This week, we will conclude our sermon series on 1 Peter by examining the theme of humility. The Apostle Peter calls on the elders of the churches to lead by example. We will discover that, as someone once said, “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.” Jesus calls us to put God first, then others, and ourselves last. Join us as we look at the benefits of living in humility.

Ever notice how certain products are more durable and tend to last longer than others? When it comes to vehicles, our family tends to buy Toyotas or Hondas because they seem to be built better and last longer. We buy these brands for their durability. This Sunday, we will read from 1 Peter 4, where we are encouraged to have a durability in these last days. Join us as we examine Peter's challenge not to give up on or throw away our faith, but to have lasting perseverance that can withstand any trial we face.

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to do something beneficial or good? For instance, it's easy to be elbow deep in a bag of chips, but it's hard to eat our leafy greens and other vegetables. It's easy to be a couch potato and binge-watch episode after episode on Netflix, but it's hard to make our way to the gym and work up a sweat. In the same way, it's hard to do the Godly and righteous things we read about in scripture. In 1 Peter 3, we will discover that living Godly lives requires endurance and tenacity. This week, we will explore the benefits and the joys of enduring the longsuffering of doing what is righteous.

When Peter wrote this letter, he was enduring intense persecution in Rome. Yet, his message to the church that was scattered throughout present-day Turkey was to . . . rejoice. Peter encourages these mostly Gentile Christians to rejoice in the living hope that can only come through Jesus and His resurrection. This week, we will examine the living hope that is available to us.

Did you ever play with Legos when you were young? Do you enjoy building with Legos now that you are older? The Lego builds have become complicated, and there can be something deeply therapeutic and satisfying in building with Legos. In much the same way, Peter writes, "As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."(1 Peter 2:4-5). How is it possible that we are even worthy of being used by God, let alone being built into a "spiritual house?" It is only possible through the love and compassion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This week, we will celebrate His grace and compassion, which He continues to give us freely.