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Living Hope, Part 4
0 CommentsJoshua Harris taught us yesterday from 1 Peter 1:13-21. His message, “The Hope/Holiness Connection,” centered on the idea that we are shaped by the things in which we hope. Hoping in the grace of Christ requires work but is worth the effort because that hope helps change us into holy children of God.
Options for reviewing and applying the message:
• Listen online or download an MP3.
• Download the summary outline (in PDF format).
• Use the questions below for further reflection and application to your life:
1. Josh taught that verse 13 calls us to be clear-headed (“sober-minded”) and ready to exert ourselves mentally (“preparing your minds for action”). Where have you become lazy and apathetic in your spiritual life? What would repentance look like?
2. Is Jesus your only hope or just one among many hopes (i.e., hope in your job, money, possessions, relationships, good works, usefulness, health, etc.)? How can you make Jesus your dearest treasure and only hope?
3. What dying hopes of this world are shaping your behavior? How can hope in Jesus alone (His life, death and resurrection) motivate you to a life of holiness and righteousness?
4. What truths from 1 Peter 1:3-5;18-21 can you meditate on to sustain and enliven the hope you have in Christ?
April 26 2010 at 5:00 am
Living Hope, Part 3
1 CommentsRobin Boisvert taught us yesterday from 1 Peter 1:10-12, entitling his message, “Salvation Appreciation.” His was the third message in our series on 1 Peter with a focus on how we “are strengthened as we consider our privileged position as recipients of such a great salvation.”
Options for reviewing and applying the message:
• Listen online or download an MP3.
• Download the summary outline (in PDF format).
• Use the questions below for further reflection and application to your life:
1. Leighton-Thomas wrote, “Because the sufferings and glories of our Redeemer are the main subject of the Gospel, they should be much in our thinking.” How can a regular reflection on the sufferings and glories of Jesus strengthen your hope and encourage your faith?
2. Peter knew that the best way to encourage his fellow believers was to remind them of the gospel. How can considering the sufferings of Christ strengthen you through trial and adversity?
3. Robin taught us that the same glories (i.e., resurrection and ascension) that followed Christ’s sufferings await the Christian. How can considering the glories that await us in heaven strengthen you to persevere through trial and suffering?4. In his book Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan wrote, “Then [Christian] stood still awhile to look and wonder, for he was very surprised that the sight of the Cross should ease him of his burden…He looked, therefore, and looked again, even until springs in his head sent water flowing down his cheeks.” Do you ever take time to stand at the cross and the empty tomb and marvel at your great salvation? What do appreciate about your salvation? For what are you grateful?
5. Be intentional to set aside time to wonder at such a great salvation. Sing songs and read passages of Scripture that stir gratefulness and appreciation for all that Christ did and accomplished on your behalf.
April 19 2010 at 9:14 am
Living Hope, Part 2
0 CommentsIn the second installment of “Living Hope: The First Letter of Peter” I preached from 1 Peter 1:6-9 on the reality of suffering and how our living hope, Jesus, guards and keeps us.
Options for reviewing and applying the message:
• Listen online or download an MP3.
• Download the summary outline (in PDF format).
• Use the questions below for further reflection and application to your life:
1. Josh taught us that Christians are people whose hope is so real and powerful that it remains even in the face of various trials. When you face trials, what erodes your hope and tempts you to unbelief? How can the eternal perspectives of 1 Peter 1:3-5 rekindle your “living hope” and bolster your faith?
2. Josh shared that the grief of trials has an expiration date. How can a meditation on the joy of heaven sustain your hope and faith in the midst of suffering?
3. What is God’s purpose in trials (1 Peter 1:7)? (See also James 1:2-4, Heb. 12:10-11, Rom. 5:1-5; 8:28-29, 2 Cor. 4:16-18). Why is a “genuine” faith so critical when walking through suffering?4. In 1 Peter 1:8-9, Peter points those who are suffering back to Jesus. How can you turn to Jesus in the midst of your trials and tears to find hope and inexpressible joy in Him?
April 12 2010 at 5:00 am
Living. Hope. Part 1
0 CommentsYesterday we launched our new sermon series, “Living Hope: The First Letter of Peter.” I preached from 1 Peter 1:1-5, on the “past, present and future hope” we have because of Jesus Christ.
Options for reviewing and applying the message:
• Listen online or download an MP3.
• Download the summary outline (in PDF format).
• Use the questions below for further reflection and application to your life:
1. How can Peter’s greeting (1 Peter 1:1-2) impart hope and remind you of your identity in Christ Jesus?
2. Peter started his letter with an outburst of gratitude and praise (1 Peter 1:3a). What do you thank God for the loudest? What blessings lead you to an outburst of praise?
3. How have your past sins-—or the sins and wrongs others have done to you-—defined your identity and dampened your hope? How does the defining reality that you have been “born again …through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:3a) rewrite your past and give you hope in the present?
4. Have you placed your hope in things that will eventually wear out, grow old or die? How does faith and hope in Christ’s life, death and resurrection strengthen and enliven your hope?
5. How often do you think of heaven? How can a reflection on the eternal joy and the inheritance that awaits you in heaven fill you with hope for both your present trials and your future glory?
April 5 2010 at 8:28 am
The Path to the Cross, Part 7
0 CommentsDidn’t God give us a beautiful Easter Sunday and a sweet opportunity to dwell on Jesus’ resurrection and its meaning? Thanks to all who attended!
From the account in Matthew 27:54-28:20, my sermon focused on three implications of Christ’s resurrection: It’s bad news for his enemies; it is cause for great joy in his disciples; and it transforms our life purpose.
Options for reviewing and applying the message:
• Listen online or download an MP3.
• Download the summary outline (in PDF format).
• Use the questions below for further reflection and application to your life:
1. Josh taught that a risen Jesus is not good news for those who want to be their own authority or are comfortable in their religiosity. Why is this true? What excuses can we make for refusing to submit and obey the authority of a risen Jesus?
2. Why is the resurrection a cause for great joy for Jesus’ disciples? What about the resurrection brings you great joy?3. For many, death can be very fearful. How has Jesus’ resurrection conquered the power of death and delivered us from the fear of death?
4. Josh shared that Jesus’ resurrection is proof of his authority over everything. And that authority should transform our life’s priority and purpose. Is your life oriented around Jesus’ mission or yours? How can you spend your life, time and energy making him known and helping others to know and obey him?
March 29 2010 at 5:00 am
The Path to the Cross, Part 5
0 CommentsIn his message yesterday on Matthew 27:1-2; 11-26, Robin Boisvert led us in taking a closer look at one of the final “scenes” before the crucifixion: Jesus before Pilate.
Options for reviewing and applying the message:
• Listen online or download an MP3.
• Download the summary outline (in PDF format).
• Use the questions below for further reflection and application to your life:
1. Jesus was completely innocent and righteous. Why was it necessary for Him to die?
2. How did God use the crowd’s evil desires to accomplish His perfect plan of salvation?
3. How does the crowd’s choice to release Barabbas and condemn Jesus illustrate the truth of substitutionary atonement?
4. Horatio Bonar once wrote, “I nailed him to the tree; I crucified the Christ of God; I joined the mockery…” How is your sin to blame for Christ’s death?
5. How can a reflection on Jesus taking our place to bring salvation, forgiveness and peace move you to bow your heart in gratefulness and worship for such a costly sacrifice and such infinite love?