Grace Baptist Church - Truth with Grace

Last week, Pastor introduced the idea of a 7-story building as an illustration of our Christian life. Each floor represents a virtue we must add to our faith if we are to grow into mature Christian.--The first floor is moral excellence - our lives must change as we are now morally awake and desire to be more like Christ. To that we add knowledge - which fine tunes this sense of morality. Then, floor 3 is self-control - necessary to prevent legalism and promote humility. And floor 4 is perseverance - because it's not long into the life of Believer that trials come and try to destroy our faith.--We'll pick up here and continue on through floor 7 of Christ-centered life.

Last week, Pastor introduced the idea of a 7-story building as an illustration of our Christian life. Each floor represents a virtue we must add to our faith if we are to grow into mature Christian.--The first floor is moral excellence - our lives must change as we are now morally awake and desire to be more like Christ. To that we add knowledge - which fine tunes this sense of morality. Then, floor 3 is self-control - necessary to prevent legalism and promote humility. And floor 4 is perseverance - because it's not long into the life of Believer that trials come and try to destroy our faith.--We'll pick up here and continue on through floor 7 of Christ-centered life.

In what might be seen as a review, Peter begins his letter with his usual greeting and a reminder to the Christians in Asia Minor that they have been given great spiritual gifts by God - starting with salvation. These spiritual realities may be hard to spot when you're going through tough times, so Peter is wise to refresh the memories of the early church, and for us to do so as well.--In today's message we discover the framework for the Christian life. There are many metaphors we can use, as you'll hear, but the idea of a 7-story building is a favorite. Each floor represents a virtue we must add to our faith if we are to grow into mature Christian.--This is a Christ-centered life.

In what might be seen as a review, Peter begins his letter with his usual greeting and a reminder to the Christians in Asia Minor that they have been given great spiritual gifts by God - starting with salvation. These spiritual realities may be hard to spot when you're going through tough times, so Peter is wise to refresh the memories of the early church, and for us to do so as well.--In today's message we discover the framework for the Christian life. There are many metaphors we can use, as you'll hear, but the idea of a 7-story building is a favorite. Each floor represents a virtue we must add to our faith if we are to grow into mature Christian.--This is a Christ-centered life.

Peter is going to have a lot to say about false teachers prowling around the early church, which is important, even today, since there are certainly false teachers attacking the Christian faith - often from within.--But last week we started by exploring the opening lines of the letter - the greeting and blessing from Peter. We were reminded of God's grace to us, and His gift to us.--Today we'll pick up where we left off, with Pastor explaining how ancient letters were structured, and then marvel at God's generosity.

Peter is going to have a lot to say about false teachers prowling around the early church, which is important, even today, since there are certainly false teachers attacking the Christian faith - often from within.--But last week we started by exploring the opening lines of the letter - the greeting and blessing from Peter. We were reminded of God's grace to us, and His gift to us.--Today we'll pick up where we left off, with Pastor explaining how ancient letters were structured, and then marvel at God's generosity.

Pastor Pierre Rosa is preaching from the book of 2 Peter, the second letter from the Apostle Peter to the church in Asia Minor.--There's a different theme to this letter, as we'll soon discover. Peter is going to have a lot to say about false teachers prowling around the early church. That's important because now, like always, there are false teachers attacking the Christian faith - often from within.--But we'll start today with the opening lines of the letter - the greeting and blessing from Peter that still apply.

Pastor Pierre Rosa is preaching from the book of 2 Peter, the second letter from the Apostle Peter to the church in Asia Minor.--There's a different theme to this letter, as we'll soon discover. Peter is going to have a lot to say about false teachers prowling around the early church. That's important because now, like always, there are false teachers attacking the Christian faith - often from within.--But we'll start today with the opening lines of the letter - the greeting and blessing from Peter that still apply.

