Call to worship:
8 God reigns over the nations;
God sits on his holy throne.
9 The princes of the peoples gather
as the people of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to God;
he is highly exalted!Psalm 47:8-9
Gathering Video
Questions for reflection:
Do you go toward pride or shame when your see lists of Christian character?
How does Peter connect their character and calling to the promise of God?
Where do you need to trust Jesus with struggles of unity, sympathy, brotherly love, tender hearts or humility?
Corporate Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven,
We thank you for the story of salvation that centers on Your Son. We are amazed again at the endless grace of Jesus that grants forgiveness and freedom. May Your Spirit shape us to continually receive, share and show the love of God through everything we say and do.
In the name of Christ we pray, amen.
Notes//Quotes//Slides:
1 Peter 3:8-12 - Anthony reading
“This is the mission of God: to restore the creation and the life of humanity from the ravages of sin. The church’s function in this story is to participate in God’s mission; we are to be caught up in God’s own work of restoration and healing. This defines the identity and role of the church.” - Mike Goheen
“How can Jesus expect me to love my enemies when I don’t even like them?” “Loving” in modern culture refers primarily to an emotional attachment of a greater intensity than merely “liking.” But Peter clearly interprets Jesus’ command to love to refer not to emotions but to acting rightly toward one’s adversaries, regardless of whatever emotions may or may not be involved.” - Karen Jobes
When you come to Christ for mercy and love and help in your anguish and perplexity and sinfulness, you are going with the flow of his own deepest wishes, not against them. - Dane Ortlund