Podcasts about in peter

Don’t think for yourself. I realize that sounds very backwards. How could it be right not to think for yourself? I certainly don’t mean we should allow others to think for us. That’s not what I’m saying. That’s just as dangerous or more so than thinking for ourselves. But when you and I understand the importance our thoughts play in our lives, then we start to understand how critical it is for us to think correctly. Our thought life is the place where everything else begins. Our actions begin with thoughts; our words begin with thoughts; our attitudes are formed by thoughts; our emotions are controlled by our thoughts. As we are reminded in Proverbs 23:7, what we think is what we are. Therefore, we need to be very certain we are thinking right! In order to think correctly, we’ve got to formulate our thoughts based on truth, based on someone we can trust, based on principles which are right and good. Now, I’d like to think I can trust my own self to think correctly, but the more I get to know me and the more I understand my human nature, the more I realize I am not qualified to think for myself. The Bible says in my own natural flesh there dwells nothing good of itself. I know I’m inclined to sin, inclined to be selfish, inclined to take the easy way out, etc. And besides the problem of the sinfulness of my nature, there are the limitations of my understanding and wisdom, which can cause me to think incorrectly if I think for myself. Therefore, if I try to delude myself into believing I’m capable of thinking for myself, I’ll discover it leads me into some real difficulties. Instead of “Think for yourself,” our motto should be “Think biblically!” Then and only then can we be certain our thinking is right, because the Bible is God’s truth, and the only reliable source for us. People who claim to think for themselves rarely do just that. When you see someone rebelling against their parents, or against rules and regulations or authority of some kind, or going off into some deep end, they often use the excuse “I’m thinking for myself and nobody’s going to tell me how to think anymore.” But what’s really happening is they are allowing some other person or group to tell them how to think instead of the ones who have been influencing their thinking up to that point. Rarely are they truly thinking for themselves. Don’t be misled by the attractiveness of this commonly-held belief that we should think for ourselves. It certainly appeals to our proud human nature, but it leads us to place a confidence in our ability to think correctly. The sad news is most of us don’t always think correctly on our own. We are all influenced by the world around us, the attitudes of others, the majority viewpoint, and in addition, our thought life is polluted by our own sinful nature. Add all that up, and you realize not only is it dangerous to think for ourselves, it’s also fairly impossible, for our thinking is inevitably a result of other influences. For Christians, we need to be certain our thinking is shaped by the Word of God and that we are influenced by what God has to say. There was one particular occasion in Peter’s life when he was thinking for himself, and the Lord rather sharply rebuked him for it. The story is found in Matthew 16 where Jesus is explaining it is necessary for him to be killed. Peter didn’t like that idea, so we read that Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:22-23) In Peter’s mind, it would have been a total catastrophe if Jesus were killed. That wasn’t the plan at all, as Peter saw it. So, controlled by his human way of thinking, Peter began to rebuke Jesus; we’d say he gave him a “piece of his mind.” Unfortunately, by doing that, Peter demonstrated that his mind was under the wrong control and influence. In fact, Jesus said Peter had become an instrument of Satan by even suggesting Calvary was not necessary. Satan wants to control all our thinking, because he knows we are controlled by our thought life. Therefore, keeping us from thinking biblically is one of his primary objectives. Who is influencing your thinking today? Modern humanistic philosophies? People who are not godly? Ideas and attitudes that have been passed on to you by friends or family who don’t know the Lord? Even other Christians who are not thinking biblically? Check it out. Whatever controls or influences how you think is, in reality, controlling you to some degree. Romans 12 tells us we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, we read we are to bring every thought into captivity, not let our thoughts run wild and free. Learning to think biblically should be the highest priority for every Christian. An obvious question is “What is biblical thinking?” Philippians 4:8 is a good place to start. It clearly defines what we should think about, and here’s the list: Things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Now, I’d like to mention some areas of wrong thinking which don’t meet these criteria. Have you noticed how often we can start imagining what may or may not happen in the future? I can find myself playing out a whole scenario in my mind of the worst-case possibilities, and before I know it, I’m really worried and upset over what might happen to me. That is untruthful thinking; it is imagining the future and allowing those imaginations to cause me to be fearful. Many Christians have started to think very lightly of immorality because immoral lifestyles have become acceptable in our society. Someone was describing a movie to me and commented that a couple in the movie was having an affair, but this person noted it wasn’t the usual sordid kind of affair; it was a tender, more genteel kind. That’s an example of allowing the morals of our culture to invade our mind and cause us to think unbiblically. Any kind of affair should be viewed as impure and wrong by a person who is thinking biblically. Honesty is another area that has been under heavy attack in our society over the last few years. People tend to think of lying as relative; in other words, the situation determines whether it’s right or wrong to lie. And there’s the idea that little lies don’t really do any harm. I notice a great deal of our entertainment treats lying humorously. With all that around us, it’s easy for us to think about lying and honesty in unbiblical ways. How about it? Can you see some areas in your own life where your thinking has been influenced by the world around you, and you’ve lost your biblical mind? Part of the great gift of God to us when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior is the presence of God’s Holy Spirit living within us, and therefore, Paul says, we have the mind of Christ. That means we’re able to think like Jesus thinks. In order to think biblically, we must first of all have this mind of Christ within us. You can’t think biblically without the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, we must learn to carefully control what we allow into our minds, for the input determines the output. The computer world has taught us if you put garbage in, you get garbage out! Only as we feed our minds with the right things can we expect to think biblically. We will think about what we read, what we hear, and what we see, so if we are hearing, reading and seeing things that are not in conformity to biblical principles, obviously we’re going to think wrongly. You can fail miserably if you allow all kinds of immorality and impurity to be poured into your mind through television, videos, books, movies, podcasts, etc. It takes careful screening of the input into our minds in order to think biblically. It also takes what I call the Replacement Theory. When we start to think wrongly, and we know we should change, we must be able to replace the wrong thought with the right one. It’s almost impossible to just stop thinking about something, but if you start thinking about something else, then you can be successful at replacing the wrong thought with the right thought. That takes a set of your will to say: “I will not think about this any longer; I will think instead of this.” Many times, I actually talk out loud to myself and say, “Come on, Mary, you know you shouldn’t think about that. Now, stop it and think about this instead.” I can tell you the Replacement Theory works! There’s so much more to say about right thinking. In fact, I’ve written a book entitled Think About What You Think About. You'll find more information about it on our website, or you can order it from Amazon. I believe it will help you to learn how to think biblically, and if I can help you do that, I’ve done you a very big favor. Remember, thinking for yourself can get you into lots of difficulty. But thinking biblically will enable you to make good choices, right decisions, live a godly life, and know the peace and contentment that comes from right thinking. Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:5-6). Biblically thinking guarantees us life and peace. I’d say the return on your investment is very profitable, and I encourage you to join me in a daily commitment to think biblically.

