Read 1 & 2 Peter
Arguably, the boldest of the apostles, Peter’s life through the Bible was dramatic. From fisherman to follower, follower to coward, coward to Church father. If there was a man that exemplified the need for grace, Peter is he.
The Promise
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” (1 Peter 1:3)
Does this verse make you heart light? This promise of a “new birth” wasn’t made by my president, my teacher, or even my pastor, but from He who has the power and the proven record to deliver. I didn’t see it in a movie, or hear it in a song, but experienced it in my bedroom, on my knees, in a sobbing desperate voice. And He delivered. Yeeeeeeehaaaaw!
The Purpose
Peter writes honestly about the life of a follower of Jesus Christ, “You are a living stone by which our spiritual house is being built” (1 Peter 2:4). A stone used for building is chosen, sized, cut or chiseled to exacting dimensions to fit in just the right place so as to withstand great pressure. Peter doesn’t tease us with dreams of prosperity and happiness, instead he frankly directs us to, “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the King.” (1 Peter 2:17).
Our Prize
In this life there will be many times where our walls will crumble. How many times did Peter’s walls fall? Because of God’s grace, Peter rose again (restored by Jesus) to build a house that nothing can destroy. It’s not brick and mortar, but flesh and blood; you and me brothers and sisters. Let us rest assured, as we honor God with our lives; he is shaping us to fit perfectly into His Heavenly house.
- Mark Schaller serves as the New Believers Pastor at Adventure Church
