Thus far in our study of Evolution vs. Creation has only taken us through the moment of the supposed “Big Bang", creating a perfect environment, and perfect laws of science against all mathematical possibility, up to the spontaneous creation of even one cell from non-life, with all of its irreducible complexities working together to follow instructions from overwhelmingly vast amounts of coded information, to attain the beginning foundation for the Theory of Evolution. And we have witnessed through observable science—through the very laws of science itself—and even through the confessions of many well established secular scientists, themselves—that just to get this far we have broken or refuted many of these scientific laws, barriers, and statistical possibilities.

We talked last week of the major, and insurmountable problems… With the beginning of the Universe…And the possibility of life by chance... From nothing... For nothing... With nothing... Caused by nothing...And we also heard statements from a number of devoted evolutionists...Saying that in reality, these issues…Do seem to point to a Creator!
 
We could go on with this topic for many weeks...
 
So today we will lightly cover a series of topics with the time we have left...
Hopefully to get you interested in your own research if you need more...And these areas of science, which have exploded in just the past decade...Absolutely, in view of an objective witness...Close the door to evolutionary thinking with overwhelming proof!

Last week we opened our series on Evolution vs. Creation with a solid basis for why it is not only acceptable, but often rational and wise to go against the views of the majority in a surrounding culture. In our current society, evolution is being taught and represented as an almost established fact. It has been unjustifiably lifted by some, to a point that it is no longer considered, a “theory”, but that it is synonymous with science itself.

So many people today question believers with words such as...
 
“How can you still believe in the Bible when science has proven it wrong?"
 
"You know it's just a bunch of myths and fables for explaining the world before we had enough knowledge to see truth!"
 
As a result... Many Christians...In the barrage of attacks and belittling...From professors, to documentaries, to personal relationships...Often begin secretly fighting doubt about their own beliefs...Feeling that maybe when an entire society seems to have taken a different direction in their worldview and beliefs...
 
“How could they ALL be wrong?  Maybe it’s me?!”
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We are finally on the last sermon for 1 Peter. Here Peter will give his final words to the 5 Roman Provinces in Asia Minor. Therefore, we should listen especially close because these are the things Peter wants to leave in their minds as he draws to a close in his letter. A letter delivered with great expense and burden by the hand of a faithful servant. As we saw last week, Peter had first addressed the elders (pastors) of the churches, giving them strong commands to keep the right motivations and heart while shepherding the people of God. Now, Peter gives his closing words to the rest of the church.

In our next passage of Scripture from Peter's Letter to the Persecuted Churches in Asia Minor... Peter shifts his letter towards addressing the "Shepherds" which are over the Flock of God...Giving them serious instructions about TWO particular things as they lead the church... Their attitudes and motivations...

As we draw close to the end of our walk through 1 Peter, written to brothers and sisters in Christ who are living in times extremely similar and relevant to ours. Peter will give us a sobering warning in his writings that absolutely demands attention and change from us now. So put away your "playing church" mentalities and see this church for what we are right now: a band of like believers in the middle of a fallen world with it's filth still all over us as well, but striving with sincere hearts to rise up in these last days and truly please our Savior—no matter the cost. Let's jump back into God's Words again together.

Last week we took a detour from our main text to uncover the mystery...Of several passages Peter mentions in the previous and upcoming verses of our Study...These unusual passages revealed where Jesus went during the three days His Body rested in a borrowed tomb... And who the deceased souls were to whom He preached! Now, we will continue in the passage of 1 Peter 4...Drawing inspiration from our brothers and sisters who walked before us...In VERY similar circumstances to ours today!

We are in Lesson 8 of our walk through 1 Peter. And as we are considering Peter's Words of encouragement and instruction for Christians living in times and cultures of growing persecution, we come to a passage of Scripture today, and another in the chapter ahead—both of which Peter uses to draw us deeper into the understanding of Christ's suffering for us, referencing an event that has often been confused or misunderstood by many. But placed with numerous, clear Scriptures describing the same event, they give us the wonderful story of Jesus' journey during the three days His body was lying in that dark tomb. Let's take a short detour today from our continuing journey through 1 Peter, and look at this awesome event Peter refers to in his Epistle.

This is our first Service of the New Year, and my goodness, are we not anxious to leave 2020 behind? We, as Christians are often encouraged to make new resolutions for God in the upcoming year [put your sin behind you, spend more time in prayer or Bible Study, give more time or money for God’s work, etc.]. And all of these endeavors are good, but not best, because all of these endeavors miss the mark of the only thing God would truly have from us. ​