In Peter's second sermon, he shows us the nature of our hearts — that we reject Jesus, and we are ignorant about it. But despite these realities, God offers us what all of us most need — forgiveness, refreshment, and restoration. In this sermon, we look at how Peter's words can still speak to us today. Key Verses: Acts 3:12-21

In Peter's Pentecost sermon, we hear a man whose mind has been renewed: he now sees all things through the lens of Scripture. Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers how this change in Peter calls for a change in our own thinking. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/seeing-through-the-lens-of-scripture/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Prior to Jesus' ascension, he told the disciples that they would be his witnesses throughout the ends of the earth. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit descended to empower them – and us – to be just that. In Peter's stirring sermon, he declared that “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.” What would it mean for us to be witnesses of the resurrection for others who are seeking new life? What evidence of resurrection within us can we invite people to experience for themselves?   Reflection Questions:1. What experience of God's goodness feels most natural for you to share?2. Which voices or influences are drawing your heart away from God's peace?3. How has God guided and sustained you through uncertain or difficult seasons?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

John 15:4. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” Abide is the word Jesus used to describe the dynamic relationship between Himself and fruitful branches. They live or dwell in Him, and He dwells or lives in them. The verb tense of abide describes the resulting action of something that happened in the past, namely, pruning or cleansing by Jesus' words, which gives rise to the one point in time action that you are commanded to take in the present, which is abide. You now abide in Jesus because He lives in you!!! It's not so much an imperative of “must”, but an imperative of reality. It's just the way it is, so you do it. You receive His life like a branch receives life from the vine. The idea is that the branch grew out of the vine with life in it, so the branch naturally abides in the vine and the life of the vine is in the branch so it can bear fruit. It's the only thing that makes sense. If you have Jesus' life, then you choose to live the rest of your life in Him to love as He loves. In Peter's first epistle, He used the same verb tense to explain our loving with Jesus. 1 Peter 1:22 – “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love (same aorist, active imperative) one another earnestly from a pure heart.” The rationale of the verse is clear: The reader who is a Christian has “purified, or been made clean” and this certain reality is made evident by their “obedience to the truth” for the purpose of “brotherly love (fruit-bearing in John 15)” If all of this past work is actually true, the natural result is that you will “love” each other deeply from the heart now. If we have really been converted, been purified and made new, and we have shown a willingness to obey, especially the command to “love the brethren” then naturally we “have to start loving deeply” to prove that what happened in the past is really true. Abiding in Jesus is the foundation of living to love with Jesus. Have you chosen to repent of living life for yourself? Have you chosen to obey Jesus and surrender yourself to live out of His life? Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

Tonight on Typical Skeptic, I'm joined by Peter for a deep discussion on his framework of reality and how it connects several major mysteries into one unified model.We get into Mandela Effects, quantum mechanics, the delayed-choice quantum eraser, manifestation, Christ's aphorisms, the nature of God, and what many call the “soul trap.” Peter lays out how these are not separate topics, but different expressions of the same underlying structure.In his framework, quantum mechanics is not limited to the microscopic world. It is showing us how reality itself works. The delayed-choice quantum eraser points to the idea that the past is not fixed in the way we normally assume, and Mandela Effects may be the large-scale evidence of that same process operating in ordinary life: reality retrofitting a coherent shared history when different experienced versions can no longer remain separate.We also discuss manifestation in a much more direct way than the usual law of attraction model. In Peter's view, reality does not respond to surface belief, affirmations, rituals, or positive thinking. It responds to the total signal of a person's frame: what they truly assume, expect, embody, and act from. If that signal is rooted in lack, reality mirrors lack. If it is aligned with wholeness, reality reflects that.This leads into Christ's aphorisms, which Peter argues are not just moral teachings or religious sayings, but direct descriptions of how reality operates. Statements like “according to your faith,” “the kingdom is within,” and “seek first the kingdom” become technical descriptions of manifestation, causality, and alignment with God.The discussion then moves into the nature of God. Peter's framework argues that God is not a needy, punishing, external being, but wholeness itself. Physical reality is the appearance of separation inside that wholeness, which is why this realm can function as a soul trap. The trap is not merely external control. It is identification with lack, fear, separation, victimhood, and external authority.We also talk about what exit really means. From this view, the way out is not fear, rebellion, ritual protection, or trying to fight the trap. The exit is returning to wholeness so completely that the trap has nothing left to bind to.Topics include:Mandela EffectsQuantum mechanicsDelayed-choice quantum eraserManifestationChrist's aphorismsThe nature of GodThe soul trapLoosh and separationWhat gnosticism gets wrongHow we got hereHow to exitAnd how all of these topics are connected and offshoots of one another.This is one of the most direct conversations we've had on how science, scripture, metaphysics, manifestation, and soul trap theory may all be pointing toward the same reality structure. PayPal: paypal.me/typicalskepticmedia

TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONSRead Acts 2:14-41. What stands out to you in this passage? Peter, a common uneducated man, stood up and addressed thousands of people with the message of the Gospel. He did this by the power of God's Spirit. In what area of your life (or what person or group) could you be more bold in sharing the good news of Jesus? In Peter's speech to the crowd, he makes it very clear that Jesus is central to everything. In your everyday conversations (friends, family, work), what topics take center stage instead of Jesus? What is one practical way you can intentionally point someone toward Jesus this week? Read Psalm 110:1 and Acts 2:36. What does it mean that Jesus is both “Lord” and “Christ?” What is one area of your life that you struggle to fully “submit” to the Lord, putting yourself under His authority? How can you practically take a step toward surrender? When people heard Peter's sermon, they were “cut to the heart.” How does conviction by the Holy Spirit work with you? When was the last time you were convicted? Describe the process for you. Repentance means turning away or turning from, not just being sorry for something. What is a specific attitude, habit, or pattern in your life that the Holy Spirit is calling you to turn from? What action would show that you “turned” away from sin and toward God? Close by praying for each other in these things. 

TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONSRead Acts 2:14-41. What stands out to you in this passage? Peter, a common uneducated man, stood up and addressed thousands of people with the message of the Gospel. He did this by the power of God's Spirit. In what area of your life (or what person or group) could you be more bold in sharing the good news of Jesus? In Peter's speech to the crowd, he makes it very clear that Jesus is central to everything. In your everyday conversations (friends, family, work), what topics take center stage instead of Jesus? What is one practical way you can intentionally point someone toward Jesus this week? Read Psalm 110:1 and Acts 2:36. What does it mean that Jesus is both “Lord” and “Christ?” What is one area of your life that you struggle to fully “submit” to the Lord, putting yourself under His authority? How can you practically take a step toward surrender? When people heard Peter's sermon, they were “cut to the heart.” How does conviction by the Holy Spirit work with you? When was the last time you were convicted? Describe the process for you. Repentance means turning away or turning from, not just being sorry for something. What is a specific attitude, habit, or pattern in your life that the Holy Spirit is calling you to turn from? What action would show that you “turned” away from sin and toward God? Close by praying for each other in these things. 

