In 1 Peter 3:8-22, believers are encouraged to embody Christlike unity, respond graciously to suffering, and maintain a courageous hope. Peter stresses living out shared convictions, compassion, and humility as witness amid hostility. Ultimately, our hope lies in Christ's victory over suffering, ensuring that believers' lives and testimonies matter.
A Beautiful Witness in the Home
The grace of God transforms marriage into a living testimony of the gospel, emphasizing that faith must shape our closest relationships. Peter instructs wives on gentle submission and husbands on understanding leadership, highlighting that true beauty comes from inner life. Christian homes should reflect grace, serving as powerful witnesses to the world.
The Star That Guides
The Star of Bethlehem symbolizes God's guidance, drawing seekers like the wise men toward Christ. It illustrates how God communicates at each step, revealing His glory in Jesus. True worship transforms lives, leading to new paths and priorities. God continues to guide those who seek Him, providing direction through faith and obedience.
“Called to Follow the Suffering Shepherd”. 1 Peter 2:21–25
Following Jesus involves emulating His example through life's sufferings. Peter emphasizes that trials are part of the Christian calling, highlighting Christ's unjust suffering and reliance on God’s justice. Jesus not only bears our sins but transforms us, offering healing and guidance as the Shepherd of our souls in trials.
Living as God’s People in a Watching World1 Peter 2:9–17
The world observes believers, reminding them of their divine purpose and identity in Christ. As chosen, royal, holy, and treasured individuals, they are called to reflect God's grace through their lives. By practicing everyday faithfulness, submitting to God’s authority, and demonstrating love, they can shine His light in a dark world.
The Culture of the Church: A Culture of Community
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount emphasizes that followers of Christ are called to be visible and transformative, embodying the gospel as salt and light in a dark world. The church’s mission involves being a true community, meeting needs in society, and intentionally shining Christ’s love, showcasing their faith through actions and relationships.
The Culture of the Church: A Culture of Invitation
Jesus’ parable of the great supper in Luke 14:15–24 exemplifies the church's culture of invitation, highlighting God's gracious call extended to all, not just the Jewish people. While many reject this invitation for worldly priorities, the church is urged to invite others to Christ with urgency and love, embodying God's grace.
Once Upon a Time
Once upon a time, the gospel thundered,Not as suggestion but as command,Not as comfort only,But as fire upon the hearts of men. Once upon a time, disciples would not bow,Their voices rose where markets bustled,Their courage clashed with crowns and swords,Kings trembled, lions fed on saints—Yet truth was not silenced. Once upon a time, the … Continue reading Once Upon a Time
The Culture of Prayer: Becoming a Church That Embraces the Power of Prayer
Prayer is more than a routine or a ritual—it is one of the clearest expressions of our faith. When we pray, we are responding to God’s Word with the cry of our soul. But prayer is not simply asking God for help in difficult times. Faith-filled prayer is bold, expectant, and rooted in God’s will revealed through His Word.
The Culture of the Church
What defines our church? Every church has a culture—a way of living, loving, and serving that shapes who we are and how others see us. It goes deeper than programs, events, or even vision statements. Culture answers the question: What kind of church are we? There’s an old song that asks a piercing question: I … Continue reading The Culture of the Church
Pastor Jason Lane 