We started this year with a new sermon series on the epistle of 1 Peter and titled it EXILES. Now, I understand we’re well into the year finding ourselves in March during Spring Break, but I figured I’d share anyway in large summary. We’ll be in 1 Peter until June and I have really been digging this series because from the beginning we have seen God do some pretty amazing things through some of the ministries or initiatives that we’ve started.

THE CONTEXT

The Apostle Peter is writing to Christians who are scattered through what is known as modern day Turkey and are on the brinks of experiencing an increasing amount of persecution. Many of these Christians had already begun to experience social persecution and affliction; rejection by family, friends, and society as a result of their beliefs. Peter writes to them not only to encourage them, but inform them that more persecution will come and that their only hope is in what God has done for them through Christ in an effort to endure alongside of one another, stand firm with one another, and pursue holiness in spite of what is to come.

EVIDENCE OF GRACE

In the first twelve verses of chapter one, Peter pours a great deal of attention and detail into the work of God for us. As we walked through this section, we launched our “STORIES” ministry where we showcase videos of members from our church and link it to what we’re seeing in the Scriptures. Our hope, through Stories, is that we communicate God’s story of redemption and how, by His grace, He has folded us in that story.

Our first story was Cathy Fonseca where she shared her story of redemption; God’s work for her through Christ. You should check it out. Click here.

In the same chapter, Peter turns his attention to the pursuit of holiness and speaks directly in the context of holiness toward one another in the church. This was a total demonstration of God’s sovereignty as we walked through the church discipline and restoration of a brother who demonstrated repentance and restoration back into the church. My prayer is that God was glorified throughout that season (one we’re still walking through together).

As we walked into chapter two, Peter begins to shift his tone on the pursuit of holiness as it pertains to those who don’t know Jesus. During this, we started The Grace Initiative, a three week giving campaign where we’re looking to raise $1,000. That money will go back into our community groups so that they can go back out into our city and community and love them by demonstrating grace provisionally and proclaiming grace lovingly.

All of these are just the beginning of what is to come. We’re looking at launching a few classes this semester, Recovery Groups, and another giving campaign for church planters. So. Freakin’. Excited.

JUST STARTING

It’s been an incredibly series thus far and this Sunday, we’re wrapping up chapter two where Peter’s address toward the pursuit of holiness involves submission and suffering. I’m looking forward to it. You can check out the series HERE. Pray for us as we continue to hear from God through this series and glorify Him in the proclamation and practice of His gospel toward one another and our city!

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