Sermon Nuggets Week of Sept 28 09
Sermon Nuggets Mon Sept 28
Theme: Peace to You
Verses- 1 Pet 5:12-14 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Peace to You
Jules Verne novel "The Mysterious Island, he tells of five men who escaped a Civil War prison camp by hijacking a hot-air balloon. As they rise into the air they realize the wind is carrying them over the ocean. AS the hours pass the surface of the ocean draws closer, the men decide they must throw overboard some of the weight, for they had no way to heat the air in the balloon. Shoes overcoats, and weapons and reluctantly discarded. The balloon gradually rises, but only temporarily. Soon they find themselves dangerously close to the waves so they toss over their food.
One man showed how they can tie the ropes that hold the basket and sit on those ropes so they cut away the basket and the sever the very thing they had been standing on, it drops to the oceans, and once again the balloon rises.
Not a moment too soon, they spot land. Eager to stand on ground they jump into the water and swim to the island. They live, spared because they were able to discern the difference between what really was needed and what was not. The necessities they once thought they couldn't live without were the very weights that almost cost them their lives. Heb. 12:1 "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."
We come now to the conclusion of the book of 1 Peter. I am reminded that Peter was given to them the basics. What is it you really need in this world after all is said and down, and what is important to cast aside and indeed is a barrier between us and God?
When word came to him about 65 AD while he was in Rome that many of the Christians were suffering for their faith, they were rejected by their families, and leaving their homes, Peter was moved by God to write a letter of encouragement.
But what do you say? Some people were hiding literally for their lives since they were being sought by people wanting to kill them because they are Christians. Well, there couldn't have been a better teacher. Peter knew much about trials and suffering, Peter knew the height of success as well as the depth of failure. But the lessons he learned were worth sharing.
He wanted them to take comfort in their salvation, knowing the saving and sustaining grace of God. He confirmed the hope of glory, highlighting the perspective that suffering would only be temporary. He also could be a first hand illustration of the blessings that do come form suffering for the sake of Jesus and they should continue in the strength that God gives them for the day, for it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
These couple of verses highlights relationships that will be the subject of our thought as we conclude his letter.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Sept 29
Verses- 1 Pet 5:12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
Through it All
There are some things to remember regarding suffering. I found this summary of some of Peter’s reflections on suffering to be helpful.
1) It is temporary.(1:6) It will not last. When we think of suffering it is short lived, we need to have eternity in mind. Peter has been through it all and reminds us to get the bigger picture. Remember what you are going through is temporary.
2) Suffering is a means of character building. (1:7) All through the Bible we are told how suffering is used to perfect us and make us stronger and more faithful. Are you willing to let God teach you and mold you, like he did Peter to be a better servant?
When Peter was on the water, he needed to learn to keep following Jesus not his fears. When he was in the garden he needed to learn to trust the power of Christ, not the power of the sword. When he was in the courtyard he needed to learn how really weak he was so that he could see it was by grace, not wisdom that anything is accomplish for God. He learned character in suffering.
3) Peter wanted them to know that they can stand anything if they remember it is a test. (1:7) Gold has to be tried and tested and purified with fire so it can be stronger and cleaner and firmer than even before. It is a means to determine if our faith is genuinely on Christ or just religion?
4) Peter wanted to prepare them by telling them suffering is a sign that you are walking with Christ if you are suffering for your faith. (4:12) Christian's call to commitment will include suffering of some type-let Jesus be your example. When he lived a holy life people were jealous, Satan was busy tempting him. Does it help to know you're doing something right if you are suffering?
5) Another way to help face suffering is by the encouragement of the Word of God. Peter tells them to prepare their minds.(1:22-25) We prepare our minds by what we read and watch and think about. It is easy to be emotionally persuaded to quit when we are suffering, but it is during these times when the promises of the Bible and the faith in the truth that we know, but lead us, for our emotions deceive us. Act on truth, not feeling.
God has set forth an expression of His will in a general way in the Bible and He has given us the Holy Spirit in order that we might be guided into all truth.
6) Suffering more aptly allows us to seek the Lord and His will in our lives. (4:19) It causes us to re-evaluate what are our priorities and what ought to change. Things of this world really aren't that important. That is the story of the hot-air balloon. Suffering many times brings people to their knees before God and allows an openness as never before. It is the means to ask, is this really of God?
7) Suffering makes Heaven seem even more inviting. (1:3,4) If someone is saved, we know this is not home. This is not all there is, we know there are greater things to come and we get even more anxious to go and be with Christ. For those outside of the faith in Christ this is all there is and it is a warning regarding eternity. There is an accounting in the judgment and Jesus judges the living and dead.
