1. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture

2. 8 Ways to Move Out into the World 1. Eat with non- x’ians. 2. Walk, don’t drive. 3. Be a regular. 4. Hobby with non- x’ians. 5. Talk to your neighbors. 6. Volunteer with non-profits. 7. Participate in city events. 8. Serve neighbors.

3. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture Theme: Be joyful because we are guarded by God’s power. 1Pet. 1:5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

4. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture I. We are guarded by God’s power through faith. 1Pet. 1:5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

5. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture How does this verse shape our conception of faith in the Christian life? Luke 8:15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

6. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture Phil. 2:12 ¶ Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, Phil. 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

7. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture Article 17 - Perseverance of the Saints 17-1 Salvation is the work of God, from its commencement to its consummation. Those regenerated by the Word of God through the work of the Holy Spirit become partakers of the divine nature. They are preserved by the power of God so that they shall never totally or finally fall away, but shall persevere unto the end.

8. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture From what does God’s power protect us? Answer: Sin that results in falling away, completely and finally.

9. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture II.God guards us until the end—our salvation. 1Pet. 1:5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

10. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture SALVATION=RESCUE FROM JUDGMENT 2Pet. 3:7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

11. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture III.The Proving Ground of Faith: the crucible of suffering

12. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture 1Pet. 1:6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 1Pet. 1:7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

13. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture Authentic faith rejoices not in the pain of suffering, but in the promise of future reward! 1Pet. 1:7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

14. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture A. Suffering for Christ’s sake should not surprise us. 1Pet. 4:12 ¶ Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

15. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture

16. B. Suffering is not necessarily retribution for wrongdoing. C. Suffering reveals the strength of my grip upon Christ.

17. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture 1Pet. 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

18. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture How can I tighten my grip? Word of God Prayer Fellowship & Encouragement from the Church