In Peter's first epistle, he begins with exuberant praise of God the Father because he has caused us to be born again in Jesus Christ. This is baptismal language and out of that we have a foundation for all the gifts that are ours in Jesus. This foundation can enable us to endure testings and trials because we know that we belong to God the Father and can now receive these trials as ways to encourage our faith and confidence in the work of Jesus.Image: File:Saint_Peter-Sinai_(6th_Century).jpg, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In Peter's proclamation at Pentecost, we see the heart of the apostolic message: Jesus, crucified and raised by God, now reigns as Lord and Christ. This passage calls us to respond with repentance and faith, trusting in the risen Savior who brings forgiveness of sins and new life to all who believe.Time:AfternoonMinister:Rev. Daniel VenturaTexts:Acts 2:22–41Series:Easter

(2 Peter 3:17-18) Our generation is bombarded with distractions. In Peter's last letter he gives great help for believers living in the last days. Discover an open secret to keeping your heart right with God in a dark world. (10080260403) Join Scott Pauley's study through Scripture this year. Find resources for every book of the Bible by Dr. Pauley and Enjoying the Journey at enjoyingthejourney.org/journey-through-scripture/. Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. Explore now at EnjoyingTheJourney.org. Extend the Work Enjoying the Journey provides every resource for free worldwide. If you would like to help extend this Bible teaching, you may give at enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Monday, 30 March 2026   But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' Matthew 18:16   “And if not he should hear, you take with you yet one or two, that ‘upon mouth – two witnesses, or three, it should stand, every word.'” (CG)   In the previous verse, Jesus said, “And if he should sin against you, your brother, you withdraw, and you confute him – between you and him alone. If he should hear you, you gained your brother.” Next, He will cite words from Deuteronomy 19:15, beginning with, “And if not he should hear.”   Jesus has been speaking of the “little ones,” meaning those who accepted the message by simple faith, like a little child. If a matter arises between two of them, there should first be a private attempt to reconcile. If that does not resolve the issue, because the person will not hear, “you take with you yet one or two.”   This means that the matter is worth elevating. Someone might do something to another that was upsetting, but does that mean every matter needs to be handled this way? Rather, some disputes are better left unaddressed. But this is a matter where someone has been really wronged by another. Bringing one or two more to stand as witnesses thus fulfills a necessary requirement of validation. The reason for this is explicitly stated by Jesus, saying, “that ‘upon mouth – two witnesses, or three, it should stand, every word.'”   As noted, this was a precept of the Law of Moses, and Jesus is currently speaking to people under the law. However, it is a precept of wisdom that extends beyond the law. This is certain because Paul repeats the sentiment in his epistles –   “This will be the third time I am coming to you. ‘By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.'” 2 Corinthians 13:1   Paul was careful to ensure that a precept which is logical and appropriate not be overlooked simply because the law was fulfilled in Christ.   Life application: With a precept from the law being addressed by Paul, it would be easy for someone to conclude that we are somehow bound to the other precepts of the law as well. Without understanding what God has done in Christ, this is what many have concluded over the years.   But such a position ignores the entire weight and significance of what Christ came to do. Just because there are precepts in the law that make sense and should be applied to our continued walk, it in no way logically follows that we are somehow bound to the Law of Moses, in part or in whole.   The same is true with verses in Acts where Paul apparently observed Jewish rites, customs, and practices. Law-observing heretics will point at those examples and say, “See, Paul never stopped observing the law, and neither should we.”   Again, such a thought ignores what is clearly stated elsewhere, such as –   “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23   Paul was an apostle. It was his job to get converts. Paul was also a Jew. If it meant observing a now-fulfilled law in order to open the eyes of his fellow Jews to their need for Christ, that is what he did. Elsewhere, such as in Galatians 2, he argues against Peter for this same thing when in the presence of the Gentiles.   The Gentiles were never under the law. In Peter's failure to uphold the integrity and truth of the gospel, he turned from grace back to the law. And he did it not for saving Jews, but to save face with the Jews. It was an unacceptable action because it harmed the Gentile believers, confusing them and bringing them into a bondage they never faced before.   Be careful to think things through. Don't get swayed by the failed arguments of law observers. Stand fast on the grace of God in Christ.   Lord God, may we be faithful people who faithfully follow You. There is no need to find our righteousness in the law. Rather, we find it in You. You are the Lord, our righteousness. May we remember this and cling to it all our days. Amen.

In Peter's failures and faithfulness, we see our own tendency to forget God's goodness when a crisis hits. In Jesus' restoration of Peter, we see the One who is more faithful than we are forgetful. Join us for John 21:1-19 and learn how to trade your fears for clear-sighted trust in the One who holds your life in His good hands. Let's remember who He is and get back to faithfully following.Come worship with Hillside Covenant Church LIVE at 9:00 & 10:45 AM both online and in person as Wayne Phillips teaches from John 21:1-19.This week's sermon notes are available at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZ8pzt5ZnFaAmb9Vyw76Cf5S22nzpyycmVdVIf you are new to Hillside and are looking for ways to get connected and build community, visit our website: https://www.hillsidecovenant.org/ We welcome you to Hillside and are so glad you joined us today!To give in support of Hillside Covenant and its ministries follow this link: https://hillsidecovenant.churchcenter.com/givingThe full service from Hillside Covenant Church, Sunday, March 22, 2026.

In Peter's failures and faithfulness, we see our own tendency to forget God's goodness when a crisis hits. In Jesus' restoration of Peter, we see the One who is more faithful than we are forgetful. Join us for John 21:1-19 and learn how to trade your fears for clear-sighted trust in the One who holds your life in His good hands. Let's remember who He is and get back to faithfully following.Come worship with Hillside Covenant Church LIVE at 9:00 & 10:45 AM both online and in person as Wayne Phillips teaches from John 21:1-19.This week's sermon notes are available at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZ8pzt5ZnFaAmb9Vyw76Cf5S22nzpyycmVdVIf you are new to Hillside and are looking for ways to get connected and build community, visit our website: https://www.hillsidecovenant.org/ We welcome you to Hillside and are so glad you joined us today!To give in support of Hillside Covenant and its ministries follow this link: https://hillsidecovenant.churchcenter.com/givingThe sermon from Hillside Covenant Church, Sunday, March 22, 2026.

