24/08/2026
Last Lord’s Day, we were blessed once more with the opportunity to come together as God’s people and listen to the preaching of His Word.
In the morning, we listened to the sermon entitled “Elect Exiles” (Text: 1 Peter 1:1-2), wherein we were reminded that, as God’s chosen people, our true citizenship is in heaven, even though we live but as pilgrims in this world. By God's foreknowledge and gracious purpose, He chose us for His glory. And through the work of the Holy Spirit and the precious blood of Christ, we have been redeemed from our old, futile ways so that we may live in holiness and obedience. And even though this world is not yet our true home, we are called to faithfully live for God while we journey toward our real one: our heavenly home in Him.
"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you." (1 Peter 1:1-2)
And then in the afternoon, we reflected upon the sermon entitled “Upright Ones Confess” (Text: Psalm 32). In it, we were reminded that the upright are forgiven sinners who humble themselves before God and confess their sins. This is because God gives His people understanding of their sinful condition, and teaches them to trust fully in His steadfast love. Indeed, genuine blessedness is not found in hiding our sins, but in bringing them honestly before God. And as undeserving recipients of His grace, we should therefore humble ourselves, confess our sins, and seek to walk in His ways at all times
"Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" (Psalm 32:10-11)
So church, may we remember that we are elect exiles, chosen by God and redeemed by Christ, yet living in a world that is not yet our true home. And as forgiven sinners, may we continually humble ourselves, confess our sins, and walk in faithful obedience, holding steadfastly to His love.
What gift of His truth and grace!
