1 Peter 1: 13 to 25
This is the Peter who got things wrong, who struck of the soldiers ear, who denied Jesus and fled. Yet hear he is speakiing with boldness and confidence. Why, because he had seen his Lord and Saviour rise from the dead. He’s standing here telling the Jewish people the enormity of what they have done. They begged him to tell them what they could do. Repent and be baptised was his answer.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Amanda used a jug of water and juice as symbol of what this looks like, when the Holy Spirit comes to fill our life, to infuse our whole being.
Luke wrote Acts to show that God is doing something new in the world through Jesus Christ and no human barrier would stop this happening.
With many words he warned them and pleaded with them. 3,000 were saved that day.
We have to be ambassadors for Christ. Peter penned his letter to the world, to all people.
Jesus is here for everyone. Jesus came for all, every human being. Amanda mentioned a Muslim student Nabeel Quereshi “Seeking Allah, finding Jesus”. His roommate was a Christian who showed love and gentleness, did not push a message but simply lived as a Christian should.
1 Peter 13 tells us that we will get to see the full power and person of the Son of God.
Some of our friends from Alpha are finding a difference in their lives as they come to know Jesus.
One of the congregation had also shared that she had put herself between two people as a peacemaker, speaking gently, calming the situation. The Holy Spirit works through us. Don’t be fooled though. At an early point in her life she had been trained to resolve things in a much more physical way.
Remember that God sometimes gives us life experience to understand people and offer empathy but the results are all His.
How do we do what he calls us to do. Well be holy , like Peter shared. Not with money, but through the precious blood of Christ. ….Your faith and hope are in God.
We are to live out our times as foreigners in reverent fear. Put a fleece out for the Lord, asking for clarity, but know that you will have to walk in faith, renew your spirits as set out in Ephesians.
Amanda used a bottle of J2O to demonstrate using the settled sediment to show that we need to shake up our life and renew and use our faith daily.
Romans 12 1-2 is clear about this need for renewal.
Amanda also shared an event from her training. An example had been offered about a group of people who went on a religious retreat. Their lives changed so much they worried about returning to the real world of jobs or family.
The word s displayed on our walls in church were put away because someone thought they were just a word for the 1980’s. They’re back on the wall because God’s words given to us do not have a sell by date. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us very clearly of this.
Are we ready to give our answer?
We closed with a prayer of thanks that starts “Good Morning God” and asks for discernment and a heart of obedience.