Pastor Pierre Rosa is preaching from the book of 1 Peter, and today we're wrapping up chapter five and the book as a whole.--As we read the final words of this letter to the Church, we can tell that Peter is anxious to leave a lasting impression and remind us of the character of the God we serve.--Last week by learning that God, unlike our enemy Satan, is sovereign. We also learned that He is formidable. That speaks to His power, and Pastor specifically referenced God's power to sanctify us, to save us, and to sustain us.--That sustaining power is vital for anyone who is suffering. It brings comfort and a calm assurance of God's perfect promised future.

Pastor Pierre Rosa is preaching from the book of 1 Peter, and today we're wrapping up chapter five and the book as a whole.--As we read the final words of this letter to the Church, we can tell that Peter is anxious to leave a lasting impression and remind us of the character of the God we serve.--Last week by learning that God, unlike our enemy Satan, is sovereign. We also learned that He is formidable. That speaks to His power, and Pastor specifically referenced God's power to sanctify us, to save us, and to sustain us.--That sustaining power is vital for anyone who is suffering. It brings comfort and a calm assurance of God's perfect promised future.

Last week, we learned about the schemes of our enemy, the devil. He is fierce - and extremely dangerous. And he is furious - at humans in general and God's chosen and redeemed people in particular. But he is finite and as a created being, not even remotely the evil equal of God.--God in fact, is sovereign, which brings comfort to anyone who is suffering.

Last week, we learned about the schemes of our enemy, the devil. He is fierce - and extremely dangerous. And he is furious - at humans in general and God's chosen and redeemed people in particular. But he is finite and as a created being, not even remotely the evil equal of God.--God in fact, is sovereign, which brings comfort to anyone who is suffering.

We've reached the final words of this letter to the Church. And while they contain some acknowledgements to conclude the message, they are packed with important information.--Peter has used this letter to cover several themes- he's talked about suffering, sanctification, submission, and service. Now he sums it all up with some final warnings and instructions.--Realizing that the first century Christians would likely turn against their human accusers and persecutors, in self-defense if nothing else, Peter reminds them that people are not the enemy. Our real adversary is Satan.

We've reached the final words of this letter to the Church. And while they contain some acknowledgements to conclude the message, they are packed with important information.--Peter has used this letter to cover several themes- he's talked about suffering, sanctification, submission, and service. Now he sums it all up with some final warnings and instructions.--Realizing that the first century Christians would likely turn against their human accusers and persecutors, in self-defense if nothing else, Peter reminds them that people are not the enemy. Our real adversary is Satan.

We've been learning about the way God designed the church. There are leaders and they have both a job description and a responsibility to lead the flock of God as shepherds.--And now we know the congregation has a job description too- You have specific roles - as a member of the flock of God, and they are important - just as important as those of the leaders.--The first is to submit to the shepherds, the elders God has called to lead His local church.--And perhaps the even harder responsibility we are given is to submit to our fellow saints in the church, but humility is the foundation of a health church and that's where we will pick up.

We've been learning about the way God designed the church. There are leaders and they have both a job description and a responsibility to lead the flock of God as shepherds.--And now we know the congregation has a job description too- You have specific roles - as a member of the flock of God, and they are important - just as important as those of the leaders.--The first is to submit to the shepherds, the elders God has called to lead His local church.--And perhaps the even harder responsibility we are given is to submit to our fellow saints in the church, but humility is the foundation of a health church and that's where we will pick up.

We've been learning about the way God designed the church. There are leaders and they have both a job description and a responsibility to lead the flock of God as shepherds.--But did you know the congregation has a job description too-- You probably have a basic understanding that you have a responsibility to attend services, to support the church financially, and to be nice to each other. But there are other specific roles you have - as a member of the flock of God, and they are important - just as important as those of the leaders, as we'll discover.

We've been learning about the way God designed the church. There are leaders and they have both a job description and a responsibility to lead the flock of God as shepherds.--But did you know the congregation has a job description too-- You probably have a basic understanding that you have a responsibility to attend services, to support the church financially, and to be nice to each other. But there are other specific roles you have - as a member of the flock of God, and they are important - just as important as those of the leaders, as we'll discover.

