Sermon Snippets with Max Taylor

069. Our Living Hope | Studies in 1 Peter Part 12: As Lively Stones

1 Peter 2:4-9
 
What a depiction of the saved. We are built upon this rock that is Christ and joined together into a spiritual building in order to show forth the nature and very essence of God. This is why we must walk in the light. This is why we are called to be holy. I hope this short episode somehow encapsulates the amazing calling we have as the building of Christ and the awesome responsibility we have as His priests!

068. Our Living Hope | Studies in 1 Peter Part 11: Taste and See

1 Peter 2:1-3
 
This is one of the simplest lessons of God’s Word, and yet it has some of the deepest and farthest-reaching implications on our lives. The more we seek and pursue the Word of God, the more we experience the satisfaction and goodness that only God can bring. Trust in God’s promises produces assurance of our salvation produces growth out of the carnal and sinful habits of the flesh produces hunger for God’s Word produces fulfillment in the satisfaction and goodness of God. I hope we can put this simple paradigm to practice in our daily lives. May we taste and see that the Lord is good.

067. Our Living Hope | Studies in 1 Peter Part 10: Assuring Our Hearts

1 Peter 1:21-25
 
Here we see a snapshot of the Christian life in four steps: (1) hearing the truth from the Spirit, (2) obeying the truth through belief, (3) purifying our souls from sin, and (4) loving the brethren sincerely. The passage turns from this description of the Christian life and our hope in God to assurance of salvation. God’s Word is the fountain of our salvation (see also 1 John 3:16-24). Our assurance of salvation must be based in God’s Word and in the belief that God will keep His Word. We should ask ourselves ‘what does God’s Word say?’ and then ‘can I take God at His Word?’ or ‘will God do what He said?’ As long as we have been obedient to God in repentance and faith, assurance of salvation is nothing more than resting on God’s faithfulness to keep His promises.

066. Our Living Hope | Studies in 1 Peter Part 9: The Gospel Brings Us Hope

1 Peter 1:18-21
 
The ‘Gospel’ seems overused and trite today after it has been featured in the titles of so many mini movements and become a rallying cry in some Christian circles. Many are understandably confused as to what the gospel actually means due to its overuse and misuse. In some cases, the word has been used to mean almost anything. But the Bible gives us a clear look into the original meaning of this word/concept, and we would do well to review the message of the gospel so that we can minister it to others. Thankfully, the influence of the gospel does not lie with us, but in the power of the message itself. It is my hope that, in thinking on the gospel, we will become more motivated to share it with others in God’s strength.

065. Our Living Hope | Studies in 1 Peter Part 8: The Call to Hope and Holiness

1 Peter 1:13-17
 
The gospel is such an unsearchable gem, and as we look at it we are faced with the challenge to not forget the splendor of the gospel, not let it slip, and not neglect to share it. Today we are moving on to the two-part call of the gospel that has to do with soberness. We are called first to hope and second to be holy as God is holy. What a privilege to be called a child of God! May the richness of the gospel inspire us to live hope-filled and holy lives for the praise of His dear Son.

064. Our Living Hope | Studies in 1 Peter Part 7: Our Sought-after Treasure

1 Peter 1:10-13
 
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). God has given us a magnificent treasure called salvation, and that is what we are being reminded of today. The plan of God is something that has been wondered about for thousands of years, especially before history was made on the cross. And now we are the possessors of this highly sought after gem, and the question is what are we doing with it? Are we squandering it or sharing it?

063. Beauty, Bands, and the Better Shepherd

Zechariah 11:4-17
 
I hope this brief study from one of my favorite minor prophets encourages you to pursue Christ. He is exponentially better than anything else this world has to offer us.

062. Our Living Hope | Studies in 1 Peter Part 6: Resilience that Exceeds Words

1 Peter 1:6-9
 
“The Christian's joy is bound up with love to Jesus: its ground is faith; it is not therefore neither self-seeking or self-sufficient" [STEIGER]. Our salvation carries us through our suffering. So often how we come to know what is real is by going through these times of heaviness and hardship. That is when our faith is refined, being much more precious than gold that perishes. Our security must be found in Christ and not in our relationships, career, accomplishments, possessions, or anything else. None of that is lasting. We must rather look to things above and fix our gaze on our steadfast hope in God.