagues crash and burn, it's humbling how many pitfalls are out there for those in leadership in Christ's church.
Of course, this isn't unique to pastors. All of us face temptations that threaten to derail those leadership roles that are most precious to us.
This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in 1 Peter with 5:1-4. This passage outlines the temptations that Christian leaders (elders, specifically) are called to lead the church. In this passage, Peter identifies three temptations that elders face:
- Will you resent your calling or embrace it willingly?
- Will you exploit those you lead or sacrifice for them?
- Will you lead the people by example or demand they do things you won't do yourself?
These three temptations are timeless. As we open up the Scriptures together this Sunday, I hope that we'll consider these temptations soberly - looking first in the mirror at our own capacity to wander, and secondly to pray for those in leadership in Christ's name around the world.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
-1 Peter 5:1-4
Suffer Well (1 Peter 4:12-19)
1 Peter 4:12-19
Do you like “fill in the __________ ” questions? I sure ____ .
Okay, enough silliness, here’s a real fill in the blank for you.
When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will ______________________
What comes to mind?
Give it a go and fill in the 3 below.
When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will ______________________
When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will ______________________
When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will ______________________
If you’re like me, you probably went pretty quickly to the benefits and blessings of salvation.
When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will have your sins forgiven.
When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will become part of God’s family.
When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will experience a lot of joy.
Yes, Yes, and Yes. All are true. But wait, there’s more!
When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will suffer.
Did that make your list? As you can see above, it didn’t make mine.
It’s a sobering thought, but if Peter were participating in this exercise after writing 1 Peter 4:12-19, his mind would have gone to ‘suffering’ pretty quickly.
Why do we suffer? What’s it for? How does God use suffering to do good?
Join us Sunday as we spend more time on this difficult and important theme.
Many blessings,
Pastor Tim
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
-1 Peter 4:12-19
Hope and Community (1 Peter 4:7-11)
1 Peter 4:7-11
I know this is a serious question for an email, but I'm going to go for it:
When you think about the end (either the end of your life individually or the end of the age for all of us), how does it make you feel?
Does it scare you? Make you angry? Grateful?
Thinking about our own mortality and eternity can have a helpful recalibrating effect, forcing us to consider the things that really matter. But it can also drive us into self-centered behaviors - thinking about what we want to accomplish or experience.
This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in 1 Peter 4:7-11. It's a profound passage because Peter lays out a case for how the Christian community can be a counter to the self-centered thinking that often accompanies thinking about the scarcity of life. Instead of being irrational, he tells us to be sober-minded and prayerful. Instead of selfish, we're to be loving and hospitable. And instead of trying to build our own kingdom, we're to build Christ's.
Let's reflect together on this beautiful passage and why we have a powerful enough hope to change the world's story of how to face the end.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
-1 Peter 4:7-11
Hope and Sin (1 Peter 4:1-6)
1 Peter 4:1-6
Would you describe yourself as weird?
Most of us would be pretty offended by being called weird. In fact, we go to a lot of effort to fit in - generally, we adjust our clothes to match fashions, adjust our idioms and diction to match how people around us talk, and eat what people around us eat.
This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in 1 Peter in chapter 4. In this passage, Peter describes why our hope in Christ creates a tension with the world around us, and how we're to deal with the fact that we're weird in this world.
I hope this passage will renew your joy and faith in Christ and give you strength to deal with being weird in this world's eyes.
Look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. Our Pastor of Worship candidate (Chris Howard) will be joining us to lead worship in person and online this Sunday. Please be welcoming and encouraging to him!
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
-1 Peter 4:1-6
Hope and Suffering (1 Peter 3:13-22)
1 Peter 3:13-22
What is it like when you talk about your faith in Jesus?
For many of us, we're not terribly proud of our answer to this. We might say it feels forced or awkward, like we're trying to wedge something in the conversation that ultimately makes the room go silent. Others might say that announcing their faith makes them feel powerful, a way to correct those who are in the wrong. Or for others, we might say we don't know what it feels like since we never talk about it.
This week at Grace, we're looking at 1 Peter 3:13-17. In it, Peter exhorts his readers to align their hearts and lives in such a way that the hope they have in Christ transforms how they see the world. And in the process, their hope can invite conversations about Christ that are marked with gentleness and respect.
This passage (especially v. 15) has been one of the most important passages of Scripture in my life. It's been a north star for me in how to think about evangelism and mission, as well as how to see my opportunity to share my faith in the lives of those around me. I'm excited to unpack with you on Sunday what it shows us about how the gospel of Jesus Christ can give us hope, rest, and purpose in life.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
-1 Peter 3:13-22
Welcome Home, With Purpose (1 Peter 2:4-10)
1 Peter 2:4-10
I’m grateful for the hope and encouragement we’re finding in 1 Peter during this series. I’m grateful also to be back and recovered from COVID, healthy and thankful for your prayers and God’s healing! Because I had planned to share in our service several weeks ago before my quarantine, we get to jump back to chapter 2 for another encouraging reflection on the hope we find in Christ.
In fact, this week, we’ll see how Jesus is the “cornerstone” of our faith - how He holds His church together and how He sets our lives on level ground. Join us as we let God’s word remind us who we are and who’s we are, together.
See you Sunday!
Justin
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
-1 Peter 2:4-10
Living for the Good of Others (1 Peter 3:1-12)
1 Peter 3:1-12
Sometimes when I read the Bible I am comforted. Other times I’m confronted. These words from 1 Peter 3:8-9 have had the latter effect on me this week.
How do they hit you?
8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
I'd love to see you Sunday or have you join us online so that, together, we can all benefit from God's gracious and challenging words.
Many blessings,
Pastor Tim
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
-1 Peter 3:1-12
The Hope of Submission (1 Peter 2:11-25)
1 Peter 2:11-25
This week at Grace we're continuing our series in 1 Peter by looking at how Peter tells us to live in relationship to political and employment authorities in our lives.
Yep, that four letter word: Politics. "Ugh, I hate when they talk about politics at church!"
I get that. And there's a lot to affirm in that hesitancy. The sacredness of Christian worship is more important than just advocating for a political position. But there are times (like in 1 Peter 2) where Scripture speaks plainly and challengingly about our responsibilities with relation to politics.
I hope you'll join us online tomorrow morning to open up God's Word to this timely and relevant passage.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
-1 Peter 2:11-25
A Holy Life (1 Peter 1:13-2:3)
1 Peter 1:13-2:3
Last week we started our new year's series on 1 Peter, a book that focuses on hope in the midst of despair. For Peter's readers, there were circumstances beyond their control that make hope seem like a luxury they couldn't afford. But Peter reminded them their hope does not come from the circumstances but from the resurrection of Jesus.
Like Peter's first readers, we need hope. We needed it before this week. We need it even more after the events of this week.
As we continue in 1 Peter, we're looking at how hope changes us. When the hope of the gospel gets in our bones, it gives us a sturdiness of soul that gives us confidence in the midst of turmoil. When we become hopeful people, it effects how we relate to God, ourselves, and one another.
Looking forward to worshiping with you either in person or online tomorrow!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Ps. I hope you’re reading and reflecting on 1 Peter on your own throughout the week! If you have any questions or insights you'd like to share, I'd love to hear about them. Email me at bob@gracesealbeach.org
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good
-1 Peter 1:13-2:3