Peter now has some important instructions for the church as a whole. How a church is organized and how it functions matters to God and can determine if a church can truly focus on growing believers to maturity, as designed.--Peter starts with the leadership.--Last week, we learned a lot about an elder's motivation and his approach to the position. Elders are not corporate CEO's. They are not life coaches- they are not psychotherapists. Elders are called to be shepherds, and that approach really does make a difference.

Peter now has some important instructions for the church as a whole. How a church is organized and how it functions matters to God and can determine if a church can truly focus on growing believers to maturity, as designed.--Peter starts with the leadership.--Last week, we learned a lot about an elder's motivation and his approach to the position. Elders are not corporate CEO's. They are not life coaches- they are not psychotherapists. Elders are called to be shepherds, and that approach really does make a difference.

Peter now has some important instructions for the church as a whole. How a church is organized and how it functions matters to God and can determine if a church can truly focus on growing believers to maturity, as designed.--He starts with the leadership.--Peter affirms that the church is led by a plurality of elders. He also makes it clear that leading a church isn't just a job. It's a calling with detailed qualification and particular gifting that come from God. The qualifications are found in Timothy and Titus, but Peter takes great pains to talk specifically about an elder's motivation and approach to the position. It really does make a difference.

Peter now has some important instructions for the church as a whole. How a church is organized and how it functions matters to God and can determine if a church can truly focus on growing believers to maturity, as designed.--He starts with the leadership.--Peter affirms that the church is led by a plurality of elders. He also makes it clear that leading a church isn't just a job. It's a calling with detailed qualification and particular gifting that come from God. The qualifications are found in Timothy and Titus, but Peter takes great pains to talk specifically about an elder's motivation and approach to the position. It really does make a difference.

Peter has introduced the topic of suffering and covered it from several angles. The point, of course, is that Believer should expect suffering - quite a lot of it, actually - and so we will benefit from as much discussion on this subject as possible.--So that's what we'll hear today- instructions for the suffering Believer.--We began last week by learning that we must embrace suffering, as part of the life of a faithful believer. Then we learned that we must exult in our suffering - not asking for it, or seeking out suffering, but seeing suffering as the way God grows and mature us.

Peter has introduced the topic of suffering and covered it from several angles. The point, of course, is that Believer should expect suffering - quite a lot of it, actually - and so we will benefit from as much discussion on this subject as possible.--So that's what we'll hear today- instructions for the suffering Believer.--We began last week by learning that we must embrace suffering, as part of the life of a faithful believer. Then we learned that we must exult in our suffering - not asking for it, or seeking out suffering, but seeing suffering as the way God grows and mature us.

eter has introduced the topic of suffering and covered it from several angles. The point, of course, is that Believer should expect suffering - quite a lot of it, actually - and so we will benefit from as much discussion on this subject as possible.--So that's what we'll hear today- instructions for the suffering Believer. There are folks that claim the Christian life is only about health and prosperity - I'm sure you've heard them - but once you realize they haven't got a clue what their talking about, it's helpful to get some pointers on how to react to suffering - and how to make the most of it, to grow in our faith and glorify God.

eter has introduced the topic of suffering and covered it from several angles. The point, of course, is that Believer should expect suffering - quite a lot of it, actually - and so we will benefit from as much discussion on this subject as possible.--So that's what we'll hear today- instructions for the suffering Believer. There are folks that claim the Christian life is only about health and prosperity - I'm sure you've heard them - but once you realize they haven't got a clue what their talking about, it's helpful to get some pointers on how to react to suffering - and how to make the most of it, to grow in our faith and glorify God.

