Location: Cafe
Time: 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. starting Jan. 24
* Note: This group is an open group, meaning anyone can join week-to-week.

Peter's concise confession - "You are the Messiah, the Christ" - centered the faith of the disciples on Jesus as God among us, in flesh, carrying out the eternal work of freedom and salvation. Peter seems to have been a natural leader, commanding the respect of his peers by sheer force of personality. In every listing of Jesus' disciples, Peter's name is invariably first. Interesting since Jesus used words like 'fool' and 'Satan' to describe him (to be fair he also used 'rock').

Nevertheless, in the early church, his influence was enormous and acknowledged by all. By virtue of his position, he was easily the most powerful figure in the Christian community. And his energetic teaching, passionate prayer, bold healing, and wise direction confirmed the trust placed in him.

But here's the deal: the way Peter handled himself in that position of power is even more impressive than the power itself. He stayed out of the center, didn't abuse that influence, and maintained an unyielding subordination to Jesus. That he didn't become one who strived to promote himself (like so many spiritual sadly do), is a compelling witness to what he himself describes as "a brand new life, with everything to live for."

Sounds like a breath of fresh air doesn't it?

(Part of this taken from the introduction to 1 Peter from The Message)