The following message is by pastor John Piper.

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W.W.

Desiring God.

O.G. If you have a Bible, I invite you to turn tonight to the scripture passage in 1st Peter

chapter 1 starting in verse 13. I'll be reading verses 13 to 25. Again, 1st Peter chapter 1 verses 13 to 25. And if I could ask you to please stand as we honor the reading of God's word.

Therefore, preparing your minds for action and being sober-minded,

set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who has called

you as holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.

Since it is written, you shall be holy, for I am holy.

And if you call him as father who judges impartially, according to each one's deeds, conduct

yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from

the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with

perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a

lamb without blemish or spot.

He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in these last

times for your sake, who threw him our believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory

so that your faith and hope are in God.

Having purified your souls by the obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love.

Love one another earnestly from a pure heart since you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable through the living and abiding word of God.

For all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass.

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