New Life in Christ

Scott Risley

1 Peter 3:17-4:6

Believers should be prepared to suffer. Noah suffered and sacrificed a great deal in his life. His rescue came at a significant cost; Christ's rescue of humanity came at an even greater cost. Christ's suffering is the supreme example for us and is also the reason why we can live different lives. Christ suffered so we can have new life.

Being Like Jesus

Dennis McCallum

Romans 6:10-11

By believing in the finished work of Christ, Peter exhorts us to prepare our minds to suffer in the same way that Christ did. Since Christ suffered in the flesh for a purpose, as believers, we will experience this as well. In preparation for suffering, Peter reflects on the days of Noah, addresses the purpose of baptism, and the authority that Christ possesses. \r\n

Who Do You Say I Am?

Ryan Lowery

Isaiah 52:13-54:1

Jesus turns the attention of his disciples to a crucial question: who is Jesus? Christ puts himself over and above a prophet or a good teacher. Instead, Jesus fulfills many Old Testament prophecies to prove that he is the Christ. Every person has a choice to be saved, and then to entrust their lives to Jesus by becoming his disciple.\r\n\r\n

Jesus Calms The Storm

Ryan Lowery

Luke 8:22-25

When the disciples encounter a life-threatening storm while Jesus is asleep, their faith is tested. All followers of Christ will face hardship beyond their control, and must learn to trust God. There are five principles to help believers to overcome times of suffering: 1) Jesus must be with us; 2) God is sovereign and aware; 3) remember the promises of God; 4) God will bring good out of evil; and 5) God cares about our pain.

Confrontation and Persecution

Jim Leffel

Acts 7

Persecution continues in the early church. Stephen is accused of blasphemy, and is put on trial. He gives his defense before the court, reminding them of God's grace and provision throughout history. Stephen understood God's heart - what He cared for the most - do we display that same understanding? If so, we should be telling others! The same God of History that Stephen speaks of is with us too. \r\n

Witnesses in a Hostile World

Scott Risley

1 Peter 2:11-25

Peter reminds his audience that they are different than those who don't believe in Christ and they should live differently for their own good and for their witness to others. Believers can represent Christ in a hostile world by expecting slander, not being needlessly offensive, communicating with kindness, and being proactive with good deeds. Christ is the ultimate example.

Unveiling God's Rescue

Scott Risley

1 Peter 1:1-12

Peter, a man who was transformed by his belief in Christ, writes this letter to believers who were scattered throughout many Roman provinces. Believers, who are chosen by God according to His foreknowledge, have an inheritance waiting for us in heaven. This inheritance provides security for us because it is imperishable, undefiled, won't fade away and reserved for us. We experience security as our faith is tested through suffering. We are filled with gratitude as we focus on our inheritance during times of suffering.

A Mandate for Action

Dennis McCallum

1 Peter 1:1-13

Peter begins his letter to the believers in the Roman provinces encouraging them to take action based on God's free gift of grace, despite enduring persecution and suffering. Believers, who are called according to God's foreknowledge, are able to obey God's calling based on: their new identity, inheritance in heaven, and protection of God's power. Through these privileges, believers are able to rejoice.

Sermon on the Plain - Part 1

Ryan Lowery

Luke 6:12-26

Jesus teaches about four blessings for the poor, hungry, weeping, and ostracized; as well as four corresponding woes for the rich, fed, laughers, and popular. Jesus is teaching a paradigm of reversal: that a disciple who adopts God's values will gain fulfillment, while one who adopts material values will end up with sorrow. Those who sacrifice these selfish values now will receive great joy in heaven.