1 Peter 2:9-10

Throughout the century, the passion that has formed the Church of the Nazarene out of many into one has been to make Christlike disciples in the nations through the message of holiness. The catalyst that united the church in 1908 was the message of holiness. And the hope for the future of this grand experiment in faith and obedience is the message of holiness.

In his two New Testament letters, Simon Peter, that impetuous and loyal disciple of Jesus, wrote to the Christians scattered across Asia Minor, located in what is now in the nation of Turkey. Peter challenged the believers to hold steady in the face of a serious challenge to their stability, their effectiveness, their message.

Peter reminded them of their true identity. They were the New Israel. Through Christ they were related directly to the promises of God in the Old Testament. They were the new people of God.

Like Peter’s readers, the Church of the Nazarene is a chosen people (1 Peter 2:9).

The Israelites were a grace-formed people (1 Peter 1:2).

They had been brought into being "by the sanctifying work of the Spirit" (1 Peter 1:2).

This choosing is not unique to the believers to whom Peter wrote.

You can know Jesus Christ personally today. He invites you to forgiveness through His grace.

Like Peter’s readers, the Church of the Nazarene is a holy people (1 Peter 2:9).

The Lord spoke through Moses to the people of Israel (Exodus 19:6).

In his letter, Peter echoed that bold claim for all believers (1 Peter 2:9; 1 Peter 1:14-16).

God longs to fill you with His Spirit today.

This is the heritage to which the Lord has called the Church of the Nazarene.

Like Peter’s readers, the Church of the Nazarene is a sent people (1 Peter 2:9).

Peter said that we are a chosen race ". . . that [we] may declare" (1 Peter 2:9).

Ours is not a possession for our own good (2 Peter 3:9).

We are sent. Our mission is a bold and courageous one: To make Christlike disciples in the nations. This is our heritage; this is our mission.

The next century is ours to claim. We dare not merely celebrate the past successes nor mourn over the missed opportunities. We have this moment to change the world! With the grace and help of God we will continue to be "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that [we] may declare the praises of him who called [us] out of darkness into his wonderful light" (2:9).

A. Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? What better time than today!

B. Believers, have you allowed the Spirit of God to "sanctify you through and through"? What better time than today!