First and Second Peter are grouped in what are called the General Epistles, written to the Church at large. The theme of First Peter is the refining and growth potential in our sufferings, 1Pe 1:3, 1Pe 1:6; 1Pe 2:2. This epistle was written to believers scattered by persecution throughout Asia Minor (1 Pe 1:1). The date was circa 64-65 A.D.—the beginning of Nero’s persecutions. First Peter is the best known and loved of these epistles, called by E.J. Goodspeed, “One of the most moving pieces of persecution literature.” This epistle is written to suffering believers, and is styled by Isaac Walton as, “affectionate, loving, lowly, and humble.” This epistle conveys an intense expectation of the Lord’s return as seen in 1Pe 1:5, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:13, 1Pe 2:12, 1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 5:1, 1Pe 5:4.
Gene Cunningham - April 3, 2024
What does The Resurrection mean to you?
I want you to ponder with me a question tonight. What does the resurrection mean to you? Do you know that they recently did a poll throughout the United States? 70% of the people they polled said that they believe that Jesus actually rose from the dead. I found that astounding. Now, probably not all of them are believers, and they probably have not all taken advantage of what that resurrection means. But it's because they don't understand what it means. What does the resurrection mean to us? We're going to be in Ephesians 2:1-10, which is one of the most amazing passages of Scripture for many reasons that we're about to see. We're going to break it down in three lines. First, what we were without Christ, what we were without Christ, that's verses one through three. Then we're going to look at what God has done through Christ, and that's going to be verses four through seven. And then we're going to look at in verses 8 to 10, what are we now in Christ and why? And that last question is important. What are we now in Christ and why?
Scripture References: Ephesians 2:1-10
From Series: "What does The Resurrection mean to you?"
I want you to ponder with me a question tonight. What does the resurrection mean to you? Do you know that they recently did a poll throughout the United States? 70% of the people they polled said that they believe that Jesus actually rose from the dead. I found that astounding. Now, probably not all of them are believers, and they probably have not all taken advantage of what that resurrection means. But it's because they don't understand what it means. What does the resurrection mean to us? We're going to be in Ephesians 2:1-10, which is one of the most amazing passages of Scripture for many reasons that we're about to see. We're going to break it down in three lines. First, what we were without Christ, what we were without Christ, that's verses one through three. Then we're going to look at what God has done through Christ, and that's going to be verses four through seven. And then we're going to look at in verses 8 to 10, what are we now in Christ and why? And that last question is important. What are we now in Christ and why?