WE HAVE A WONDERFUL BOOK FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL TIME, SHARING THE THRILL OF THE LORD'S CALLING

1. This is the Epistle of the Living Hope, written by one who was a "Fellow Elder" 5:1
2. The Theme of the Book-How the Saints are To Suffer- that Christ is our strength-stand fast
3. Here is a strong shout for Steadfast endurance,- unswerving loyalty to Christ -relevant Today  

I.- WE HAVE COME TO CHRIST ! -THE LIVING STONE - V.4

"If so be that you have tasted that the Lord is gracious"- Any experience with Jesus & you Know

A.- YES, THE PRESUPPOSITION IS THAT WE HAVE COME TO JESUS v. 4a

1. Let's check up again - to be saved we came to Jesus & received the Written Word-1:23- & born again
2. Psa 62:6,7 tells us that Christ is my Rock and my Salvation-rock of my strength-needed now
3. "Coming"- or approaching- once for Salvation; but daily for communion- Milk- v.2,

B.- WE ALSO ARE CHOSEN OF GOD IN A VERY SPECIAL WAY, TO BE A PART OF HIS PLAN FOR ETERNITY -4b

1. We know that this is Jesus, rejected of men, but Chosen of God to be the Rock of our Salvation
2. But Jesus plainly tells us-John 15:16 That he has chosen us - & ordained us!
3. John - you have been so chosen - and given gifts; then YOU are given to the Church- Eph 4:11

C.- GOD ALSO COUNTS US AS PRECIOUS, 4c AND WE NEED TO RECOGNIZE THIS PRECOUSNESS IN GOD'S SIGHT

1. The direct application of course is to God's Son- Jesus Christ - v.6,7 - Is He precious to You?
2. But also those who are Saved are precious in His sight- & the redemption of your soul precious
3. John- you are precious in His sight--Your redemption cost the precious Blood-1:19,

As a Christian, regard yourself as very valuable and the property of God! So take care.

II.- WE ARE LIVELY STONES v. 5a - Authority - Peter the Rock- Matt 16:18

And as Christ was cut from the mountain without hands- so you are cut from the nations-by God

A.- PETER, WHO WAS CALLED "THE ROCK" BY THE LORD, SHARES HIS TITLE - YOU ARE LIVELY STONES

1. Nothing more majestic than the great underwater cathedrals made of living coral-
2. So Christians are added to the church- built upon the Foundation of Christ-(cornerstone)
3. God shapes us to fit -& John has had many years training, shaping, & I have had a part in it

B.- WE ARE BUILT UP A SPIRITUAL HOUSE! 5b LIVING PARTS TO THE GREAT CHURCH OF GOD HERE & NOW

1. I've seen the great cathedrals- My girls were aghast at St. John's in NYC- so great, wonderful
2. But we have been in the age of "pre-fab" Christians- Instant Spirituality -& sudden death too
3. It takes time to build a strong wall- to put in it a window to enlighten hearts- stained glass

C. WE ARE CALLED "AN HOLY PRIESTHOOD TO OFFER UP SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES" 5c - (12-12-71 am)

1. All Christians are a part of this Royal Priesthood- v.9 exercise this by direct access to God
2. But this day John Bechtle is made a special part of this with a special, higher calling
3. As such- John you are to offer up Spiritual Sacrifices -Bring Souls to Jesus! prayer

After God has called us, shaped us, fit us into His Church, He makes us Acceptable in Christ

III. LET US MAKE SURE OUR HOUSE IS ΙΝ ORDER !

The words of I Peter are vivid, energetic, forceful, and to the point- He had authority

A.- HE TOLD US THAT WE ARE A CHOSEN GENERATION, A PECULIAR PEOPLE- WE ARE DIFFERENT! v.9

1. Our Savior was disallowed of men- v.4b, 7d Psa 118:22 And yet chosen of God as our Savior
2. God often chooses the weak, sinful, ignorant - Here He has chosen the strong, clean, educated
3. But John- you must walk different than other men walk to the Beat of God's drum! You are His!

C.- WE ARE STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS, WALKING THROUGH A WARRING AND DISTURBING LAND v. 11

1. Peter wrote to Christians who were being insulted, slandered, persecuted for Christ's sake
2. We speak well of John- but some will be jealous & spite you; the World will hate & abuse you
3. You will still have to battle fleshly lusts- both your own and others! Walking above reproach

D.- BUT THANK GOD WE HAVE A SHEPHERD AND BISHOP OF OUR SOULS, JESUS CHRIST - v. 25b

1. We are reminded in 12 b that the "Bishop" is coming to visit us so live as not to be ashamed
2. John- You are called to be a Shepherd- under authority-yet having authority! chain of command
3. So labor that when the Chief Shepherd appears- it will be a time of joy for all concerned!

No matter how men praise, or condemn- you stand or fall as God's servant- men's for Christ's sake

WE NEED OTHER LIVELY STONES IN THE BUILDING OF GOD'S CHURCH, AND SOME MIGHT BE CALLED RIGHT NOW.

1. Are you saved? If not, do you feel the call of the Lord?  Come and receive & Confess Christ
2. In a very direct way some are called to be members of this Church- keep it strong for God
3. Some may be called by the Spirit into the Ministry- & like John make full surrender & preparations