Praise

Holy Love

1 Peter 1:13-2:3

Praise

1 Peter 1:3-12  Peter is writing to those suffering persecution, but he begins his letter by calling them to praise! Jesus is the living hope that transcends our circumstances. Even in the face of difficult situations, holy people can worship a holy God. Praise centers us in God's presence and reminds us where our hope is.

A Change of Mind

Luke 24:36-49  The resurrection is a miracle that defies logic, making it difficult for the human mind to accept it. The disciples could hardly believe what their senses were telling them as they talked with the One who was crucified and was now alive. It did not compute. Faith is not illogical, but it defies logic. Jesus invites us on a journey to believe what we cannot comprehend and to trust in that which we cannot control. When the world demands evidence, God provides presence, made known to us in faith around His table.

A Change of Pace

Matthew 11:28-30; Acts 9:1-9  Before he had an encounter with Christ, Saul's pace of life as a Pharisee was predictable and constant. Everything changed, however, on the road to Damascus. Saul's eyes were opened and the pace of his life changed. No longer did he walk by his own righteousness through adherence to the Law, but he learned to "keep in step with the Spirit" (Gal. 5:25) as he trusted in the righteousness of Christ. If you're frustrated by trying to fulfill the demands of discipleship on your own strength, the resurrected One offers you a change of pace: "His yoke is easy and his burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30)

A Change of Heart

Mark 16:7; Acts 2:37-39 The messenger at the empty tomb tells the women to, "Tell his disciples AND Peter." The resurrection of Jesus means that even those that deny him three times can experience forgiveness, hope, and restoration! Peter has a change of heart and is then empowered by the Holy Spirit to help others experience this change as well. His sermon on the day of Pentecost calls everyone to "repent and believe." God does his part in the cross and resurrection, but to receive it, we must repent and believe.