An Uncommon Life | A Journey Through Leviticus: The Day of Atonement скачать в хорошем качестве

An Uncommon Life | A Journey Through Leviticus: The Day of Atonement

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” —1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) In our sermons during the winter months, we will consider what it means to be peculiar. After all, we are all different - some more different than others, but few of us want to be thought of as peculiar. Most of us prefer to fit in and avoid standing out, unless, of course, we believe we are superior to others, which, ironically, only makes us seem strange anyway. So what does it mean to be peculiar or different in a positive way? What does it mean to go against the social tide in the most beneficial way possible? How can we live distinctly without becoming marginalized? In other words, being a chosen, royal, holy, and peculiar people should be for the good of the world; different in the best way possible. Peter draws this vision of holy difference from the Old Testament. God’s chosen people, Israel, were never meant to blend in with the surrounding nations. They were called to be different, better ordered, healthier, more just, and more inclusive, not because they were superior, but because they belonged to God. They were His treasured possession, called to be a holy nation. As the Church, we are now the people of God on the earth: chosen, royal, holy, and yes, peculiar. But this peculiarity is not a liability; it is a gift. We are called to be different in a way that reflects God’s goodness, brings light to the world, and shows what life looks like under His gracious rule.