According to a Pew Research Study published in December of 2023 56% of “Spiritual but not Religious” people “feel a deep sense about the universe monthly.” And I would bet that this past week that jumped up greatly.
Chapter 3 is complicated. St. Peter assumes the headship that St. Paul writes of in 1 Cor 11:3; Eph. 5:22; Col 3:18. Submission of wives to their husbands is an inherent good for all Christians. St. Peter argues that it brings about virtue in the wife as an adornment in place of vanity (Pt. 3:1-4). A “gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (1 Pt. 4:4). This contrasts greatly with what some have pushed in our own day for many years now - that man and wife in marriages are interchangeable.
We live in a very cynical era where institutions are constantly being undermined and overthrown. This is leading to a great deal of instability and vice (in the name of “freedom”). Christians need to take this chapter to heart and ask themselves how they are interacting with society. We are not called to separate and throw rocks from the outside. We are also not called to have no opinion. It is difficult, but we must model honor so we can call to account when necessary with our hope set on the eternal.
I would also encourage you to read the GSFA statement as well. I began my ministry in the midst of this turmoil and it won’t be going away anytime soon. Be assured by Church history. There are many attacks on the Church and there are lions of the Faith and quislings in every generation. But God is true to His promise that she will endure. If you have questions about Anglican polity or how godly authority works or this news I will be hosting Collects, Coffee, and Conversation this Sunday at 10:00AM.
This past Sunday can only be described as a momentous occasion. I and always greatly humbled when I get to act on behalf of Church and Apostles to bring someone into the Faith but this baptism was extra special because I got to see Taylor brought into the Household of God by his best friends who have been working with him, teaching him the Catechism. One of these friends was just recently baptized himself!
As those who have been set apart we are “Elect Exiles” scattered throughout the world but united in Jesus Christ. This week we have been focusing on three questions:
In what areas of your life would thinking of yourselves as “elect exiles” change the way you think, feel, or act?
How is it possible - and right - for Christians to rejoice in trial (I Peter 1:6-9)
What stops us from greatly rejoicing during “various trials”
I have been thinking on these questions this week and I hope you have too. They are challenging because they confront us in our comfort.