In Peter's time, some people wished to live without God so they rationalized Him into irrelevance. Others, thinking He had disappeared from the scene, sought life without Him. The same mistakes are being made today. But He is still God and firmly in control. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/508/29?v=20251111

In Peter's time, some people wished to live without God so they rationalized Him into irrelevance. Others, thinking He had disappeared from the scene, sought life without Him. The same mistakes are being made today. But He is still God and firmly in control. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/508/29?v=20251111

In Peter's day, the Old Testament Scriptures and the apostles' teachings were being twisted, fundamental truths ridiculed, and biblical morality repudiated. So he reminded the people of the significance of God's Word. We need the reminder, too, for we live in similar days. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/508/29?v=20251111

In Peter's day, the Old Testament Scriptures and the apostles' teachings were being twisted, fundamental truths ridiculed, and biblical morality repudiated. So he reminded the people of the significance of God's Word. We need the reminder, too, for we live in similar days. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/508/29?v=20251111

This week, we trace Peter's story from the moment Jesus first called him while he was fishing in the Sea of Galilee to the moment Jesus restores Peter, after he had denied Jesus three times, over a meal while. In Peter we see a person who is bold and who also makes mistakes. He walks on water, but then sinks. He declares Jesus to be the Son of God, and then rebukes Jesus. And, in his worst moment, Peter does the very thing he promised Jesus he'd never do: deny Him. But then Jesus, in His resurrected form, comes looking for Peter. He searches for Peter, sits with him, and asks him three times, "Do you love me?" And then, Jesus invites Peter back into His mission where Peter will play a pivotal role in the growth and development of the early church. Through Peter's story we see the way that Jesus comes looking for him when Peter was certain he'd disqualified himself, and we're assured that Jesus will pursue us with the same kind of extravagant grace.

In Peter's second letter to the church, he presents a paradox-- we have everything in Christ, but we are then to add to our faith elements of maturity. This abundant living enables us to emulate our Father in a life of giving. That's the sweet spot for advancing the kingdom of heaven!

In Peter's sermon, he makes direct accusations of how his listeners wanted to see Jesus dead. But then he offers them a chance to repent. God is a God of second chances. Let's find out together how Peter presented that to them as we read Acts 3:17-26 and Genesis 12:1-9.

In Peter's second letter, the apostle writes to encourage the church to confirm their calling and election by exercising the divine power given to them for life and godliness. Peter warns them against false teachers who claim Christ but in reality are self-glorifying and treacherous, exploiting the church in their greed with made-up stories. Finally, Peter encourages the church to patiently await Christ's second coming, for the judgment of the wicked is sure. Since this is a short epistle we'll have a double dose of Isaiah, reading chapters 52-53, wherein the suffering servant is pierced because of our rebellion and crushed because of our iniquities, but we are healed by his wounds.2 Peter 1 - 1:13 . 2 Peter 2 - 4:59 . 2 Peter 3 - 9:42 . Isaiah 52 - 13:44 . Isaiah 53 - 17:09 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Thursday, 4 December 2025   And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31   “And immediately, Jesus, having extended the hand, He seized him, and He says to him, ‘Little-faithed! Into why – you doubted?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Peter saw the tumultuous wind and became afraid. Along with that, he began to sink, calling out to Jesus to save him. It next says, “And immediately, Jesus, having extended the hand, He seized him.”   A new word, epilambanomai, to seize the hand, is seen here. It is derived from epi, upon, and lambanó, to take. Thus, it is to seize upon. Peter is in the process of sinking. Jesus is firmly fixed on the top of the water, and so He reaches down to Peter to rescue him.   The scene is amazing to contemplate. It defies the sense of logic that each of us would normally consider. Despite being completely out of the ordinary, there is no reason to assume that it is impossible. Not understanding how something works does not mean that it doesn't actually work. With Jesus reaching out to Peter, it next says, “and He says to him, ‘Little-faithed!'”   It is a sentiment He uses elsewhere. In Peter's case, his faith allowed him to step out of the boat and begin walking, but it didn't keep him from being distracted in obtaining the goal. One can see that faith in something isn't the entire scope of the matter. Peter lacked faith in all directions at once. That is seen in the next words, “Into why – you doubted?”   Peter's faith said, “I see Jesus, I can get to Him.” Hence, he started out on the water. However, once he took his eyes off the Object of his faith, he saw the boisterous wind and lacked faith that he could overcome it.   As noted in the previous commentary, it isn't that Peter lacked faith. Rather, it became misdirected and overwhelmed by another issue he wasn't confident he could handle. As such, Jesus says he doubted.   Life application: As can be seen, faith comes in varying degrees, but it also has to overcome many side challenges to be effective. If we were to extend the scenario in which Peter is in, we could add lightning, sharks, a pirate vessel (arrr matey), and other obstacles to his ability to stay afloat.   At what point will Peter's faith crack? As long as he keeps his eyes on the Object, Jesus, the other challenges would not be able to affect him. But that may be hard to do when a resounding bolt of lightning crashs between the two of them. In an instant, Peter's faith in his ability to continue without being killed by lightning might falter, and down he would go.   However, maybe the lightning flashes so brilliantly that it highlights Jesus in an exceptional way, actually boosting his faith. However, the pirate ship was able to spot him in the flash and sends off a round from a cannon. Peter sees the giant splash as the pirates adjust their cannon for another shot, and down he goes.   Each thing that distracts us from the goal we are set on attaining has its own faith challenge that we must overcome. Apply that thought to your own life. You want to do a particular thing. You know you are fully competent to do it. And yet, the side issues each bring a challenge that your faith in yourself or your abilities says, “I don't think I can do that.”   How do we overcome such things? The answer is to keep our eyes on the Object of our faith. If what you are pursuing is sanctioned by the Lord, you have to know that it will come to pass. But if you continuously allow life's distractions that cause you to lack faith in the challenge they present, you will never attain your goal.   You don't really need to have all the confidence in the world concerning all things, though. You are finite, and it isn't possible to adjust to every scenario that will arise in the course of time. Rather, you need to have confidence that Jesus can handle them.   If Peter said, “I can't handle the sharks, lightning, or pirates, but I know Jesus has said I can come to Him. Therefore, I will make it to Him,” then he would have prevailed. This is why Paul says what he says in Philippians –   “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12, 13   Let us have faith that if we are working in accord with the will of the Lord, we will prevail in what we desire to do. If it isn't, then it will not come to pass. This isn't a fatalistic attitude. Rather, we are to strive for what we want but know that the Lord may not want it for us. If we don't strive to obtain the goal, it will certainly never be realized.   Lord God, help us in our faith. It gets challenged from ten thousand angles at a time, and we get distracted from the goal we are trying to attain. Help us to focus on the fact that You are with us in what we do. Because of Jesus, if it is meant to come about, it will. The side issues will never thwart what You have approved. Help us to remember this. Amen.  

In Peter's last letter, he makes clear that he will soon facedeath, and Peter wants to leave his readers with a final reminder of what he has taught about the gospel of Jesus Christ: The return of Christ in glory. Peter is going to provide us with two witnesses to establish the truthfulness of Christ's return in glory—the witness of the apostles and the prophetic word.

