Called to be Holy

The book of 1 Peter addresses Gentile Christians much like the Old Testament prophets address the Jewish people living in exile. The constant challenge for God's people living in exile (away from their homeland) was forgetting their true identity as God's chosen people. Like the Israelites, who were delivered from the "futile ways" (1 Peter 1:18) of slavery in Egypt, you and I have been rescued from the futility of the world's way of doing things ('Might makes right.' 'If it feels good, do it.' 'Only the strong and good looking succeed.') Last weekend's message explored the parallels between Israel's Passover liberation and ours. We saw how God calls us to holy living in grateful response. We are called to "love one another earnestly from a pure (holy) heart." (1 Peter 1: 22) If you missed the message, you can listen to it here. Our memory verses for this series are 1 Peter 2:9-10. Read 1 Peter 1:1-10 in preparation for the upcoming message as our "Sent Together: Chosen People, Living as Strangers" series continues. It's going to be a great a weekend of worship and learning at CLPC! Yours for Christ, Steve Oglesbee steve@clpc.org

Elect Exiles

Being labeled "elect exiles" (1 Peter 1:1) seems like a funny title. After all, nobody voted for us and we're not living in some far off land! But according to Peter, this is who we become when Jesus grabs hold of our life. When we receive Christ's choice to love us, we are "elect" (or "chosen"). But our new relationship with God also puts us at odds with the world around us. The values of God's Kingdom are often the reverse of those in our workplace, our politics, and even in our homes. But the world needs the love, grace, and witness of this other-worldly kingdom. The world needs God's people living out healthy relationships, exhibiting radical love, defending the weak, and caring for the planet. The world needs the church.

If you missed yesterday's message, you can listen to it here.

Our series on 1 Peter, "Sent Together: Chosen People, Living as Strangers," continues this weekend. Read 1 Peter 1:13-25 in preparation. I look forward to worshipping and learning with you.