The Resurrection We So Desperately Need

1 Peter 1:3-9 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  [4] to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,  [5] who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  [6] In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, as was necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,  [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.  [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,  [9] obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Introduction-

Most people today if asked the question, “Are people basically good?” would answer it in an affirmative way.  Answers vary from yes to probably to most lean towards good.  Practically all secular counseling and psychiatric examinations begin with the fundamental assessment that people are basically good.  Parents will argue that their children are good almost to the death.

I’m afraid that these claims fall very short when compared to the reality of human nature.

Rather than being basically good and able to perform truly good works, the Bible is very clear that the opposite is true.  The scriptural assessment is very gloomy indeed.

What the Apostle Peter wants us to see today is that we have a great need and only Jesus Christ can meet that need.

I want to begin this message by identifying our greatest need.  You may not have enough money to pay your bills…money is not your greatest need.  You may be suffering from a sickness or a disease…health is not your greatest need.  You may have fought with your spouse before coming to worship this morning…a good marriage is not your greatest need. Continue Reading