A GLORIOUS PRIVILEGE

In some respects, FCCN is like the church in Corinth. 1 Corinthians 1:26 reminds us to "think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth." In other words, in the eyes of the world, "We got nothin!" (DiNozzo quote from NCIS)

Yet because of Jesus, because of our new birth, because of the resurrection, because of our future hope, we have so much! And more! Corporately, we are the people of God. Peter writes that we are a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God" (1 Peter 2:9).

To think that a small congregation of 20 or so people- many of whom have health concerns, who give what they can to support the work of the kingdom despite most being financially strapped, who have no political influence--have the glorious privilege of being God's people, to shine as his lights in this dark world.

But with the privilege comes a great responsibility. Peter tells the churches under his care that:

a. they are to declare God's praises/virtues/character (2:9)-if they don't, who will?

b. they are to deal with sinful desires (2:11)-to live as God's holy people.

c. they are to demonstrate a life of goodness (2:12)-in order to please God and to

draw others to him.

This was written to churches that were suffering from unbelievers around them (read the letter and see how many times suffering is mentioned). It would be easy to dim their lights and not draw attention to themselves and so minimize or eliminate abuse. But these were things they were to do-not to earn salvation, but as a response of thankfulness for the glorious privilege of being God's people.