We're in the middle of a mini-series on the disciplines that should accompany suffering. There are 4 virtues we must cultivate and master to make the most of suffering.--We began with the discipline of Prayer. This is the foundation of our behavior because it anchors us to God and helps us acknowledge the sovereignty of God, making us more inclined to trust Him and follow His commands.--Then we covered the discipline of Love. And love leads to practical outcomes in the life of the Believer. And we conclude today with hospitality and service - both of which are essential for the expression of the transforming work of our salvation.

We're in the middle of a mini-series on the disciplines that should accompany suffering. There are 4 virtues we must cultivate and master to make the most of suffering.--We began with the discipline of Prayer. This is the foundation of our behavior because it anchors us to God and helps us acknowledge the sovereignty of God, making us more inclined to trust Him and follow His commands.--Then we covered the discipline of Love. And love leads to practical outcomes in the life of the Believer. And we conclude today with hospitality and service - both of which are essential for the expression of the transforming work of our salvation.

We're in the middle of a mini-series on the disciplines that should accompany suffering. There are 4 virtues we must cultivate and master to make the most of suffering.--We began with the discipline of Prayer. This is the foundation of our behavior because it anchors us to God and helps us acknowledge the sovereignty of God, making us more inclined to trust Him and follow His commands.--Then we pick up today with the discipline of Love - note- Love is a discipline and not a feeling, like the world seems to think. And love leads to practical outcomes in the life of the Believer.

We're in the middle of a mini-series on the disciplines that should accompany suffering. There are 4 virtues we must cultivate and master to make the most of suffering.--We began with the discipline of Prayer. This is the foundation of our behavior because it anchors us to God and helps us acknowledge the sovereignty of God, making us more inclined to trust Him and follow His commands.--Then we pick up today with the discipline of Love - note- Love is a discipline and not a feeling, like the world seems to think. And love leads to practical outcomes in the life of the Believer.

Peter has made it pretty clear that suffering is part of the Christian life. Our ultimate joy and prosperity will come in glory, not here on the earth - though there will be plenty of good things God will bless us with in this life, including hope, peace, and endurance to get us through thick and thin and glorify our Savior.--But we now begin a mini-series on the disciplines that should accompany suffering. There are 4 virtues we must cultivate and master to make the most of suffering. We'll begin with the discipline of Prayer and get a start on Love, as we listen to the first part of today's message

Peter has made it pretty clear that suffering is part of the Christian life. Our ultimate joy and prosperity will come in glory, not here on the earth - though there will be plenty of good things God will bless us with in this life, including hope, peace, and endurance to get us through thick and thin and glorify our Savior.--But we now begin a mini-series on the disciplines that should accompany suffering. There are 4 virtues we must cultivate and master to make the most of suffering. We'll begin with the discipline of Prayer and get a start on Love, as we listen to the first part of today's message

Peter continues his teaching on suffering by revealing the hidden opportunities we have in those tough times in life we typically like to avoid. There are good reasons to avoid suffering - the hurt, the stress, the struggles we face - we're built to protect ourselves from that kind of thing, to preserve our life.--But in the hands of a good God, suffering can bring unique and fruitful opportunities for growth, and reveal both the goodness and faithfulness of God like prosperity and peace never can. Plus we have the faithful witness of those that have gone before us and the hope of heaven to help get us through, as we'll learn in today's message

Peter continues his teaching on suffering by revealing the hidden opportunities we have in those tough times in life we typically like to avoid. There are good reasons to avoid suffering - the hurt, the stress, the struggles we face - we're built to protect ourselves from that kind of thing, to preserve our life.--But in the hands of a good God, suffering can bring unique and fruitful opportunities for growth, and reveal both the goodness and faithfulness of God like prosperity and peace never can. Plus we have the faithful witness of those that have gone before us and the hope of heaven to help get us through, as we'll learn in today's message

It's one thing to suffer for our mistakes, our bad choices, or even our crimes. Those circumstances make sense to us. But what happens, when after doing the right things, and following God's laws and instructions, we find ourselves enduring suffering-- That's hard to comprehend. Our sense of justice cries out---In this passage, Peter unveils the paragon of suffering and takes us on a journey from the crucifixion to the throne room of heaven. On the way, we'll encounter one of the most difficult passages of Scripture, so there's drama from start to finish, as we learn more about suffering, in today's message

