Everyone loves a good story that begins with “Once upon a time…” Genesis 1 begins with the similar phrase, “In the beginning, God…” This message declares that God is the maker of heaven and earth and that He is devoted to relating with the humans whom He has created. When Adam and Eve turned from God for the first time, God unveiled that He is committed to restoring their relationship with Him. This was great news for them in the garden as it is for us today.
Sermons by Dean Wertz (Page 35)
The Bible has been translated, printed and read more than any other book in all of history. This message provides an overview of the Bible and encourages everyone to cultivate 4 habits in order to fully participate with us in the upcoming 31-week journey through the Bible.
Most religions include certain requirements or performances that are necessary in order to have a relationship with God. In the final paragraph of I Peter, Peter declares that Christianity is based on God’s grace for us rather than our achievements for God. In this message we observe three ways God’s grace is on display throughout I Peter and all of time.
The Apostle Peter had heard Jesus describe this era as “the end of the age.” Peter, like all of the early Christians, believed Jesus. Even though it has been 2,000 years, it is still the end of this age and this carries certain responsibilities for those of us who are followers of Jesus. In this message we learn about three relational priorities: love for God, love for our neighbors and love for one another while we anticipate Christ’s return.
Sometimes it is hard to follow God’s ways when friends in our culture are critical of us. In this text, Peter reveals reasons to chose God’s will over people’s pressures even if we have to suffer for it.
If you are a Christian there are times when you will be criticized. Sometimes the harsh words come from those we love the most. When we feel attacked we have clear marching orders. God has called us to bless and to do good to those who revile us. In this message we discover God’s ways to cultivate this habit of blessing those who criticize us.
Marriage is a gift from God but sometimes it can be difficult. In this passage we discover that God’s strategy for marriage is wiser than ours. Here we specifically learn how Christian wives are to honor their husbands (even those who do not yet believe) as well as how Christian husbands are to honor their wives.
Though it can be tempting to skirt around the laws of our land, God does not want Christians to overlook the impact it has when we honor our government’s leaders and laws. When Christians submit to governing authorities they both honor God and are used to help some who do not yet believe stop their criticisms of Christ and in some cases, eventually come to know and glorify God.
When it becomes hard to follow Christ in the world God has blessed us with community. This message proclaims the greatness of the union that all believers have through the gospel which has been planted in us as well as our responsibility to cultivate our relationships with one another.
Hope is a positive picture of the future that fuels anticipation and transformation in the present. The ultimate hope for Christians is that day when we will see Jesus. As a result, Christians are commanded to “set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Three habits are explored in this message to help us set our hope on that great day.