God calls Peter to write a letter of hope to a group of Christians who have been abandoned, and exiled for following Jesus. He calls them to “Be subject” (to submit) to government authorities that reject them. (1 Pt. 2:13-17) He calls servants to “be subject” (to submit) to earthly masters that persecute them. (1 Pt. 2:18-21) How can this kind of submission ever lead to hope? Can hope be found in submission?
God uses Peter to present amazing theological truths held in metaphor, beginning with the words, “As you come to him,” (1 Pt. 2:4). Then backs up these truths, adding prophetic poetry as evidence, with the statement, “For it stands in Scripture:” (1 Pt. 6)
What happens when following Jesus gets difficult? According to Peter, we’ve been called to an active hope! What does an active hope look like? Peter explains 3 specifics.
Sometimes, we place our hope in great things; important things that have value and substance. We often place massive hope in our spouse, our children, travel, experiences, celebrities, leaders, careers, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, none of these will provide a hope that lasts.
Throughout Peter’s letters he will describe numerous specifics on how to find hope during times of struggle. However, in his greeting, God leads him to focus on the foundation for all hope, found in the Triune God, moving from the big picture (the grand Gospel story) to our individual lives.
As a pastor, I’m often asked about my personal rhythms for prayer and Bible study. The most frequently asked question is related to mobile apps designed for spiritual growth.
Who was this Child born on that very first Christmas Eve? Why was He so important, that we’d still be talking about Him 2000 years later? Is He still important to us? To humanity? To the world?
Transforming communion from a traditional ceremony into a community remembrance. Facilitating communion has actually been a struggle for our church to work through as we’ve been on our revitalization journey.
The wedding, or how the wedding is planned, can give a significant foreshadowing of the type of marriage that is about to unfold. Specifically in relation to the church and the minister (pastor) who is being asked to officiate the ceremony.
Can you believe we’re almost into 2020? Starting a new decade feels more important somehow, doesn’t it? Looking back over ten years brings about a lot of reflection!
Do you want the Church to thrive?
Canada’s Christian landscape has changed drastically over the past few decades. According to research, Church attendance fell from an average of 88% in 1975 to 66% in 2011, and has continued to decline.
Within the Millennial Generation, church attendance has sunk to 35%, and the rising Generation Z is trending lower.
Clearly there’s a problem.
From Attending to Serving. Calling people and mobilizing them from attending the church, to active service can be a real struggle. If you’ve been in ministry for any length of time, it’s a church struggle that you’ve witnessed over and over again.
Last year, our church started a process that has produced some real wins in this area. And I’m excited to share it with you!