It's one thing to suffer for our mistakes, our bad choices, or even our crimes. Those circumstances make sense to us. But what happens, when after doing the right things, and following God's laws and instructions, we find ourselves enduring suffering-- That's hard to comprehend. Our sense of justice cries out---In this passage, Peter unveils the paragon of suffering and takes us on a journey from the crucifixion to the throne room of heaven. On the way, we'll encounter one of the most difficult passages of Scripture, so there's drama from start to finish, as we learn more about suffering, in today's message

Peter has turned his attention to the topic of suffering. No one likes to suffer, though we often understand that is part of life and we willingly suffer for people and ideas we hold dear. But it's helpful for Believers to know what God asks of us when we suffer.--In this passage, we learn about the ABCs of suffering. We started last week with A - Active your Courage. It's where we begin and that makes sense because suffering often requires courage - the kind of courage that can only come from God. But let's continue now with the rest of the ABCs, as we'll listen to the rest of today's message

Peter has turned his attention to the topic of suffering. No one likes to suffer, though we often understand that is part of life and we willingly suffer for people and ideas we hold dear. But it's helpful for Believers to know what God asks of us when we suffer.--In this passage, we learn about the ABCs of suffering. We started last week with A - Active your Courage. It's where we begin and that makes sense because suffering often requires courage - the kind of courage that can only come from God. But let's continue now with the rest of the ABCs, as we'll listen to the rest of today's message

Peter has spent much of his letter to this point, talking about submission. We've covered that thoroughly and learned we have a long way to go to reach God's standard of righteous submission. Now Peter turns to the topic of suffering.--Suffering is something we all grapple with, and it's true- suffering is a part of life. But in reality, our suffering is nothing like what the early Church was about to encounter. Yet the principles are the same. God has a plan and a purpose for suffering, and He's also given us a strategy for suffering, as we'll learn in today's message

Peter has spent much of his letter to this point, talking about submission. We've covered that thoroughly and learned we have a long way to go to reach God's standard of righteous submission. Now Peter turns to the topic of suffering.--Suffering is something we all grapple with, and it's true- suffering is a part of life. But in reality, our suffering is nothing like what the early Church was about to encounter. Yet the principles are the same. God has a plan and a purpose for suffering, and He's also given us a strategy for suffering, as we'll learn in today's message

What should we, as Christians, pursue-- Self-improvement is a popular goal, and there are worthy outcomes in that, to be sure. But much of what we're after is what the Bible calls -striving after the wind,- according to Ecclesiastes 2-11.--Beginning in verse 8, Peter lists a series of traits worth treasuring. When Christians embrace these traits, with God's help, they mesmerize their society and point the way to Christ. Now, in verses 9-12, we learn about a kind of character that's worth cultivating. It's what makes it possible for joy and suffering to coexist in the life of the Believer, as we'll learn in today's message

What should we, as Christians, pursue-- Self-improvement is a popular goal, and there are worthy outcomes in that, to be sure. But much of what we're after is what the Bible calls -striving after the wind,- according to Ecclesiastes 2-11.--Beginning in verse 8, Peter lists a series of traits worth treasuring. When Christians embrace these traits, with God's help, they mesmerize their society and point the way to Christ. Now, in verses 9-12, we learn about a kind of character that's worth cultivating. It's what makes it possible for joy and suffering to coexist in the life of the Believer, as we'll learn in today's message

What should we, as Christians, pursue-- Should we pursue wealth-- Personal fulfillment and satisfaction-- Perhaps peace----The Bible is clear that Christians prioritize things differently than the world in general. We are countercultural, applying principles that run contrary to our human nature. Our lives should substantiate the claim that we belong to Christ, and not ourselves.--Beginning in verse, Peter lists a series of traits worth treasuring. When Christians embrace these traits, with God's help, they mesmerize their society and point the way to Christ, as we'll learn in today's message

