This is Us, Week One

…My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. Matthew 16:17-18 (MSG) This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.Matthew 16:17-18 (MSG) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession… 1 Peter 2:9-12(NIV) A Chosen People A Royal Priesthood A Holy Nation A Special Possession …that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.1 Peter 2:9-12(NIV) Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.1 Peter 2:9-12(NIV) Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.1 Peter 2:9-12(NIV) Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.1 Peter 2:9-12(NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)