Sunday Night Youth Service and Fellowship

This past Sunday Evening the teens were in charge of the evening service. The music was really wonderful as usual. I always enjoy hearing you all sing; God has truly blessed you with a great gift. Thank you for your ministry.

We followed the service with a youth fellowship. This time we played a rousing game of Bible Pictionary. Sadly we forgot the camera since there were many "kodak moments." Needless to say Mrs. Coon and I were amazed at the teens' ability to discern the right answers from what can only be described as (for the most part) "interesting art-work." It became increasingly harder to find challenging subjects for the teens to draw since ones such as "Methuselah," "Peter escaping from prison," etc. typically took around 20 seconds to be guessed. A fun time was had by all. There were even some visitors that were able to participate. I was glad that many of the teens went out of their way to make them feel welcome. Thanks also to the Crosby family for hosting the activity. 

The Warfare and Witness of the Pilgrim

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:11-12)

1. Our Identity (v.11)
We are Strangers and Pilgrims
(see Hebrews 11:8–16)
• As Pilgrims this world is not our home! We do not belong here and that should show in our lives.
• As Pilgrims we are by faith travelling to our heavenly home. It is a “better country.” Think about what that means.
• As Pilgrims we cannot be “mindful” of the country we have left or we might start looking for a way to go back.

2. Our Warfare (v.11)
The battle against the Sinful Desires
of your own Heart
(see James 1:14–15)

3. Our Witness (v.12)
Just because we are strangers in this world does not mean that we can ignore or be hostile with those that still live in it.
• Conversation” = lifestyle.
• Peter is saying live your life among the unsaved world in an upright or honorable way.
• “by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
• God is saying live your life among the unsaved world in a way that leads them to give him glory.