As the West increasingly rejects its own Christian roots, Christians find themselves, as Stephen McAlpine says, “Being the Bad Guys”. At times this certainly places Christians in a difficult situation. Let’s face it, experiencing rejection is hard. It’s uncomfortable at best, and downright terrible at its worst. What is our response to this? The temptation is to not stick your neck out for Jesus. To not proclaim your allegiance to him. In the face of this challenge, the Apostle Peter has some encouraging words for the Christian Church. He reminds us of the very thing we need to know and grasp if we are to live out our faith vibrantly in today’s world. In a word, it involves a new identity. In this way, Peter shows us how through the Gospel we gain a new identity – an identity grounded on something – rather, someone – so precious and marvellous, that we can’t help but to sing out in praise and worship. A sure identity in within the community of believers, to face the challenges of today
