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Creation is Blessed

Genesis 1:20-28. [Series on: The Blessed] Usually, when you go to the zoo, there are sections of the zoo that people don’t stand too long to watch as they give an icky feeling. But then there is the section that everyone likes, like the penguin section. I like the penguin section, too! Scriptures refer to God’s creation as blessed. The passage tells the creation story. We see God’s goodness in creation, even with its variety and contrasting elements. All God made was good, yes, the icky ones, too (v24). And He blessed His creation (v22, 28). Although we live in a fallen world due to sin, we also live in a blessed world—blessed from the very beginning and sustained by the God of covenant and faithfulness (Genesis 1:22,28; Genesis 8:21-9:1). In the Psalms, David repeatedly refers to God’s blessed creation in wonder. He expresses that we are so blessed and… Undeserving of it. “What is man that yo
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Disciples are Blessed

Matthew 5:1-12 NIV. [Series on: The Blessed] How would you describe a blessed and happy life? One of my friends believes there’s only one happy person each week, the lottery winner, and the rest of us just have make-believe happiness. Maybe you share my friend's view or have your own picture of happiness. The Bible also has its own picture, and in this short series on the Blessed we'll see who are the blessed of Scripture. In today's passage, Jesus gathers His disciples to the mountainside, away from the crowd and teaches them what a truly blessed and happy life—beatitude—looks like. Jesus shows that a blessed life is the life of a disciple, those who are: Poor in spirit (v3, Psalm 42:1; 63:1): who depend on God in everything. Mourning (v4, Isaiah 61:2-3): who seek God’s rescue/forgiveness by repentance. Meek (v5, Psalm 37:9-11): who humbly wait for the Lord amidst life’s
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In trials, Remain in the fold!

1 Peter 5:1-14 NIV. Despite its fleeting nature, the allure of worldliness can be powerful. The world presents a supposedly better way of life accompanied by trendy hashtags like #yolo, #choplife, and #softlife. How appealing such worldly invitations would have been for Peter's audience in the face of stern trials, the thought that switching sides to the worldly alternative could relieve their trials. As Peter ends this first letter, he encourages believers to remain in the fold—in the family of God, in Christ's sheepfold—because those who are in the fold will share in Christ's glory (vv 1, 4, 10-11). So, remain in the family of God by continuing to... Be shepherds (v1-4). If entrusted as a shepherd or leader, faithfully serve those under your care with exemplary living as one accountable to God (1-3). This is how you will receive a crown of glory from the Chief Shepherd (4). So,
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In trials, Have Christ's attitude

1 Peter 4:1-19 NIV. Many times, whether we are effective in something depends on our attitude. In referring to Christian suffering (v16), Peter begins the passage by saying: have the attitude of Christ in suffering (v1). So, what is Christ's attitude in suffering? Attitude is the way one feels or thinks about something. So, how did Christ feel or think about His suffering? And so, how should we feel or think about our suffering? Like Christ, we should feel that our suffering is for: God's will (v1-6, 19). The Christian life is one lived for the will of God (v2)—a Christ-like rather than sinful living (v1-3). This kind of life comes with suffering because it does not conform to the world's sinful ways (v4). But the one living in God's will is done with sin and, therefore, has escaped God's sure judgment (v5-6). When in the face of trials, like Jesus, we are to commit oursel
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In trials, Speak fearlessly!

1 Peter 3:8-22 NIV. Our actions in trials are significant, but so are our words. So believers—"all of you"—are to live Christ-like to one another (v8) as witnesses in the world (2:11-3:7) . But often, Christ-like living attracts different kinds of responses from unbelievers, ranging from hostility to curiosity. So, Peter encourages believers in trials to use their words wisely. Speak fearlessly (8-17) Speak blessing fearlessly (9-14a). To hostile unbelievers, believers must not speak evil, but blessing because that's what it means to be a Christian with an eternal inheritance (v9, 1:4) and because there is a reward for righteous speaking (v10). This reward includes life, good days, God's presence and attentiveness (v10-12, quoting Psalm 34:12-16). The section ends with a challenge to be fearless in speaking blessing—to be eager in good deeds (13), even if you suffe
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In trials, Live as Witnesses!

1 Peter 2:11-3:7 NIV. My friend once came across a tasty sauce and decided that that was his new secret ingredient. He added it to everything, to bread, to rice, name it, and it eventually became annoying. I guess if you found something that brought out the taste of your food, you'd use it recklessly too. In the passage, Peter shows us something that brings out a taste—something that impacts lives in trials. What impacts lives in trials? Verse 12 says, "Live such good lives...so that though they accuse you, they will see your good deeds and glorify God". The passage shows that our trials are opportunities to live as witnesses pointing people to God. Live as a witness by submission—which means to yield, be considerate or endure: Submission to Christ (2:11-12). Those awaiting God's visitation are to submit to Christ (12c). This means abstaining from sin (11-12) and letting
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In trials, Come to Jesus!

1 Peter 2:4-10 NIV. The passage describes Jesus as the living Stone and then believers as living stones, i.e. of the same kind as Jesus. Therefore, what happens to the living Stone happens to the living stones. Jesus was chosen by God but humans rejected Him (v4). Likewise, believers are chosen by God to offer spiritual sacrifices by holy living and to declare God’s goodness (v5,9). Also, believers are rejected (1:1,6). So, what do you do when you feel rejected in trials? Come to Jesus (v4), who is: A cornerstone. Jesus is a precious cornerstone to those who believe in Him and have received God’s mercy (v5-7a,10). A cornerstone is the foundation stone that determines the direction and stability of a building. Similarly, Jesus provides believers with direction (as living stones chosen, royal, holy and special; v9) and stability (as living stones being built together and unashamed; v5-6).
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