Transformed By Trouble

Living Hope: The Bedrock of Our Identity In Christ

In a world that feels increasingly unstable, where do we anchor our identity? This powerful message from 1 Peter 1:1-5 challenges us to stop seeking stability in our circumstances, abilities, or self-improvement strategies, and instead to root ourselves in who we are in Christ. The sermon introduces us to four foundational truths about our identity: we are elect, chosen by God Himself; we are exiles, not belonging to this fallen world but to heaven; we are sanctified, set apart by the Holy Spirit; and we are cleansed by Christ's blood. But knowing these truths isn't enough—we must live from them. When someone cuts us off in traffic, when a coworker disappoints us, when conflict arises at home, do we react from our wounded ego or respond from our identity as God's chosen children? The message uses the vivid illustration of funeral flowers—beautiful but dead, cut off from their roots—to describe the kind of hope many Christians carry: attractive on the surface but disconnected from the source of life. In contrast, Peter offers us a 'living hope' rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope doesn't fade, doesn't perish, and cannot be defiled because it's grounded not in our strength but in God's eternal power. We're invited to look up to God who planned our salvation, look back at His mercy shown on the cross, look inward at the new life He's given us, and look forward to our imperishable inheritance in heaven. The question isn't whether we can manage life better—it's whether we'll stop eating the husks of our old life and return to the Father who guards us with His almighty power.

Sunday Worship (Full Service) | May 31st, 2026

Welcome to Sunday Worship at Renewal Chapels! We’re so glad you’ve joined us for this morning’s live broadcast. Whether you’re watching from home, on the road, or across the country — you are part of our church family. Here’s how you can stay connected with us today: 🙏 Prayer Request: We’d be honored to pray with you. Submit your request here: https://renewalchapels.org/prayer-request [https://renewalchapels.org/prayer-request] 💝 Give Online: Your generosity helps us reach more people with the hope of Christ. Give safely and securely at: https://renewalchapels.org/give [https://renewalchapels.org/give] 📋 Connection Card: New here or want to take a next step? Fill out a digital connection card: https://renewalchapels.org/connect-card [https://renewalchapels.org/connect-card] 📲 Don’t forget to like, share, and comment to let us know you’re here!

Sunday Worship (Full Service) | May 24th, 2026

Welcome to Sunday Worship at Renewal Chapels! We’re so glad you’ve joined us for this morning’s live broadcast. Whether you’re watching from home, on the road, or across the country — you are part of our church family. Here’s how you can stay connected with us today: 🙏 Prayer Request: We’d be honored to pray with you. Submit your request here: https://renewalchapels.org/prayer-request [https://renewalchapels.org/prayer-request] 💝 Give Online: Your generosity helps us reach more people with the hope of Christ. Give safely and securely at: https://renewalchapels.org/give [https://renewalchapels.org/give] 📋 Connection Card: New here or want to take a next step? Fill out a digital connection card: https://renewalchapels.org/connect-card [https://renewalchapels.org/connect-card] 📲 Don’t forget to like, share, and comment to let us know you’re here!

Elect Exiles: Identity Before Endurance

In a world that feels increasingly unstable, where can we find our footing? This powerful message from 1 Peter reminds us that our stability doesn't come from our circumstances, our achievements, or even what others think of us. Instead, it comes from understanding our true identity in Christ. Before we ever face a single trial, before we experience rejection or suffering, God has already made four profound declarations about us: we are chosen by Him, we are called to be different as aliens in this world, we are uniquely gifted and sanctified by the Spirit, and we have been given clear direction and purpose through Christ's blood. These truths aren't just comforting thoughts—they're the foundation that keeps us standing when everything around us shakes. The storms of life will come to everyone, believer and unbeliever alike, but the question isn't whether the storms will arrive. The question is: what foundation are we building our lives upon? When we root our identity in being chosen by God rather than in feelings, performance, or people's approval, we discover a stability that persecution, physical pain, and life's hardships cannot destroy. This is the difference between the house built on sand and the house built on rock—not fewer storms, but a foundation that holds.

Sunday Worship (Full Service) | May 17th, 2026

Welcome to Sunday Worship at Renewal Chapels! We’re so glad you’ve joined us for this morning’s live broadcast. Whether you’re watching from home, on the road, or across the country — you are part of our church family. Here’s how you can stay connected with us today: 🙏 Prayer Request: We’d be honored to pray with you. Submit your request here: https://renewalchapels.org/prayer-request [https://renewalchapels.org/prayer-request] 💝 Give Online: Your generosity helps us reach more people with the hope of Christ. Give safely and securely at: https://renewalchapels.org/give [https://renewalchapels.org/give] 📋 Connection Card: New here or want to take a next step? Fill out a digital connection card: https://renewalchapels.org/connect-card [https://renewalchapels.org/connect-card] 📲 Don’t forget to like, share, and comment to let us know you’re here!