What Kind of a Church?

What kind of a church does the world need? The world needs a church that loves with grit, determination, and persistence. The world needs a church that keeps on loving even when we're not noticed or thanked. The world needs a church that loves the unlovable. The world needs a church that loves when we don't feel lovable. The world needs a church that loves Democrats and loves Republicans. The world needs a church that loves to serve more than it loves to win. Why? Because, "Love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8).

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

Our series on 1 Peter, "Chosen People - Living as Strangers," continues this weekend with a look at 1 Peter 4:12-19. This sermon is for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, ridiculed, or left out because you follow Jesus. I look forward to worshipping and learning with you.

Yours for Christ,

Steve Oglesbee

steve@clpc.org

When Things Don't Go Our Way

How do you respond when things don't go your way? What do you do when you're having a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day?" 1 Peter says:

• Remember that Jesus suffered too. (1 Peter 2:21; 3:18). There's no kind of suffering we face that Jesus did not experience also. We're in good company when we go through difficult times.
• Remember your baptism. (1 Peter 3:20). In the same way Noah and his family were kept safe from the flood, you are safe in the kingdom of God. Life can be hard. But nothing can undo us when we're living under Christ's protection.
• Remember the Heavenly Father sees everything and is working out his eternal purposes in the world. (1 Peter 3:12). All earthly powers have been subjected to his authority. (1 Peter 3:22). We don't have to worry about getting even or retaliating. Let God be your defender against slander and false accusations.
• Remember to be thoughtful with your words. (1 Peter 3:14-15). Rather than speaking words that attack, defend, explain, or deflect your actions. Talk about the hope you have in Christ and the hope you have for that difficult situation.

Did you miss yesterday's message? You can listen to it here.

Read 1 Peter 4:7-11 in preparation for this coming weekend's teaching. I look forward to worshiping and learning with you!

Yours for Christ,

Steve Oglesbee

steve@clpc.org

Real-Life Holiness

Our relationship with God invites us into an entirely new way of life. It frees us from old habits and ways of thinking that beat us down and wear us out. 1 Peter says the way the world normally does things "wages war on our soul." (1 Peter 2:11). In this new way of life, Jesus Christ becomes the "Shepherd and Overseer of [our] souls." (1 Peter 2:25). With Jesus in charge, we're able to "live as people who are free." (1 Peter 2:16).  And yet, this new freedom demands intentional and deliberate daily decisions to "abstain from the passions of the flesh." (1 Peter 2:11). Not everything the world offers is good for our souls. 1 Peter challenges us to live a visibly and tangibly different kind of life for the sake of our souls.

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 3:8-22 in preparation. I look forward to learning and worshipping with you!

Yours for Christ,

Steve Oglesbee

steve@clpc.org