“The Assurance of Our Salvation” # 2 1 Peter 1:3-5

TRANSCRIPT

Date: June 2, 2024 Author: Wayne J. Edwards

Our hearts are broken regarding the gruesome murder of Davy and Natalie Lloyd, who were full-time missionaries in Haiti. Certainly, their parents, relatives, and friends are stunned by the senseless slaughter of these two young people who had dedicated their lives to show God’s love to a few of the disadvantaged children in Haiti – but such a risk is part of the call to missions. On the other hand, our hearts are encouraged by Harrison Butker’s bold stand, given the caustic criticism he has received from the “woke” culture crowd for his pro-marriage, pro-family, and pro-life positions. In response to their disbelief that a major football player would have such outdated, conservative Christian values, Butker said, “I lean on those closest to me for guidance. But I can never forget that it is not people but Jesus Christ who I am trying to please.” Beloved, the Apostle Peter said, every Christian has been called to endure such suffering, even martyrdom. In fact, Peter said our response to suffering and persecution reveals the authenticity of our relationship with Christ. So, when such opportunities arise in our lives, we are to “ Rejoice, so that the genuineness of our faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 1:6–7 HCSB). The title of this sermon series is “How Should We Then Live?” We aim to reveal what the Scriptures define as an “Authentic Christian.” In this sermon, we continue to look at the scriptures that give us “The Assurance of Our Salvation.”

Our hearts are broken regarding the gruesome murder of Davy and Natalie Lloyd, who were full-time missionaries in Haiti. Certainly, their parents, relatives, and friends are stunned by the senseless slaughter of these two young people who had dedicated their lives to show God’s love to a few of the disadvantaged children in Haiti – but such a risk is part of the call to missions.

On the other hand, our hearts are encouraged by Harrison Butker’s bold stand, given the caustic criticism he has received from the “woke” culture crowd for his pro-marriage, pro-family, and pro-life positions. In response to their disbelief that a major football player would have such outdated, conservative Christian values, Butker said, “I lean on those closest to me for guidance. But I can never forget that it is not people but Jesus Christ who I am trying to please.”

Beloved, the Apostle Peter said, every Christian has been called to endure such suffering, even martyrdom. In fact, Peter said our response to suffering and persecution reveals the authenticity of our relationship with Christ. So, when such opportunities arise in our lives, we are to “ Rejoice, so that the genuineness of our faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 1:6–7 HCSB).

The title of this sermon series is “How Should We Then Live?” We aim to reveal what the Scriptures define as an “Authentic Christian.” In this sermon, we continue to look at the scriptures that give us “The Assurance of Our Salvation.”

Download the following translated Sermon guides:

Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 64:1-12 New Testament Reading – Ephesians 1:15-22

In his epistles, the Apostle Peter revealed the essence of his life-calling was to challenge believers to maintain hope while enduring persecution, for therein lies the assurance of our eternal salvation.

The joy of the Lord we enjoy today is only a foretaste of what will be ours for all eternity. “In thy presence is the fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11

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