FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT: PERSPECTIVE

We will be worshipping in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday.  Our tech team has worked diligently to make this possible.  Both of our worship teams, the traditional and the contemporary, are ready to make the adjustment. Yet, this will be new and different for us!  We moved the contemporary worship from the Fellowship Hall in 2014, so we have some memory of it, but it will still be very different. Our one simple reason for doing all this is to “fight the good fight” by renovating the sanctuary and worshipping in the Fellowship Hall! Fight the Good Fight is our series for the start of 2026.  This week, the sermon title is Perspective.  How do you see the world?  What is the narrative that is driving you?  How do you know the truth and let it set you free?  These questions are more critical than ever.  We are fighting today for a clarity of mind and heart that overcomes the confusion all around us.   Our scripture is 1 Peter 5:1-11.  The Apostle Peter is writing to the early believers who were suffering rejection, persecution, and temptation.  This section is filled with urgency and action.  Yet, it is also filled with grace and a path to find the strength to endure and overcome, the resolve to hold fast in the face of difficulty, and the power to pursue a greater purpose.  We pray this power will fill you, lift you, and comfort you as you read 1 Peter 5:1-11. 

1 Peter 5:1-11: To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: ² Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them– not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. ⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. ¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.