New Testament | 1 Peter 4:12-19 (with Tom Gastil)

Opening Song:
Comfort by Bethany Barnard

Lyrics:
I want you to know
You’re not alone
You are not alone
I want you to know
This narrow road you’re on leads you home

For if we believe that Jesus died
And if we believe He rose again
We can believe we’ll reunite
Just like He promised

Though the branches are empty
Though this place looks nothing
Like the Promised Land
Unseen things they are changing
The wilderness and wasteland shall be glad

For if we believe that Jesus died
And if we believe He rose again
We can believe beyond this life
The buried things will blossom
And if we believe that He’ll return
That we’ll hear a shout and trumpet sound
We can believe the dead will rise first
And we’ll be caught up with them

And we will always be with the Lord
We will always be with the Lord
We will always be with the Lord
So comfort each other with these words

Passage:
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[a] and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[b]

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Musical Reflection:
All to Jesus I Surrender (SURRENDER) by Winfield S. Weeden

Reflection Notes:
This tune was originally intended to have two-part harmonies on the verse and four-part harmonies of the refrain; the additional harmonic fullness adds to the repeated emphasis of the words “I surrender all.”

Prayer:
Father, what we know not, teach us; what we have not, give us; what we are not, make us; for the sake of your Son our Savior. Amen.
-Old Anglican Prayer