Sermon Notes:o Dallas Willard – Joy is a deep and pervasive sense of well-being, of knowing and trusting that God cares for us and is working for our good.o Are we a joyful church?o A church of joy focuses not on us, but on Jesus.o My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness.o Acts 2:22a – Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you…o Acts 2:22b – … accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.o Acts 2:23 – This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge, and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.o Acts 2:24 – But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.o Jesus was on a mission from God.o Jesus proved he was from God by his miracles and mighty works.o Jesus died for our sins on the cross because it was God's plan.o Jesus was resurrected by God to show death was defeated.o Being a church of joy means this is Jesus' church, not ours.o To help as many people as possible take their next step toward Jesus.o Being church of joy means we are participating in God's plan.o You are to be my witnesses…o Are you participating in God's plan?o Being a church of joy means we are forgiven people.o Being a church of joy means we are Easter People!o Acts 2:37-39 - 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”o 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”o Heavenly Father, I confess I have failed at life. Please forgive me. I give you control of my life and from now on I will follow Jesus.o Lake Baptism, Sunday, September 14, 5 pm.o Thy will be done, thy kingdom come.LIFE Group Discussion QuestionsOpener: On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 is high) what score would give to our church being a church of joy? Please share your reasons.Go Deeper1. Read Acts 2:22-24.a. In Peter's list of core beliefs, what do you see as the core beliefs required to be a follower of Jesus?b. In your opinion, what do modern day Christians add to the list? What is the impact of adding something to Peter's list?c. Imagine being in the crowd that day. What might be the biggest stumbling block to you as you pondered following Jesus?2. Read Acts 2:37-39a. Notice the reaction of the crowd. What do you think it means that they were cut to the heart?b. To repent is to go the other direction. Have you known someone who professed Jesus and was baptized, but showed no life change? What do you think Jesus would say about their relationship to him?c. Baptism was well known in Jesus time. Converts to Judaism were baptized. Why do you think Jesus told his followers to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?3. Name three things your group can do that will help our church be a church of joy.

In Peter's first of eleven speeches in Acts, he showed how Judas needed to replaced with another apostle so that the remade Israel would be complete and ready to be a witness to the nations.

Steeped in historical narratives, the elusive search for the Holy Grail has captured the imaginations of Men for centuries.  Mysterious tales, rich with intrigue, highlight the adventurous pursuits of the Knights Templar whose alleged role was that of guardianship, and the exploits of those with less than noble aims. Against all speculative accounts and investigative efforts, the true nature of the Grail, as well as the inscrutable motives of those coveting its incredible powers still remains shrouded in the mists of time. Is the enigmatic Grail a relic of the past, or has it been right under our feet the entire time?  Peter Dawkins, co-founder of the Gatekeeper Trust and founder-principal of the Francis Bacon Research Trust, joins this Alfacast to discuss the ancient art of pilgrimage as a way of journeying with an awareness of the sacred nature of our environment.  Peter also runs the Zoence Academy and Mystery School together with his wife and partner Sarah, which is particularly involved in the Western wisdom traditions and the wisdom of the land. Peter is a philosopher, historian, author, lecturer, teacher and leader of workshops, seminars and special events in many countries of the world. His specialist interest is in the Western wisdom traditions and mysteries, mythology, sacred architecture and landscape, and the English Renaissance. He is a recognised authority on the history and wisdom of the 16th/17th century Rosicrucians, Francis Bacon and Shakespeare, and their effect on the world. He teaches mostly through talks, seminars, workshops, mystery school events and pilgrimages to sacred sites of the world. In Peter's own words:  "Just as acupressure can restore the healthy flow of vital energy in humans, so walking with awareness, and in a simple, friendly and sacred way, can help Mother Earth. It can enhance the Earth's natural energies, helping to bring healing and balance to the environment and to the planet as a whole." Peter will introduce the Baconian work, which is likewise involved with knowledge of the landscape, as well as the history, philosophy, culture and consciousness to elucidate the otherwise esoteric Western Wisdom Traditions. Shakespeare and the Rosicrucians. Peter's book, The Shakespeare Enigma, presents the treasure trail that leads to (and is) this ‘doorway', whilst its complementary book, Building Paradise, describes what the Baconian-Rosicrucian method and work actually is. A panoramic summary of this wisdom knowledge is given in his book, Core Truths, and  a more detailed description of the wisdom that underlies the Shakespeare plays can be found in his series of books on the ‘Wisdom of Shakespeare' . The FBRT website and most of the essays are also written by Peter, which go into even greater detail concerning all of this and more. Perhaps the Earth itself is the Grail, and it is incumbent on each of us to reinvigorate ourselves, and the land we so take for granted, by walking the path of awareness. Show links: https://www.peterdawkins.com https://www.fbrt.org.uk Learn The True Nature Of Dis-Ease & How Our Bodies Actually Work: https://alfavedic.com/themyth/ Join Our Private Community And Join In The Discussion: https://alfavedic.com/join-us/ Follow our new YT channel: / @offgridelegance Start healing yourself and loved ones with ozone! https://alfavedic.com/ozone Get our favorite blue blocker glasses! https://alfavedic.com/raoptics Learn how to express your law and uphold your rights as one of mankind. https://alfavedic.com/lawformankind Alfa Vedic is an off-grid agriculture & health co-op focused on developing products, media & educational platforms for the betterment of our world. By using advanced scientific methods, cutting-edge technologies and tools derived from the knowledge of the world's greatest minds, the AV community aims to be a model for the future we all want to see. Our comprehensive line of health products and nutrition is available on our website. Most products are hand mixed and formulated right on our off grid farm including our Immortality Teas which we grow on site. Find them all at https://alfavedic.com​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Follow Alfa Vedic: https://linktr.ee/alfavedic Follow Mike Winner: https://linktr.ee/djmikewinner

