Sunday Recap 4-8-12

Sunrise: We had our annual sunrise service this morning. The sermon focused on Romans 1:1-4, especially in verse four where Paul says of Christ, "who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead." Jesus' sonship was proven with power. In the power of the Spirit he foretold of his death and resurrection. He also spoke of his power to lay down his life and to take it back up again. He proved his power was greater than the power of death because he defeated death and came back to life again.

Morning: The sermon, "Called to Cross Bearing," focused on 1 Peter 2:21-25. In this passage, Peter calls us to follow Jesus' example as we face suffering. The driving principle behind Peter's exhortation is that the servants are better than the master. To put it another way, we should expect to suffer because Jesus suffered. Peter says Jesus is the example.

Jesus set the example

Like Jesus, we are to patiently endure suffering. We look at Jesus and we see the righteous dying for the unrighteous. Peter says Jesus had no sin, no deceit, no need to retaliate, and never threatened his enemies. He was able to live this way because he entrusted himself to God, who judges justly.

Jesus paid the price

We are able to follow Christ's example because he died for us. Peter says, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live to righteousness" (1 Pet. 2:24). Through Christ death we are freed from the power of sin. His death has brought us forgiveness.

As we return to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls, we find hope and healing. We find freedom from sin and freedom to obey Christ.

Evening: No services