In Part 6 of A Provocative People series through 1 and 2 Peter, Colin explored how suffering and pressure reveal what we're rooted in. Peter reminds us that Christ also suffered, meaning we never suffer alone. Jesus endured suffering without abandoning love, and though the cross looked like defeat, the resurrection had the final word. As people of the resurrection, we live with that same hope.

Colin reflected on our tendency to seek comfort and avoid discomfort, while Peter focuses on who we become through suffering. In the midst of pressure, we are called to pray, love, serve, and show hospitality. The church becomes a compelling witness when it endures hardship with hope, pointing others to Jesus. Colin encouraged us to reflect on what we turn to in difficult times and to lean more fully on God.

This week in our A Provocative People series, Rob explored what it means to extend the Kingdom of God. Drawing from Jesus' example on earth, he challenged us to live in a way that stands out from the world's standards—so much so that people are prompted to ask, “Why do you live like that?”

Rob reminded us that sharing our faith begins long before we speak about it. A life of worship and genuine relationship with God prepares us to give an answer when others ask about the hope we have. If our lives look no different from those around us, we miss the opportunity to provoke curiosity about Christ.

Practically, we are called to share our faith with gentleness, respect, and humility, leading others not through argument but through our example, prayer, and invitation into the presence of Jesus.

Scott Hill continues our series in 1 & 2 Peter, exploring 2:13-3:7. How can we live in freedom from retaliation, image management and control?

Ruth led Holy Trinity in part three of the sermon series A Provocative People, focusing on our calling to live in God’s image based on lessons from 1 and 2 Peter. The message challenged us to think about the people, habits, and desires we struggle to say no to — the things that can slowly take our eyes off God and make life centred on our own pleasure and plans

We were reminded that as Christians, we are ‘living stones’ who belong to Jesus. Christ is the cornerstone — the foundation on which we build our lives — and together we are being built into a spiritual house. In God’s eyes, we are chosen, treasured, and priceless.

Because we have the mind of Christ, we can learn to control our thoughts and actions and say no to the things that lead us away from Him. Instead of becoming stones that cause others to stumble, we are called to build people up and live honourably, so that others may see how our lives glorify God.

Part 2 of A Provocative People sermon series, focuses on holiness as being shaped by the presence and character of Jesus. Holiness begins with God, and humanity was created to live in relationship with Him. Although sin separated us from God, the gospel reveals His desire to restore and reshape us through grace.

Peter's message emphasises that holiness isn’t about moral superiority, but about becoming more like Jesus by reflecting truth, contentment, and love in a broken world. As we open every part of our lives to God, ordinary people can become powerful reflections of His presence.

Holy Trinity’s new series, A Provocative People, begins with a look at 1 and 2 Peter. Colin introduces Peter as someone not defined by failure, but by Jesus’ restoration - renamed the “rock” and given a new purpose in building the foundation of God’s church.

Peter’s letters remind us who we are and what God has done for us. Salvation is a gift to be received and cherished. In a world shaped by consumerism, status, and anxiety, we’re constantly being formed by what we consume and pursue.

But when we let Christ shape us instead of the world, we become a kingdom people—distinct and “provocative” in how we live. Confident in our identity, we’re called to bring restoration, healing, and hope, living out the story we believe.

In this episode, Ruth shares a message on grace and restoration, reflecting on Jesus’ encounter with Peter on the beach. After Peter’s denial, Jesus asks him three times, “Do you love me?”—restoring him and calling him forward.

Ruth reminds us that God doesn’t just forgive us; He gives us purpose. Like Peter, we’re each called and equipped to follow Him and “feed His sheep,” letting His grace flow through us to others.

She leaves us with a challenge: Does the way I live reflect Jesus? It’s a call to stop looking inward and start reaching outward, recommitting to a life that follows Him.

Even when we feel like we’re heading in the wrong direction, God hasn’t abandoned us. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we can find ourselves walking away in doubt, confusion, or disappointment—often without realising that Jesus is right there beside us. Doubt isn’t the problem; it’s what we do with it that matters. God isn’t threatened by our questions, instead He meets us in them with patience and peace. So instead of walking away, keep walking with Him. Return to what you know is true, remember the ways He’s shown up before, and trust that as you walk it out, God is working it out.