In Peter's Pentecost sermon, we hear a man whose mind has been renewed: he now sees all things through the lens of Scripture. Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers how this change in Peter calls for a change in our own thinking. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/seeing-through-the-lens-of-scripture/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Luke 6: 27-49 The New Way of Jesus Part 2. Kingdom Ethics Luke’s Sermon on the Plain continues. We read together Luke 6: 27-49 This is a shorter version of Matthew’s sermon but it still contains no less than 22 separate points! We will look at them in groups. 1. Love your enemies v27, 28 It is easy to miss some of the practical implications of these statements. They mean, for instance, that a Christian will never refuse to speak to someone, whatever they may have said or done. And it will affect our behaviour towards someone who wants the same job as we do. Question 1: What effect will it have on us if we force ourselves to speak kindly in those sorts of situation? Where else can you think of where obeying Jesus might have some positive results in our everyday and family life? Pause. Even if we have to force ourselves to speak well in that sort of situation doing so will have a good effect on our underlying attitudes towards that person. If we fall out with someone at work we must be careful to greet them in exactly our usual cheerful way the next morning. They will find it very hard to respond in anything other than the same way. It is hard to obey Jesus when the inevitable problems of family life occur. Are you the person who is always the first to try and mend a damaged relationship? 2. Not standing up for our rights v29-31 Is it really possible to act like this in the real world? What happens if someone takes my bicycle? Do I give them my motorbike? Perhaps Jesus is making one of his outrageously impossible statements (camels through needles; plucking out eyes etc.) so that we remember better the principle behind what he said. Total obedience to what Jesus taught here would rapidly lead to us having no money at all! Question 2: What should we do in the practical things of every day to put the principle behind these statements into practice? Pause. I think the only possible answer to this is to say we have to be careful not to put ourselves first in what we do but put others in front of ourselves. It is, of course, a great deal easier to say that than to actually do it in the real world we live in. It is also, of course, a great deal easier to hear it said and mentally agree than to go out and do it! 3. Doing better than expected v32–35a Probably ‘lending’ in that culture, as in many, was a nice way of talking about giving somebody something. Question 3: Should we ever lend like that without expectation of a return? Shouldn’t we call it what it is from the beginning if that is what we intend, rather than using such double talk? Pause. Not all the things our culture wants us to do are necessarily what we should do as followers of Jesus. In some cultures it is more important to say something that pleases the person we are talking to than to tell the truth. Jesus said he was “the way, the truth, and the life”. That means we must be in all things as truthful as we can possibly be even if that is against our culture and traditions. 4. The results of this behaviour v35b, 36 We will probably see that we will have all sorts of problems in living up to what Jesus said. It is so difficult to obey what he said and still live life in the real world. Perhaps it is impossible. But Jesus was probably doing this deliberately to make us see that we can never in ourselves be good enough to appear before the Lord God. We can only rely on his mercy and goodness consequent on the self-sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross for our acceptance. Question 4: Why does Jesus call us sons, or children, in this context (v36b)? Pause. This is to emphasize that we are in a personal relationship with the Father God. And that again can only be through the acceptance that Jesus obtained for us by his death on the Cross. When we call God our Father that means we accept all our fellow Christians as our brothers and sisters. 5. What we give will be what we get v37, 38 The first sentence in v37 is sometimes used to suggest we should never judge anything or anybody at all. But, of course, we do! If we didn’t, how could we ever correct anyone and life in and out of the church would be impossibly difficult. Question 5: How should we understand v37 in such a way as to be realistic and yet follow Jesus properly? Pause. Matthew adds ‘in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.’ (Matt 7: 2). If we are prepared to face the truth and be judged by it we may make other people face the truth. If not, not! Verses 37b and 38 could be taken to mean simply the better you are the better your life will be. Life is never as easy as that (Ps 73: 1-5, 13, 14). Question 6: How, then, do we understand what Jesus meant? Pause. Some people teach a false gospel which promises obvious material blessing to the believer. This is clearly not the way the Kingdom in the world works as Ps 73: 2, 13, 14 points out. The book of Job and Luke 13: 1 –5 say much the same. What we are promised is reward for faithfulness in the day of the Lord when the world comes to an end. We are to look to our own reward and not make judgments on what should happen to other people. 6. How to live for the Kingdom v39–45 The parables of the blind, the student and the plank all, in different ways, emphasize that we need to be walking in the Way of Jesus if we want to be good and do things that matter in the kingdom of the Spirit. We need to be able to see, to be properly trained and not be blinded by things that should not be there. Then the parable of the good tree emphasizes that we need to be the right sort of tree. Being a better thorn bush will not lead to fruit, just bigger thorns! Question 7: How can we tell whether someone, or ourselves, is the right sort of tree? Pause. When we set out to follow Jesus we are told that we shall be saved at the final day. But we are also told that account will be taken of the whole of our lives as followers (Rom 14: 10, 12; 2 Cor 5: 10). It is hard to see how these two teachings fit together. It is best to take them both as the Lord’s word to us and strive to live in the light of both of them. 7. The Summary v46-49 Luke’s version of this story is slightly different from Matthew’s perhaps more familiar one. It is often called ‘the parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders’. That is a good title for the parable in Matthew, not so good for this one of Luke’s! Question 8: What title would more accurately summarize this parable? Pause. The word ‘foundation’ is the most important one in this parable. It ties this parable to many other Biblical verses. Perhaps the most significant is Isaiah 28: 16 which refers to the temple but is used by Peter (1 Pet 2: 6) of Jesus. In Peter’s little picture Jesus is the all important foundation. Peter, like Jesus, emphasises that we are to do the building. Click or tap here to save/download this as a MP3 audio file

Peter is GRIEVED that Jesus has to ask him the same question 3 times in a row. I don't think he's mad at Jesus. I think Peter is grieved at himself; that the 3x question was needed for his own benefit.          In the church, the best LEADERS are the best LOVERS of God. So, Peter had to get this right with the Lord. In Peter's case, it is the BROKEN who make the best witnesses for the Lord.https://youtu.be/1tGUgrtzLiw

 It has always been so – but it is more obvious today – how meaningless life is in the ultimate sense.  More than ever before people are living for the here and now.  With this thought in mind we can relate to the words of the prophet Habakkuk.      In today's ch. 2 where he says of his decadent nation, “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own … and loads himself with pledges.”[v.6] It is so in today's ‘have it now' society in the western world – pledging payment sometime later and almost always forever in debt. A question is asked in v.13, “Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts that people labour merely for fire, and nations weary themselves for nothing.”     Once again God's prophet reminds his people (and us the readers) that God is behind the scenes and knows all – and has the ultimate control. People labour “merely for fire” – to provide heat in time of cold, to cook their food – and light in the darkness.  Few had any long term view of life, they had then and have now, no idea of God's vision as stated in the very next verse.  “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”   Any vision people have could be described as ‘tunnel vision' –that of having fixed objects of thought – unable to see the larger perspective, Job's ‘friends' suffered from this.  As we read Peter's 1st epistle we particularly noticed his reference to “when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared.” [3 v.20] Noah and his sons laboured for 100 long years while around them was total godlessness (Gen. 6 v.5). Peter sees their salvation in the ark as it was was riding on the flood waters as a type of baptism; he writes, “Baptism which corresponds to this (the flood), now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience …” [v.21]  Baptism cleanses the conscience and provides a new start, with a new vision ‘nothingness' is swept away – and replaced by the anticipation of participation in the glory that is coming. In Peter's time God's judgements were looming over Israel, Jerusalem was doomed for rejecting the Messiah, and Peter warns, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded …”  [4 v.7] – the very opposite attitude to those who ”weary themselves for nothing.”   Let us all heed Peter's words, living with a real sense of purpose in our hearts “by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified  through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” [v.11]

In Peter's second letter, the apostle writes to encourage the church to confirm their calling and election by exercising the divine power given to them for life and godliness. Peter warns them against false teachers who claim Christ but in reality are self-glorifying and treacherous, exploiting the church in their greed with made-up stories. Finally, Peter encourages the church to patiently await Christ's second coming, for the judgment of the wicked is sure. Since this is a short epistle we'll have a double dose of Isaiah, reading chapters 52-53, wherein the suffering servant is pierced because of our rebellion and crushed because of our iniquities, but we are healed by his wounds.2 Peter 1 - 1:13 . 2 Peter 2 - 4:59 . 2 Peter 3 - 9:42 . Isaiah 52 - 13:44 . Isaiah 53 - 17:09 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

If you knew your time on earth was short, what would you do? Go see the Great Wall of China? Surf Teahupoʻo? In Peter's mind, knowing our time is short should lead us to pursue greater love — for God and for others. If you need to experience God's love, join us for this message in 1 Peter 4!

