Transforming Assurance

03/01/08

Scripture:

Talk about a “loaded” word!  The word “assurance” is just packed with feeling, emotion, and mind sensitivity.  Concerns of “assurance” impact every facet of life.  In fact, “insurance” is a purchased form of “assurance.”  For some years a company has marketed a product for persons who need vitamins and  minerals.  It is aptly  called “assure.”  From humankinds first breath it seems that we have sought for the “assurance” that our lives have meaning and do not simply fall back into the form of landscaping dirt!

Sometime following Jesus’ ascension the Apostle Paul was confronted by representatives of the Thessalonian congregations who had questions that were “assurance” based.  What happens when someone dies?  Will they still have the assurance of afterlife existence?  And now the disciple Peter writes to a scattered Church made up of ethnic refugees, political exiles and ordinary slaves.  These persons are, for the most part, gentiles.  Peter senses the need to proclaim to them that God in Christ offers “Transforming Assurance.” 

Follow Jesus

Resist Evil.

Continue to do Good.

Share our Suffering.

Search for Joy.

Trust God

Conclusion:  A voice from the past, Dr. E. Stanley Jones (a great Methodist Missionary) reminds us that “assurance” isn’t about what happens to us, but what we do with what happens to us.  Everything furthers (brings assurance) those who follow Christ.

Sermon Multimedia:

• Transforming Assurance - 3-2-08

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