22-23
Apr 2017, Christ Mountain Top, Easter 2
Apr 2017, Christ Mountain Top, Easter 2
Psalm
16.5-11 (call to worship)
16.5-11 (call to worship)
John
20.19-31 (children)
20.19-31 (children)
1
Peter 1.1-9 (message)
Peter 1.1-9 (message)
Draw
attention to a few details in the text:
attention to a few details in the text:
· Trinity
clearly articulated (1.2): chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the
Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus
Christ and sprinkling by his blood (NIV)
clearly articulated (1.2): chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the
Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus
Christ and sprinkling by his blood (NIV)
· Timing
of salvation gift: (1.4), kept in heaven for you; (1.9), are receiving the
outcome/goal of your faith. Thus, being born again is described both as being
born into a “living hope” (now/not yet) and as being born into an “inheritance”
(not yet) (1.3-4).
of salvation gift: (1.4), kept in heaven for you; (1.9), are receiving the
outcome/goal of your faith. Thus, being born again is described both as being
born into a “living hope” (now/not yet) and as being born into an “inheritance”
(not yet) (1.3-4).
· Resurrection
and new birth – the power that raises Jesus from the dead is the very same
power that gives us new life in Christ Jesus (1.3): he has given us a new birth
into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
and new birth – the power that raises Jesus from the dead is the very same
power that gives us new life in Christ Jesus (1.3): he has given us a new birth
into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
· Suffering
described as simply part of life, perhaps as persecution for the sake of our
faith, and as having a unique purpose in the life of a follower of Jesus – to
refine our faith (1.6-7): now for a little while you have had to suffer various
trials, 7 so that the
genuineness of your faith– being more precious than gold that, though
perishable, is tested by fire– may be found to result in praise and glory and
honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (Please note that there is much more that
the Scriptures say about suffering. This is only one voice, one facet, of the
whole.)
described as simply part of life, perhaps as persecution for the sake of our
faith, and as having a unique purpose in the life of a follower of Jesus – to
refine our faith (1.6-7): now for a little while you have had to suffer various
trials, 7 so that the
genuineness of your faith– being more precious than gold that, though
perishable, is tested by fire– may be found to result in praise and glory and
honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (Please note that there is much more that
the Scriptures say about suffering. This is only one voice, one facet, of the
whole.)
Focus
on the dynamic of sight:
on the dynamic of sight:
1
Peter 1:8-9 Although you have not
seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in
him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the
outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Peter 1:8-9 Although you have not
seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in
him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the
outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Things
I cannot see now but love:
I cannot see now but love:
· Pizza
· The
Baltimore Orioles on local TV or cable, except when they are beating the
Yankees
Baltimore Orioles on local TV or cable, except when they are beating the
Yankees
· My
parents and my sons
parents and my sons
Guess
which is most loved?
which is most loved?
The
Thomas story (John 20.19-31)
Thomas story (John 20.19-31)
No
one has ever seen God,
one has ever seen God,
not
so much as a glimpse.
so much as a glimpse.
This
one-of-a-kind God-Expression,
one-of-a-kind God-Expression,
who
exists at the very heart of the Father,
exists at the very heart of the Father,
has
made him plain as day.
made him plain as day.
John 1.18, MSG
Hebrews
11:1 Now faith is the
assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
11:1 Now faith is the
assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
The
personal cost of moving here, and Jesse’s job opportunity that would not have
come any other way. Providence of God, even in our pain. Hymn lyric: “O Joy
that seekest me through pain” (“O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go”).
personal cost of moving here, and Jesse’s job opportunity that would not have
come any other way. Providence of God, even in our pain. Hymn lyric: “O Joy
that seekest me through pain” (“O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go”).
Various trials, genuine faith, result in
praise
praise
Pain was seen, gift was unseen
Receiving the outcome of your faith …
anticipating much more
anticipating much more
Robin’s
anniversary surprise – series of cards, dinner out (on a night I was to lead an
event at church).
anniversary surprise – series of cards, dinner out (on a night I was to lead an
event at church).
Timing of the salvation gift
I never saw it coming
rejoice
with an indescribable and glorious joy
with an indescribable and glorious joy
How
do you stay with one person for so many years without growing bored?
do you stay with one person for so many years without growing bored?
Surprise and anticipation
consistent with what we are now
experiencing
experiencing