What should we, as Christians, pursue-- Should we pursue wealth-- Personal fulfillment and satisfaction-- Perhaps peace----The Bible is clear that Christians prioritize things differently than the world in general. We are countercultural, applying principles that run contrary to our human nature. Our lives should substantiate the claim that we belong to Christ, and not ourselves.--Beginning in verse, Peter lists a series of traits worth treasuring. When Christians embrace these traits, with God's help, they mesmerize their society and point the way to Christ, as we'll learn in today's message

Having covered the wife's role in the marriage, it's only fair that Peter turns his attention to the husband, and that was the focus of this two-part message we started last week. Women are to submit to the headship role of the husband, but men have a submission mandate as well. They are to submit to the needs of their wives - with Christ's example as the standard.--How husbands can demonstrate this submission is where we left off. It starts by serving her with your presence. And now we'll cover three more ways, as we listen to the second half of today's message

Having covered the wife's role in the marriage, it's only fair that Peter turns his attention to the husband, and that was the focus of this two-part message we started last week. Women are to submit to the headship role of the husband, but men have a submission mandate as well. They are to submit to the needs of their wives - with Christ's example as the standard.--How husbands can demonstrate this submission is where we left off. It starts by serving her with your presence. And now we'll cover three more ways, as we listen to the second half of today's message

Having covered the wife's role in the marriage, it's only fair that Peter turns his attention to the husband. And while there's only one verse in this chapter used to address them, Peter still has much to say in those few words.--Once again, the fact that our culture sees marriage and the marital relationship very differently, doesn't give men the right to bully their wives or dump them at the first sign of trouble. Men are to submit as well, and serve the needs of their wife.--God has designed marriage to demonstrate the power of relationship, forgiveness, grace, and - top of mind for Peter - submission, as we'll learn in the first part of part of today's message

Having covered the wife's role in the marriage, it's only fair that Peter turns his attention to the husband. And while there's only one verse in this chapter used to address them, Peter still has much to say in those few words.--Once again, the fact that our culture sees marriage and the marital relationship very differently, doesn't give men the right to bully their wives or dump them at the first sign of trouble. Men are to submit as well, and serve the needs of their wife.--God has designed marriage to demonstrate the power of relationship, forgiveness, grace, and - top of mind for Peter - submission, as we'll learn in the first part of part of today's message

Last week, we took on the most intimate of human relationships - marriage - and began exploring the Biblical blueprint for human flourishing. Peter started with the wives and urged them to display soul-winning behavior as an act of submission to God.--God's blueprint is worth following because He's the designer of marriage in the first place - but it's certainly not what the culture portrays as the ideal.--As we pick up from last week, Pastor addresses the natural concern of anyone being asked to submit to another human being- are there boundaries to this submission-- There are, as we'll learn in the second part of part of today's message

Last week, we took on the most intimate of human relationships - marriage - and began exploring the Biblical blueprint for human flourishing. Peter started with the wives and urged them to display soul-winning behavior as an act of submission to God.--God's blueprint is worth following because He's the designer of marriage in the first place - but it's certainly not what the culture portrays as the ideal.--As we pick up from last week, Pastor addresses the natural concern of anyone being asked to submit to another human being- are there boundaries to this submission-- There are, as we'll learn in the second part of part of today's message

Peter has been challenging the New Testament church to understand the kind of submission to authority that God calls for from His followers. He's clarified our level of submission to government, and in the workplace. These have been uncomfortable standards to hear and hard standards to follow.--But now Peter turns to the most intimate of human relationships - marriage - and outlines the Biblical blueprint for human flourishing. We'll start today with the wives, which was Peters approach as well, but don't worry- we'll get to the husbands soon enough. God's blueprint is worth following because He's the designer of marriage in the first place - as we'll learn in the first part of part of today's message