Art Dueck shared that he was in a serious accident. He discovered he was not in a hearse but in an ambulance. He was happy that his inheritance is guaranteed.
Let's sing
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
God is faithful
Stories are good
Howard grew up in Saskatchewan
Has traveled all over the world. Ended up in France at a camp.
Was pastor in Stonewall
Became Director of Greater Europe Mission. One of the neediest areas in the world. Now back in Manitoba.
Info in the back.
Ministry started by an injured US SERVICEMAN
Nov 1 annual General Meeting
It is well with my soul
Covid-19-Pandemic is affecting us more. Suspicion. Uptight. Confusing. 2 granddaughters wanted grandma and grandma to meet them on the first day of school. The bus driver insistent on masks. Frustration.
These times speak of who God is.
1 Peter
Peter was the spokesman. He denied Jesus. Jesus forgave him.
He was the brave one at Pentecost. There was serious persecution of the church. What does Peter say to them?
From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those temporarily residing abroad (in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia) who are chosen
1 Peter 1:1 NET
Doesn't start with you poor persecuted
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father by being set apart by the Spirit for obedience and for sprinkling with Jesus Christ's blood. May grace and peace be yours in full measure!
1 Peter 1:2 NET
He starts off reminding his audience about who they are. A strong sense of relationship with God. Chosen. Loved. Remember who you are in Christ. Start each day remembering who you are.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
that is, into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you,
1 Peter 1:4 NET
We march to a different drumbeat.
Great mercy. By the God that raised Jesus from the dead. We have an inheritance.
We have been supported missionaries for 35 years. Not substantial support. Karen's parents were becoming older. Bought the property. Received a significant inheritance. Now installing services to subdivide the property. Lost money on the stock market.
The inheritance we have in Christ is sure.
God is at work in you now. We don't know the future. God is shielding us. But we may have to go through difficult things. We have a wonderful guaranteed inheritance.
V8
You have not seen him, but you love him. You do not see him now but you believe in him, and so you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, because you are attaining the goal of your faith – the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9 NET
You are going through difficult times. God wants his church to shine. We are representatives of God here.
It's important for us as we go through stress to remember God is on the Throne. He has something wonderful for you.
In the 1st and 2nd century there were at least 2 pandemics and the Jesus followers risked their lives to help the suffering. They made the Romans look bad.
As believers we can reach out to people with our perspective of eternity. Let us be reminded of how Peter reminded the believers.
A Shelter in the Time of Storm
The Lord's our rock
