Sinclair Ferguson

And then as I thought about it, it dawned on me, we're doing the very opposite of what Peter expected.

We are in a situation where we've got to ask non-Christians questions.

And the assumption behind that is they're not going to be asking us questions.

Whereas the assumption behind what Peter says is Christians are going to stick out like, excuse the expression, sore thumbs in the world.

Not because they're, you know, they're using hammers on their thumbs, but just because we are different.

We belong to a heavenly body.

citizenship.

There should be something about us that makes people think, whether because of intrigue or because of irritation.

Why is it that he or she is different?

And going back to the first question, we're not going to get back past the first question, are we really?

It's because we're living for completely different motivations and ends.

Our end, our goal is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

And one, the non-Christian thinks glorifying God is the abolition of my joy.

Whereas the catechism is teaching us, no, that's what gives us joy.

And the other thing that I think many non-Christians think is, there's no way I would become a Christian.

It is a joyless life.

And the catechism is saying, no, actually, it's the very reverse of that.

It is truly the joy-filled life.

Now, I'm Scottish, right?

So I sometimes have to say, we Scottish Christians enjoy this so much.