October 21, 2018 - - I Peter 1:3-5 - - Overflowing mercy

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

I Peter 1:3-5 NKJV

While driving for work I have the privilege of listening to sermons. Sinclair Ferguson is one of my current favorites and I am listening to a series from I Peter. Some of his observations and mine are presented here.

Note that it is the work of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit who bring us to and keep us in this great salvation. The whole trinity is at work. What hope and encouragement that gives to us. We do not keep ourselves in His love, but He by His power keeps us. It is to me like the picture of a squirming child, ill at ease in mom's arms and flailing all over, as mom gently whispers, soothes and holds her child. Mom holds the child until the child is quieted in her arms.

This is one aspect of the glory of God. He stoops down and cares for ruined sinners. None of us is as good as we think we are, in fact, most of us cannot admit to ourselves how stained with sin our hearts and minds really are. Yet we are united with Christ into His death. Our sins are punished on the Person of Christ at the cross and buried, and we rise with Him to new life. We are completely made new. This salvation, this glory will be fully revealed when Jesus returns.

Today is Sunday. Get yourself to a bible-believing, Good-news preaching, church. What glory belongs to God. What beautiful hope is ours! Blessed be His Name. If you are a church-goer already, make sure you welcome those who are new-comers. Speak with someone who you haven't talked to in a while and break from your usual huddle of friends.

Great are You God! Marvellous and abundant is the salvation You have prepared for Your people through Jesus Christ.Thank You for the work of Your Holy Spirit Who guards us in Your great love and keeps us in this living hope of salvation. Bring Christians to worship you this day with joy. Draw those who are hesitant to go to church in through the doors of churches where you have prepared people to receive them and bless them in the great Name of Jesus. Comfort the ones who are carrying sorrow into church. Strengthen those who feel weak. Encourage those whose hearts are tunneled with self-doubt. Bring us, whatever our condition or need, into Your loving arms and hold us until we are quieted in Your love. Amen.