"Do you want peace forever ? Then be willing to lose it now. " Matthew 10:34-39

Today in Worship – This morning we begin the season of Advent.  Advent calls the church and her people into a season of waiting with the purpose of developing within us an acute recognition of God’s purposes and work in this world, specifically sending His Son, Jesus Christ into the world, the Incarnate Word made flesh.  But we also look forward to what is to come, the return of Christ, the renewal of all things.  This morning we focus on Peace as we look at Matthew 10:34-39.  Earthly peace can be elusive but eternal peace is ours already in Christ and will be fully enjoyed when all things are made new. 

Read Online: Matt.10:34-39


Online Video:

Living as Hopeful Exiles 1 Peter 5:5-14

We conclude our Fall sermon series in 1^st Peter looking at the final verses 1 Peter 5:5-14.  Peter brings the book to a conclusion by tying together God’s care for his people, the battle with sin, and the restoration and renewal of Christ in that he will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us.  For those scattered in the Dispersion, and even for us today, leaning on the promises of God and resting in the peace of Christ is crucial for living well. 

Read Online: 1 Peter 5: 5-14

Living as Exiles: Shepherds and Sheep 1 Peter 5:1-5

In this message - We continue in our series in 1^st Peter looking at Chapter 5:1-5. Peter is continuing his final words to the elect exiles now as he hones in on the leadership of church.  The church's leadership, the elders/shepherds, is to be a radically counter-cultural position and to expend themselves quite different compared to the leaders around them.  The Elders have a call to shepherd as examples to the flock and the church is to be subject to the elders, clothing themselves in humility.  Living in light of 1 Peter 5:1-5 allows the church to be a refuge for the needy, sick, and lost while also advancing the mission of the gospel..]



Read Online: 1 Peter 5:1-5
Watch Online:

Living as Exiles: Suffering as a Christian - 1 Peter 4:12-19

We continue in our series in 1st Peter looking at Chapter 4:12-19. Peter begins his final words to the elect exiles here as he looks at suffering. Being a minority voice, an exile will most certainly mean suffering. Peter lays out a brief theology of suffering in these 8 verses speaking to the meaning of suffering, the response in suffering, the reason for suffering and finally how to withstand suffering. To suffer well one must be fully convinced both intellectually and relation-ally that of God’s character and his goodness.



Read Online: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Watch Online: Living as Exiles

Living In Love: Stewards of God's Grace 1 Peter 4: 1-11

We continue in our series in 1st Peter looking at Chapter 4:1-11. Peter outlines what it looks like to live in light of Christ’s suffering and his return. Once again we see Peter giving us instructions for faithful Christian conduct — conduct that is rooted in love, hospitality, and service. The question before us is this: In light of Christ’s abundant sacrifice and love for his children, how shall we live and steward God’s gifts in this present age? 

Read Online: 1 Peter 4:1-11

The Good Outsider 1 Peter 3: 8-22

We welcome Rev. Matt Grimsley who will be preaching through 1 Peter 3:8-22 and looking at the calling of the church to be a community of love, hope, and faith.  We are called to bless and to be a blessing, being zealous for what is good, and longing for the righteousness of Christ given to us through his suffering.     

Read Online:1 Peter 3: 8-22

Watch the Sermon Here:

Living as Exiles: Beautiful Submission 1 Peter 3:1-7

We continue our sermon series looking at 1 Peter 3:1-7.  Flowing from the previous verses, Peter further elaborates on submission as it relates to the home, in particular between husbands and wives. The picture that Peter lays before his readers and before us is that of a beautiful and loving submission ultimately rooted in the humility and submission that Christ demonstrated for us!

Read Online: 1 Peter 3: 1-7

Living as Exiles: Radical Submission 1 Peter 2:13-25

 "In this message...We continue our sermon series looking at 1 Peter 2:13-25.  Peter now delves into specific areas that 2:11-12 can be applied, human institutions (government) and masters (workplace).  Submission is the calling in these passages, submission in a similar manner as Christ displayed through his persecution, crucifixion and death.  We submit to these things not because they are perfect (or even sometimes good), but because we long to be Christ-like and as he was marked by submission, so ought we, entrusting our very lives to our good, faithful, strong Shepherd and Overseer."



Read Online: 1 Peter 2:13-25

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Living Out Our True Identity 1 Peter 2:4-12

Today in Worship We continue our sermon series looking at 1 Peter 2:4-12.  We are reminded here that we are being built together as a spiritual house, with Christ as the Cornerstone, yet the stone the builders rejected.  But the people of God are different— God is making us into a unique and special people for a specific purpose, mainly, “that they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”  Our identity as a people shapes our mission as God’s people.  

Read Online: 1 Peter 2:4-12

Watch Online:

Listen: 1 Peter 2:4-12

1st Peter 1:22-2:3 Faithfulness In Our Times

Today in Worship We continue our sermon series looking at 1 Peter 1:22-2:3.  We are called to holiness expressed in brotherly love, loving one another earnestly from a pure heart.  This being so, because we have been born again through the living and abiding word of God.  The word of God is sure and lasting, it doesn’t wither or fall away.  Through it we grow up in the faith, like children learning to walk, talk and develop.  The word of God is to grow us in our holiness, our love for one another, and ultimately our tasting that the Lord is good. 



Read Online: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3

Video:

Living as Exiles 1 Peter 1:13-21

We continue our sermon series looking at 1 Peter 1:13-21.  Peter concluding his discussion and presentation of salvation, our inheritance, guarded in heaven by God’s power, now says that we are to have exceptionally settled, firm hope and to be holy in all ways.  We are to be holy because God is our Father and because Christ is our Redeemer.  These truths are to fuel our holiness.  Living as exiles was never intended to be easy, but with hope that anchors our souls we can know and experience true stability and peace, resting in the promises of God. 

Read Here

A Settled Hope for Unsettled Exiles 1 Peter 1:1-12

 "In this message, We begin our 11 week sermon series in 1^st Peter.  This series will take us up to Advent.  1^st Peter, written by the Apostle Peter, opens with a greeting and was written to a whole group of places and people.  One commentator says this is the new Diaspora, scattered in the world, but chosen by the Father, sanctified by the Spirit and cleansed by the sprinkling of Christ’s blood.  A good descriptor of God’s work in us as well.  We are elect exiles, even here, even now, and Peter has a lot to inform us about how then should we live.  Living as Exiles, a study and lesson we all need to hear." 

Read Online: 1 Peter 1:1-12