Chris Wall • 1 Peter 2:9-12
Discover the influence of the local church in the world through this new community established by Christ. The church is a distinct people with a distinct calling. God equips followers of Christ to fulfill that call as we live together, not in isolation. Life together takes work, intentionality, and effort. We have this hope in Christ through His church.
Chris Wall • John 21:1-19 Peter and the disciples had encountered the resurrection of Christ. Weknow that they had gone to the Sea of Galilee because Jesus told them he would meet them there. We don’t know why Peter decided to go fishing. Some claim he was just passing the time. Some claim he was just trying to earn a little cash. But most believe that Peter was contemplating going back to his old way of life. The sad reality about this choice for Peter is that when he went fishing, six other disciples went with him. Peter had already denied Christ and now Jesus finds him leading others down the wrong path. It is not uncommon for a failure to lead to progressively failing. However, Peter’s resurrection encounter changed his trajectory. Resurrection encounters change your path. It changes your destiny. Perhaps it was Peter’s impulsiveness that was showing up again. Maybe it was shame for failing Christ. Maybe it was just a longing for an easier path, but would walking away from the Lord be easier? I think not. One thing that we notice in this passage is that Jesus was not recognized at first. Does rebellion cause us not to see clearly? Does failure cause us to disbelieve the grace of God? Regardless, what Peter and the disciples find is Jesus preparing breakfast on the beach. ...
Chris Wall • Colossians 3:1-11 The final two chapters of Colossians, Paul gets really practical in applying the doctrine of the preeminence of Christ. As Christians, it is important not to just know the truth, but to actually live the truth. In fact, I would argue if there is not an inward heart change and desire to live out faith in Christ, close examination of knowing Christ would be wise.This passage begins with the practices Christians should “take off” because Christ has “put on” a new self in the believer. He then goes on to explain what these desires produce in the believer and unbeliever alike. The grip of sin produces anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk and lying. Because of what Christ has done from the inside out, it is now possible for these things to be put off and we are able to live in this new self that is being renewed in theknowledge after the image of our Creator. Though this is only possible because of the heart surgery that has supernaturally taken place, the actions of a believer still matter. ...
Chris Wall • John 17:20-26 From the prayer of Jesus, we discover that God's desire for His people to walk in unity, to share the gospel by sharing His love, and to be ready, willing, and able to go wherever God sends. ...
