July 30, 2014
Dear City Calvary,
It is so great to be back from our family trip to
Europe. We had a wonderful time but as
Dorothy once said, "There's no place like home."
This past Sunday, we jumped back into 1 Peter and looked at
chapter 4:12-19, where the main theme was suffering. It seemed strange to preach about suffering
after returning from the south of France, but just try traveling in a van with
four teenagers - through three different countries in three weeks. All kidding aside, suffering is a real part
of life for everyone. It comes in
different ways at different times, in different degrees but our Lord won't
shelter any us from it. We may be
surprised and even question why, but it is for our good. Peter gives us a couple examples.
1 - Our relationship with Jesus is taken to a deeper
level. In verse 13, Peter tells us to
"rejoice the you participate in the sufferings of Christ.." The Greek word for "participate" is
koinonia which speaks of fellowship, relationship, partnering. I don't know about you but the times of
suffering in my life always drive me to a closer relationship with Christ and a
greater dependance on Him. The end
result is verse 13 "that you may be overjoyed when His glory is
revealed."
2 - Peter writes that we are "blessed" (verse
14) because the "Spirit of the glory of God rests on you". It is a time for the believer to radiate the
glory of God as we are filled with and encouraged by the Holy Spirit.
What do we do when we are in it? Verse 19 - "Commit" yourself to
your "faithful Creator" and "continue to do good". Commit yourself to Jesus and live for His
glory.
This Sunday, we are in 1 Peter 5. As one pastor once said "The church
needs leaders who serve and servants who lead." Peter addresses the leadership with some
encouraging words.
It's good to be home, God bless you, and see you Sunday.
In Jesus love,
Pastor John