(8) Persecution is the way to glory. The cross was the way to crown. Even in this chapter how many times there is a reference to rejoicing or blessing: v. 13 Rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ. so you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.v.14 You are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. vs. 16 Praise God that you bear that name.
The worse they could possibly do was to harm their bodies, or imprison them. The world judges Christians on their own standards. It is the judgment of men.
Since that was the reason of Peter's writing he concludes in a very personal way. Yet even in his conclusion we are reminded of two other themes that are so important as we reflect on the days of our lives on this earth.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Sept 30
Verses- 1 Pet 5:12-14 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Recognize the Importance of Friends
Peter acknowledges the importance of Christian friends and co workers. People are an encouragement in our life and work and in our faith walk.
Many times we are reminded that we are on this faith journey together; we are not alone. Peter may be a leader, but he needs Silas to put the words in ways that can be better communicated. Silas is a secretary, but he is also a fellow missionary and good friend of Paul as well as Peter. He was with Paul in the prison singing hymns following a beating.
Silas was rejoicing that he could also be counted worthy to suffer for Jesus sake. Silas witnessed the miracle of the earthquake and the breaking of the chains which become only signs to greater things. He witnessed the conversion of the jailer and his whole family, the encouragement of the Philippian church. He saw Lydia, and the slave girl freed from a demon.
God made us for fellowship. We need people. People need us. We are not alone in our suffering. Knowing we share in these experiences encourage us and help with peace.
Lewis Timberlake observed the California giant sequoias tress that have their roots just barely below the surface. His experience was that strong trees need deep roots to withstand winds and storms. In conversation with a guide he learned the Sequoia trees grow only in groves and their roots intertwine under the surface of the earth. So when the strong winds come, they hold each other up.
The church body is meant to be that type of haven when the strong winds of life blow these people can serve as reinforcement to strive together holding each other up. One purpose of the church is to become a spiritual family. Peter refers to Silas as a brother and Mark as a son. We are part of a family of God related by a common faith in Jesus Christ.
John Mark was believed to be the young man whose house it was where the Passover was held in the upper room. Perhaps through the preaching of Peter he came to faith in Christ. He was the missionary relative of Barnabas that left Cyprus but later in life, he had proved to be a faithful worker. Mark learned carefully from Peter and it is believed as the writer of the Gospel Mark he learned most of that information from Peter. Matthew and Luke quote much from the Gospel of Mark.
We are living in an egocentric society. The emphasis is often on taking care of oneself and forgetting about others. That is evident not only in the enormous bonuses the CEOs of companies and banks demand even in hard times, but also in the leadership of the political world. We need to be warned how much we tend to look at church from those same eyes of wanting it to serve “me”. There are embarrassing times when leaders and pastors use ministries for selfish ends. Too often the church attracts followers for what individual pleasure and local groups come into competition as to who can best serve the Christain consumer. God is not pleased.
Our leader said, "It is more blessed to give than receive." Instead we seek to be blessed instead of being a blessing. Part of the concept of the priesthood of the believers is that we represent God to each other also. I need you. You need me. God designed it that way. We are called into a fellowship.
We must recognize in our lives here we need the help of friends. Pray today for your friends and those whom God has used to help influence your spiritual growth. Find a small group of believers with whom you can share your journey in prayers and accountability. You will grow in your faith and love.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Oct 1
Verses- 1 Pet 5:12b …I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
Recognize the Grace of God
Peter wants his readers to understand that when they face suffering be reminded of His grace. Think of the greatness of God. Recognize His work for your salvation, how He carried out his plan by the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ and then think of the wonder of the benefits you have received.
Peter reminds them in this letter of the fact that God chose them. Remember also God chose you. He loves you even though right now you may not sense that. He is carrying out the plan for which you were created. Because you are remaining faithful to Jesus Christ you will be especially blessed when Jesus Christ returns. Your heavenly inheritance which is far greater than any job, any family, any position, any money is reserved for you by God Himself. Part of what you are going through is God's means of making you more like Jesus Christ and perfecting your character and also teaching important spiritual lessons if you are willing to hear it.
Grace is seen in your great Salvation. God who began the work in you will see it through. I remember for myself as far as God the Father is concerned, I was saved when He chose me in Christ before the foundations of the world. As far as the Son is concerned, I was saved when He died for me on the cross. But as far as the Spirit is concerned I was saved one night in 1956 when I received Christ. Then it all came together. God in his Triune nature carried out His saving plan for my soul, and yours.