"Exiles on Watch," Exiles, 1 Peter 5:6-14, The Very Rev. Dr. Dan Alger. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

"Shepherds in Exile," Exiles, 1 Peter 5:1-5, The Very Rev. Dr. Dan Alger. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

"Exile and Restoration," Exiles, 1 Peter 4:1-11, J.D. Meeder. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

"Fighting Differently," Exiles, 1 Peter 3:8-17, The Rev. Dcn. Melissa Lewkowicz As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

"Wives and Husbands in Exile," Exiles, 1 Peter 3:1-7, The Rt. Rev. Alan Hawkins. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

"Exiles and Earthly Authority," Exiles, 1 Peter 2:13-25 The Very Rev. Dr. Dan Alger. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

"Suffering Differently," Exiles, 1 Peter 1:3-9, The Very Rev. Dr. Dan Alger. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

1 Peter: Grace and Glory for Suffering Exiles A Survey of the Bible For the bulletin in PDF form, click here. Message SlidesPeter - Illustrated Bible DictionaryPeter - The Baker Illustrated Bible DictionaryPeter's Ministry - Chuck SwindollIntroduction to 1 Peter - Jim SamraThe Message of 1 Peter - Chuck SwindollContext: Who, Where, When, and Why?• Who composed 1 Peter?• Who was Peter's original audience?• When was 1 Peter written? • Where were the author and his readers?• Why was 1 Peter written? Content: How and What? Prologue (1:1-2) Remember - The Glory of Salvation (1:3-16) - The believer has been born again. (1:3-5) - The believer is being grieved by trials. (1:6-12) - Suffer with steadfast hope. (1:13-16) Embrace - The Glory of Suffering (1:17-4:19) - Salvation of the soul is worked out in relation to God. (1:17-21) - Salvation of the soul is worked out in relation to the brethren. (1:22–2:10) - Salvation of the soul is worked out in relation to the world. (2:11–3:7) - Salvation of the soul is worked out in relation to suffering. (3:8–4:19) Submit - The Glory of Humility (5:1-9) - Humbly lead the church as those who will give an account. (5:1-4) - Humbly submit to those in authority to experience God's grace. (5:5) - Humble yourself as a part of submitting to God. (5:6-7) - Be on guard against the devil and resist him by standing firm. (5:8-9) Epilogue (5:10-14)• What is the message of 1 Peter? Conviction: So What?• Where does 1 Peter fit? - In Peter's first letter he includes one of the all-time great summaries of our salvation and then goes on to make application of that to our experience in suffering. - 1 Peter is both theologically substantial and practically helpful.• What should we believe? - God is sovereign and gracious. - Suffering is real and difficult. - The glory of our salvation is a motivation for endurance. • How should we behave? - Reflect on the riches of divine grace and the glory of our salvation. - Endure hardship and suffering as an exercise in Christ-likeness. - Hope for the final redemption and be humble as you wait for vindication.Next steps • Remember the glory of salvation by grace. • Embrace the opportunities found in suffering well for Christ. • Submit to God and the authorities He has established. This Week's Growth GuideGod's Word is both central and critical to your spiritual growth. We invite you to utilize the Growth Guide during the week to further your application of the Truth from the message.•. Monday - 1 Peter 1:1-16•. Tuesday - 1 Peter 1:17-2:10•. Wednesday - 1 Peter 2:11-3:7•. Thursday - 1 Peter 3:8-4:19•. Friday - 1 Peter 5:1-7•. Saturday - 1 Peter 5:8-14 Home Church Questions • Peter addresses his letter to the “elect exiles” (NAS “strangers”) in his introduction (cf. 1:17; 2:11). As believers, how does this change the way we view the circumstances of life? How does the way we live our lives change when we forget this truth?• Read 1:6-7. Describe a time in your life when you were distressed by a trial you encountered. How was your faith tested?• Are you now facing a trial? Why do you think God is testing you? What does Peter say is the result for faithfully enduring that testing (v.7)? • Verse 1 of chapter 2 lists five things we are to rid ourselves of. Which of these tends to sneak into your heart and actions?• On a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the strongest, how would you characterize your longing for the spiritual milk of the Word in 2:2? In what way has Ken's journey through the books of the Bible fueled that hunger?• What are some things that keep us from desiring the Word as we should?• Read 2:13-17. How does this instruction apply to us in our current political environment?• It is clear that God's will for our lives includes suffering (4:19). What response would show that you are entrusting yourself to God when you encounter suffering? What would show that you are not entrusting yourself to God?• After answering this, read 3:9-12. What are the “do not's” and the “do's” that Peter lists for us?• Read 5:6-7. How would you characterize your ability to “cast your anxiety on him?” How does this relate to humbling yourself under God's mighty hand?• What particular strategy does your adversary the devil use toward you to devour your faith and hope? How do you resist him? [ref. 5:8-9] MISSION HIGHLIGHTOf the 8 billion people in the world, 3.4 billion live in areas that have not been reached with the gospel. These regions remain largely unreached due to persecution, cultural barriers, governmental restrictions, and other challenges that prevent the gospel from spreading. As we consider the vast number of people who have yet to hear the good news, let us pray that God will raise up individuals who are willing to go into these difficult places, regardless of the cost, to share the message of Christ. Pray also that those living in these regions will embrace the gospel, find hope in Jesus, and stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution.FinancesWeekly Budget 35,297Giving For 08/25 23,927Giving For 09/01 25,132YTD Budget 317,674 Giving 284,249 OVER/(UNDER) (33,425) Equipping ClassesThe Equipping Ministry exists to equip and release our church body to deepen their understanding and experience of God & His word, develop genuine, Spirit-led living, and consistently invest in making disciples. We are providing a variety of courses this Fall and our hope is that you would prayerfully consider signing up for one that would help you grow in your faith or gain some skills for furthering your personal ministry. Please check out fellowshipconway.org/equipping to learn about all the other options and register today. New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Couple's Night OutCouples, wear your dancing shoes and join us for a delightful evening at our Ol' Southern Social on Saturday, September 14, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Renewal Ranch (75 Lake Dr. Houston, AR). The night will be filled with fun games, lively folk music, folk dancing, and refreshments—child care will be provided at Fellowship by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332. Fellowship Women's Fall Retreat - BreatheRest, eat, worship, and make new friends in beautiful Heber Springs. We would love for you to join us at our October 25-27 fall retreat. To learn more and to register go to fellowshipconway.org/women. Men's Fellowship Breakfast Men, join us for a great breakfast and fellowship on Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 a.m. here in the Fellowship atrium. No sign-up is needed. Come with your Bible, ready to eat, fellowship with other men, and start your day off right through prayer and Biblical insight. Questions? Contact Michael at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org. Men's Bible Study - Systematic Theology Thursdays 6-7:00 a.m. - Ken will pick up the continued study of Systematic Theology with a focus on Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation including Election, Grace, Justification, Assurance, Eternal Security and other related topics. Fellowship 201Join us on September 15th and 22nd as we launch Fellowship 201. This class is designed for anyone who has gone through Fellowship 101 in the last year and those who simply want to have a deeper understanding of our beliefs. Together, we will go through core Christian teachings of the faith and how they apply to our daily lives. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.

