Ian & Alison Greig talk us through this episode which starts with the story in Exodus 2 of how the Israelites in Egypt were cruelly oppressed under a new Pharaoh, but held on to their faith in God and loyalty to Him as a first priority.
Then we are bystanders as Jesus and the disciples look at a picture of mixed-up, syncretistic religion depicted in the shrines and grottos of Caesaraea Philippi — the story is in Matthew 16. When Jesus asks Peter who he thinks Jesus really is, he blurts out a powerful — and life-changing declaration of faith.
This is underlined by Paul’s teaching in Romans 12, urging us as people renewed by the Holy Spirit to offer true worship to God in our practice as well as our words, interacting with Him and each other as members of a body where each has a particular spiritual contribution to make, for the upbuilding of all.
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The full Bible readings (NIV) are all together on this page and there are links to Bible Gateway below so you can find your preferred version. These are the readings recommended for Sunday August 27in the interdenominational scheme that’s widely used by both churches and chapels (Revised Common Lectionary).
Exodus 1:8-2:10 — A new ruler leads to hardship for the Israelites
Matthew 16:13-20— Who is Jesus? The answer also defines who we are
Romans 12:1-8— Seeing ourselves in the renewed way of the Spirit
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Truly Knowing God — It's Knowing Who We are In His Eyes