The Easter Example
Zach Terry
1 Peter 2:21
CONTEXT: Peter is writing from Rome to Christians of Asia Minor - the same regions and churches reference in the book of the Revelation. These believers lived in a context that was extremely hostile to christianity. Some had probably fled Jerusalem following the murder of Stephen, others following the killing of James. Israel and Rome were growing increasing violent toward followers of Jesus. ?
From the time this letter was written over the next 250 years that follow, Christianity would go from being the refuse of society to witnessing the conversion of Caesar himself, to becoming the national religion of the Roman Empire. It literally spread like wild fire.
Even secular historians are fascinated with the rapid expanse of the influence of Christianity. What was the secret? How did this marginalized, persecuted, minority religion literally turn the world upside down?
As a Church leader in the 21st Century - amidst a culture is growing more and more intolerant of biblical christianity, I find this a very relevant question. The text this morning holds the principles that energized this radical impact made by the early church.
TEXT: 1 Peter 2:21 (ESV)
21 For to this (that is suffering) you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.?
So you are called to suffering in a world that will never fully accept you or your faith. And how you respond to that suffering will determine how God may use you for the Gospel. The secret to knowing how to face suffering is to zoom in on the suffering of Christ.
In what way was His suffering an example or pattern for us to follow? Let me explain.
The Death, Burial and Resurrection happened over 3 days.
Friday - Cross. A day of pain, suffering, agony.
Saturday - was a day of perplexity, doubt, confusion, and drifting.
Sunday - was a day of promise, joy, celebration, and victory.
Now ...
Zach Terry
1 Peter 2:21
CONTEXT: Peter is writing from Rome to Christians of Asia Minor - the same regions and churches reference in the book of the Revelation. These believers lived in a context that was extremely hostile to christianity. Some had probably fled Jerusalem following the murder of Stephen, others following the killing of James. Israel and Rome were growing increasing violent toward followers of Jesus. ?
From the time this letter was written over the next 250 years that follow, Christianity would go from being the refuse of society to witnessing the conversion of Caesar himself, to becoming the national religion of the Roman Empire. It literally spread like wild fire.
Even secular historians are fascinated with the rapid expanse of the influence of Christianity. What was the secret? How did this marginalized, persecuted, minority religion literally turn the world upside down?
As a Church leader in the 21st Century - amidst a culture is growing more and more intolerant of biblical christianity, I find this a very relevant question. The text this morning holds the principles that energized this radical impact made by the early church.
TEXT: 1 Peter 2:21 (ESV)
21 For to this (that is suffering) you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.?
So you are called to suffering in a world that will never fully accept you or your faith. And how you respond to that suffering will determine how God may use you for the Gospel. The secret to knowing how to face suffering is to zoom in on the suffering of Christ.
In what way was His suffering an example or pattern for us to follow? Let me explain.
The Death, Burial and Resurrection happened over 3 days.
Friday - Cross. A day of pain, suffering, agony.
Saturday - was a day of perplexity, doubt, confusion, and drifting.
Sunday - was a day of promise, joy, celebration, and victory.
Now ...
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