Tomorrow and Sunday, I’ll be working with a church in Eastern Europe to talk about effective small-group ministry, which I’ve done many many times with many churches. However, this will be the first where we’re asking (and hopefully answering) the question, “How do we do effective ministry as a small group in a time of war?” It’s a sobering thing as I think and pray through the assignment knowing that this faith community is ministering on the front-lines of a war, living under the constant threat of drone attacks and missile strikes. We’ll talk through many things in the next 48 hours about our identity in Christ and the reasons His work on the cross impact our every day lives. Sunday, we’ll focus on 1 Peter 1:3-5, which says,
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a
living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled,
and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed
in the last time.” [ESV]
My word of encouragement to all 12 of you who are reading this today: Peter tells us that Christ caused us to be born again, and that new birth is to a living hope that is the result of the resurrection. If we let that truth seep down into our souls, our souls both affirm its truth AND flourish much as Paul did in the many trials he faced. To use an old English expression, it’s our new-birth right according to Peter, and preserved not by us, but by the eternal and unfading God, and leading us to an anticipated existence that is eternal.
No matter what it is you’re going through right now, know that Christ has something better, something profoundly grounding and hope-giving, something that will endure eternity for you. Embrace Him and His work for you on the cross. We can walk in hope and be content no matter our circumstances only through Christ.