1Peter 1:1-12 The Church of the future

Look to the future now it’s only just begun

What does the future hold?

1Peter 1:1-12 The Church of the future

Hope in the people we are v1+2We are vulnerable in this world, yet secure because of God’s choice.

1Peter 1:1-12 The Church of the future

Hope in the people we are v1+2We are vulnerable in this world, yet secure because of God’s choice.

Identity – God’s peoplePurpose – to live for Jesus

1Peter 1:1-12 The Church of the future

Hope in the people we are v1+2Hope for the future that awaits us v3-5We have been born again to a living hope, because of God’s mercy.

a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not, as some modern people think, a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is.

If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.

Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither. CS Lewis

1Peter 1:1-12 The Church of the future

Hope in the people we are v1+2Hope for the future that awaits us v3-5We have been born again to a living hope, because of God’s mercy.

We have a sure and certain inheritance

1Peter 1:1-12 The Church of the future

Hope in the people we are v1+2Hope for the future that awaits us v3-5Hope in the One who keeps us v5-12– We are being kept for the inheritance v5

Feelings

Time

Feelings about being kept

Reality of being kept

Feelings

Time

1Peter 1:1-12 The Church of the future

Hope in the people we are v1+2Hope for the future that awaits us v3-5Hope in the One who keeps us v5-12– We are being kept for the inheritance v5– through suffering v6+7

Much of Western Christianity is figuratively a mile wide, but the depth of commitment is untested and whether the individual Christian is willing to suffer discrimination, marginalization, abuse, loss of property or even life is unknown.

Bishop David Anderson American Anglican Council

1Peter 1:1-12 The Church of the future

Hope in the people we are v1+2Hope for the future that awaits us v3-5Hope in the One who keeps us v5-12– We are being kept for the inheritance v5– through suffering v6+7– and we rejoice v6-9– in the Jesus who suffered for us v10-12

Immanuel – God with us is the Onewho will save His people from their sins

1Peter 1:1-12 The Church of the future

Hope in the people we are v1+2Hope for the future that awaits us v3-5Hope in the One who keeps us v5-12

So let us: Look to the future now it’s only just begun