Christ Our Living Hope

 

This morning the Sunday Morning crowd was rained out it seemed.  We were glad for the rain, but this weather left many home today.  I took notes as Pastor Allan ministered from I Peter Chapter one.

He noted that in January 2016 a city wide prayer walk with 23 cooperating churches will storm heaven for our city.  God is preparing us for the next wave and it is the season to be faithful.  We will weather the storm of the enemy.

If our numbers dwindle know that God is still in charge and in control.   Look around and see who is missing and pray for their health body and soul.

Things go on in our neighborhood that may discourage you, but claim your family for the Lord.  God can use situations to bring about His plans. We must stand strong. 

1 Peter 1:3-5  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

When I speak of church, I mean the body of Christ, not just our church.  Many churches preach a watered down gospel.  The church is being scattered in their minds and are not in one accord.  Not all are on the same page, but things are changing.  Let us not be stubborn in order to be theologically correct.  Our city is uniting and we are not meeting to argue, but to worship and work for the time is short.  The fact is that although Jesus came 2000 years ago; He is coming again. 

Yes we need to teach and preach the pure Gospel.  The world is teaching freedom of speech and religion, but not for Christians.  It is time for us to stand up and be bold enough to speak up.  Speak up at your work place, your school, and even your home.

Jesus already paid a great price for the message of “Hope.”  They beat Him, and killed Him, but they could not keep Him in the tomb.

He brought us new life, and when we receive Jesus, there should be a change in us.  We must die to self and make conscious choices. 

A Christmas tree decorated with ornaments, is dying, and although the tinsel is still there, the tree is dead.  May our relationship with Jesus produce living fruit and not carnal fleshly adornment.

Do not be conformed to the world’s habits and ways.  Gird up the loins of your mind and be sober, preparing your thoughts for the coming days.  We need clear heads to seek His face and pursue Jesus. 

Notice the Christmas photos where the family is all dressed alike and they look the same.  Who ever you pursue you will become like them.  That is why it is so important to desire the Word of God, and literally chase after Jesus, following Him.

Peter says in chapter 2, “Lay aside all malice, guile and to desire the pure milk of the Word.

We wonder why we are discouraged and depressed.  Perhaps we have cooled off and loosened our hand from His.

It is time to renew our minds and to stir up our faith.  We must enter church reverently and prepare our hearts to receive what God has for you each day.  It is time to enter in and take the “More” that is available.  There is nothing more exciting than to walk with God.

Remember this one thing.  You are a chosen people a Royal Priesthood and have been called for such a time as this.  When you speak to people, remember to smile.  You represent Jesus. 

We are thankful for the Pastors that are coming together where we can worship and work together.  Prepare now to walk the streets with us in January.  May God grant us strength we never had before.