The grace of God is revealed in receiving the Gospel. Peter also showed his readers that what they have in Jesus Christ was far greater than what was received by Old Testament prophets, fathers, and saints. They longed for the revelation of the Messiah and now Jesus came. We are recipients of the grace of God in far greater way that people of old could even imagine. Even the Heavenly beings become observers, not participants, in the grace that is ours.
Peter showed how God marvelously called us,prepared us, purchased us through the works of the Son and purifies us through the works of the Holy Spirit. Angels long to look into the wondrous works of God that is for our rejoicing. Many people have yet to hear that good news. You've heard it and responded to it because of God's grace.
Grace is seen in the extent of His love by coming to earth in bodily form. The story of His grace is seen in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. By responding to His love in faith and receiving his salvation He further demonstrates His grace by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Grace is seen in an inheritance that will never pass away. They lost homes, money, jobs, property and loved ones. Thing of this earth will pass away. But the reminder of our inheritance gives peace. You will see Him when He returns and rewards your faithfulness. All rights will be righted when Jesus returns. That is a cause for hope and Paul defines it as a living hope.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Oct 2
Verses- 1 Pet 5:13-14 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Greetings and Kisses
Greet one another with a kiss of love. The significance of the kiss is not in the context of romance as in our culture, but affection as friends and family. The greetings has behind it the deep spiritual love and unity among the believers. It is more than what we would do as a handshake. It is not just an casual greeting of politeness. It is a symbol of commitment to another.
As Peter concludes his letter it is a custom to inquire about others and share greeting to one another.
I had shared before of my surprise when I had the privilege of visiting and teaching in Russia. At their church services they did practice the holy kiss. Men would kiss men and women would kiss women. There was the real feeling of excitement to see one another. It was apparent that church gatherings were family reunions. When people have reunions it is often with that sense of excitement to see one another again and be with relatives you haven’t seen for awhile. There is catching up on news and seeing how much the kids and grandkids have grown. Children run off together to visit or play. People talk as they prepare food.
Jesus Christ is the purpose for gathering for the family of God. But when people saw each other I thought how much they really enjoyed being there. It saw how much they saw these gatherings as times to get away from the oppression of their work, challenges of their finances, and worries around them. It was an oasis of celebration in the spirit of Christ. The holy kiss was expressed with true desire to be together again with brothers and sister in the Lord.
The other thing that was unique to me was the custom of greetings. It means something more there than here. I saw one man stand from another community and say his church sends greetings to this congregation. People stood up and nodded and receiving the news in a formal way. When the pastor requested that he returned their greetings it was not something to be taken lightly. Sometimes it was in the form of a letter. When I first said that Stanchfield Baptist Church was praying for them, they stood with smiles and nodding and wanted me to return the greetings when I got home.
One man from a European country came to our church and he handed me a letter from his church back home. When he told them he was visiting relatives at Stanchfield, they sent a letter of official greeting to be read. That was the first and last time I remember that formal greeting among churches that never met each other.
Peter knew people and wanted them to share in love and greeting. He recognized the help of friends in the ministry. His expression of peace is not just a greeting but a prayer that they would experience the absence of conflict and unity of the spirit in Jesus who bring us peace with God and with one another.
It is encouraging to be thought of, and remembered. As I read stories from Dr. Pat’s letters of the churches being persecuted in Palestine and in Egypt she shares how the folks said letters, gifts and prayers meant so much to encourage their faith. It provided emotional strength knowing they were not forgotten. In one of her recent newsletters she met again with the widow of the manager of the Bible Bookstore in Gaza who was martyred. She showed the picture of the single mother with her children. She traveled to give her some money and let her know the story is still being told to churches in the U.S. How delighted she was. So the phrase, "She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings. and Mark too" It is an encouragement to them they are being remembered.
Some think Peter was referring to his wife, some think he is talking in coded language of the church in Rome, since in the book of Revelation Rome is thought to be referred to as the modern Babylon. Some take it literally that there was someone in Babylon greeting them. Whatever it was important to know others are thinking of them.
The purpose of the church is to glorify God. It is to do His work. But the blessings come when we share our hearts with one another in the ups and downs of life. It is a mistake when we think it is a spectators event when we gather. It is intended to participated in the power, truth, love and Spirit of our Lord.
To that end Peter concludes His letter.
Why not pray for someone today who is in the church? Send them an email of greeting, or a note of concern. Give someone a hug. Some need it badly!
Pastor Dale