"From Peter to the Exiles," Exiles, 1 Peter 1:1-5, The Very Rev. Dr. Dan Alger. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, an yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen concludes a series on the writings of Peter. In Peter's writings, we see a man who experienced intense persecution but remained steadfast. Peter's message is clear: despite trials and tensions—from outside and within the church—our hope is not rooted in this world. Peter urges us to stand firm in God's true grace and to keep growing in our faith. Also, as part of the "Something To Say!" series, we'll start the message with someone's testimony. We hope you find it encouraging. Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on September 1, 2024, at 10:15am. You can find us online at nwhills.com. Key Moments 00:00 Welcome 00:57 Something to Say: A Journey of Faith 04:05 Message: Concluding the Series on Peter 15:19 Recognizing Unsung Heroes in the Church 20:25 Praising a Faithful God 24:31 Challenges in Understanding Scripture 34:06 A Story of Perseverance and Faith

Today's episode Matthew and Nort review the 1991 which is an American fantasy adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by James V. Hart and Malia Scotch Marmo. It stars Robin Williams as Peter Banning / Peter Pan, Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook, and Julia Roberts as Tinker Bell. In Peter's new life, he is known as Peter Banning, a successful but career-minded lawyer with a wife (Wendy's granddaughter) and two children. However, when his old archenemy, Captain Hook, kidnaps his children, he returns to Neverland to save them. Along the journey, he reclaims the memories of his past and develops full emotional maturity.We are a comedy movie review podcast where Matthew & Nort take turns watching and reviewing a movie the other host has not seen. They go over the entire plot with spoilers and discuss how they feel about the film. They also talk about fun facts, box office, actors, and how the movie impacted us.Join our Patreon to support the show and get ad-free podcast episodes, full access to our exclusive Patron Discord, and get access to a secret podcast called Flight School where we watch and review a TV Pilot voted on by the Patrons! You get all of that for the low price of $5! Sources for So, You Finally WatchedSupport the lovely people who created stuff for the show:Art by: Meraki2019Deep Voice by: MarlarIntro music by: OzeyzinGET THE MERCH!Scroll down the page to find our shows! GET THE CHIBI SHIRT!https://encounterco-shop.fourthwall.com/pages/byshowWe are a part of The Encounter Co. network! Check out all the other awesome shows on the network! Follow us on Twitter at:Show: @SYFWPodNort's Twitter: @NortSauwceOther Socials:Instagram: SoyoufinallywatchedpodTik Tok: SyfwpodcastYouTube: So, You Finally Watched PodcastIf you liked the show be sure to leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify so we can get the word out about our show! Also tell a friend or two! Thanks for listening! Nort has another podcast with his co-host and wife Anna called Reading isn't for Kids! The pair review and discuss children chapter books, YA books, and sometimes comics. Check it out here!If you want to check out Nort's actual play podcast click this link! The show is called Grim Encounters and it is a campy horror actual play podcast using the Chill 3rd Edition ruleset for seasons 1-3 and season 4 is a campy sci-fi Fallout setting. Best place to start is Season 1, Season 2, or Season 4.

In Peter's second interview with Chris Martenson, the two analyze the precarious state of global economies, particularly focusing on Japan's economic trajectory as a cautionary tale for the United States. They advocate for honest dialogue and collective action to address impending economic catastrophes as brought on by an inability to pay the debt, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and the need for communities to unite in navigating during the coming economic calamity. Chris Martenson, Ph.D., MBA is an economic researcher and futurist, and founder of PeakProsperity.com. His COVID video series garnered more than 40 million views and has helped millions better understand, adapt, and prepare for the Pandemic of 2020.Peter's previous interview with Chris Watch this episode on YouTube.

1 Peter 5:7 In Peter's first epistle, he writes; “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you”.  One might ask the question, how do I throw my care upon the Lord?  Of course, the language here is metaphorical!  Peter doesn't mean that we are to physically do this, that would be an impossibility.  His language is figurative.  We are to cast our care/burdens upon Him by committing them into His care by faith.  We are to TRUST Him with our fears and anxieties, and when we do that, we don't have to be anxious anymore because Father has got them.  He cares for me!!!  Oh, we're awfully good at casting “some” of our cares upon Him, but that is not what the text says.  It says for us to cast ALL our care upon Him — IT'S ALL OR NOTHING!!!!  We are to cast all our care upon Him and to LEAVE them upon Him!!!  

In Peter's Pentecost sermon, we hear a man whose mind has been renewed: he now sees all things through the lens of Scripture. Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers how this change in Peter calls for a change in our own thinking. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/seeing-through-the-lens-of-scripture A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

2 Peter 1 - 1:13 . 2 Peter 2 - 4:59 . 2 Peter 3 - 9:42 . Isaiah 52 - 13:44 . Isaiah 53 - 17:09 . In Peter's second letter, the apostle writes to encourage the church to confirm their calling and election by exercising the divine power given to them for life and godliness. Peter warns them against false teachers who claim Christ but in reality are self-glorifying and treacherous, exploiting the church in their greed with made-up stories. Finally, Peter encourages the church to patiently await Christ's second coming, for the judgment of the wicked is sure. Since this is a short epistle we'll have a double dose of Isaiah, reading chapters 52-53, wherein the suffering servant is pierced because of our rebellion and crushed because of our iniquities, but we are healed by his wounds.::: Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In Peter's Pentecost sermon, we hear a man whose mind has been renewed: he now sees all things through the lens of Scripture. Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers how this change in Peter calls for a change in our own thinking. Read the transcript: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/seeing-through-the-lens-of-scripture