Who We Are

"To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance." 1 Peter 1:1-2

In the opening words of Peter's epistle to all of us, he uses some fascinating words to describe who we are in Christ Jesus. Between the places that are not easy to pronounce, and Peter's rather 'over the top' proclamation to introduce his epistle, there are some key clues to our identity as believers. Let me pick them out and list them so we can be encouraged about who we are. We are God's elect, chosen, foreknown-this is very well said when referenced to passages about predestination.

We are strangers in the world-- Are we?
Sometimes we are too familiar with this world.
We are scattered throughout the world--
Probably not scattered enough, many are called and less than half respond.
We are being sanctified by the work of the Spirit--
If we are not, we are not growing up in Him.
We are obedient to Christ Jesus.
Wow! This is where we so need to focus our attention.
We are "blood bought". We belong to Him, we are His.
We are owned by the Lord.

These intense definitions are compelling. Peter was a serious believer. He was also real and transparent. In his letter he is being led of the Spirit to communicate to us all a higher calling. A more profound type of discipleship. A total commitment. Peter's words convict me. They remind me of a younger me that was even more fervent about serving Him. I hope these verses motivate you to reconsider the cost of discipleship and your willingness to pay it.

In His Service,
Pastor Fred

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