A Holy Priesthood
“I Am The Vine; You Are The Branches. Whoever Abides In Me & I In Him, He It Is That Bears Much Fruit, For Apart From Me You Can Do Nothing.” John 15:5, ESV
Sermon
Preview
A Short Message To Get You Excited For Sunday’s Worship Service.
A Holy Priesthood
To lose one’s identity is a tragic state of affairs that prevents one from doing the things they need or want to do. Take someone who suffers from dementia, for example. Their family and friends have no choice but to sit by and watch their loved one slowly forget their identity to the point they are no longer able to do the things they want or need to do.
The same is true to a lesser extent of someone whose identity is stolen from them by someone else. This happened to us a few years back when Katie and I were newly married. We were trying to move into an apartment, but had to pass a background check. I passed, but Katie did not. Her identity had been partially stolen by someone else, who had done some very bad things. This prevented us from being able to lease the apartment. Katie’s identity had been partially stolen to the point we could not do the thing we so desperately needed to do.
In 1 Peter, the apostle of the same name is writing to Christians scattered abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. They were facing social and political pressure to forget their identity in Christ (1:6-7). Peter urges them to remain faithful, and not to forget who they were. That’s why in chapter two, he reminds them that they, “like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (2:5).
This identity that he puts forth as the one they should adopt is actually an amazing spiritual fulfillment of the Old Testament. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system revolved around the temple, the priests, and the sacrifices. Now, under the New Testament, through faith in Christ, the totality of that system is fulfilled in our new identity as believers in Jesus.
Why are these three things the identity Christians are to adopt? Because they are the exact things Christ was while here on earth: Jesus, not the physical temple, was where God’s glory dwelt while He was on earth (John 1:14). Jesus also became our high priest (Hebrews 4:14). And not only was Jesus the temple of God, the high priest of God, but He became the sacrifice as well (Hebrews 10:10).
The entirety of the Old Testament sacrificial system was fulfilled in Christ, and as His followers, we are invited to adopt that same identity to live out the redemption story of God in the world, even (and especially) when times become difficult, when our faith is challenged, and when our identity is questioned.
This Sunday, as part of our lesson, we will look at each of these three parts of our new identity in Christ, and look back at their Old Testament equivalents in order to see the spiritual application for us today? What does it MEAN to be the temple, the priests, and the sacrifice? What were these under the Old Testament system, and what does that teach us about our identity in Christ now? Please join us at 10am for Bible class, and 11am for worship as we ask what it means to be “a holy priesthood.”
So, which identity will you hold on to? The one the world wants to give you, or the one granted to us by our Lord and Savior?
News
This Section Is For Any Special Announcements That Are Not Upcoming Events Or Prayer Requests.
What is a Blessing Bag?
During the Ladies Retreat in September, we put together Blessing Bags filled with useful items for people living on the streets. These bags include snacks, hand warmers, hats, gloves, lotion, hygiene products, & more.
You can find the Blessing Bags by the elevator, near the Food Pantry & WES Backpack Program collection containers.
Please take several to keep in your car & hand out to those you see in need, such as individuals holding signs asking for help. For any questions, please contact Robin Mayes.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Matthew 25:35-36 ESV
Gift Card For The Martin's
We are taking up a baby gift card for Kayla & Michael Martin to welcome Baby Kelsey Ann Martin born on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. If you have amy questions, please contact Barbara Sudduth.
Upcoming Schedule For Life Groups
Holly Hill Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May). If you require a church member’s contact information, home address, or require directions to a specific Life Group, please contact the church office at office@hollyhillcoc.org.
Sunday, Dec 21
Sunday, Jan 4
Sunday, Jan 18
Sunday, Feb 1
Sunday, Feb 15
Dec 14 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Mike Mayes
Song Leader: Sam Travis
Prayer: Joe Richardson
Lord’s Supper: Robert Roach
Scripture: Scott Trent
Dec 21 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Jeff Jones
Song Leader: Tom Owens
Prayer: Richard Dailey
Lord’s Supper: Mark Johnson
Scripture: Stefan Rudic
Dec 28 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Bradley Richardson
Song Leader: David Jones
Prayer: Lee Wise
Lord’s Supper: Ricky Drawbaugh Jr
Scripture: Joe Richardson
Dec 7 | Attendance & Contribution
Bible Class Attendance: 88
Worship Attendance: 136
Contribution: $9,355.00
Prayers
Here Are Some Individuals That Especially Need Our Prayers This Week. Please Keep Them In Mind Every Time You Pray.
New Prayer Requests:
The Euletta Joyce Irvin Family
Jackie Hensley
Brenda Perkins
Ezra Caldwell
Harding Risk
Jeff Jones
Ernie & Judy Casey
Joyce Best
Barbara Sudduth
Ongoing Prayers For: Shawn Horn; Jackye Stockton; The Jones Family; Valerie Clark; Molly Littlefield-Lane; Lee Isleman; Emmie Forrest; Jim Norrick; Phil & Suzanne Wilkins; Joue Manglicmot; The Pittman Family; Betty Blanton; Cora Owens; The Clarke Family; James & Rita Tackett; Dylan Smith; Shirley Hood; Geneva Hammons; Cathy Steele; Janis Friend; Tammy Radcliff; Jeannie LeBeau; Sonia Roach; Jerry Mayes; Kim Tillett; Carl Stoner; Melissa Farmer; Robin Ibershoff; Helen Hall; Charlene Ramsey; Inez Chatham; Ethan Jones; Jessie Tropoulos; Janice Coffelt; Polly Deaton; Robert Roach Sr; Janice Gregory; Penny Harland; Alyssa Deaton.
Upcoming Events
The Upcoming Events That You Need To Make Space On Your Calendar For.
Dec 12 | Ladies Ornament Party
The ladies of the congregation are invited to an ornament party at the home of Carol Roach on Friday, December 12th at 6:00 PM. Bring your favorite holiday snack to share and an ornament if you would like to play the ornament exchange game.
Dec 14 | Train Up A Child (All Ages)
You are invited to join us for two events on Sunday December 14th. Starting at 5:00 PM, we will have Train Up A Child classes for everyone, where our youth will learn about worship, service, and caring for others, and the adults will learn more about how God wants us to Train Up His children.
Dec 14 | Christmas Party
Immediately following our Train Up A Child event, we will have our Holly Hill Christmas party downstairs at 6:00 PM. You’re asked to bring your favorite holiday appetizer or dessert, while Pizza & drinks will be provided. Carol Roach is organizing fun games to play, so make plans to attend starting at 5:00 PM.
Dec 21 | Life Groups
Have you signed up for a group yet? Life Group sign-up sheets can be found on the information wall in the foyer, as well as individual group specifics & schedules. Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May).
Dec 28 | Elf The Musical
The Johnson/Owens Life Group is planning an excursion to see ELF, the Musical at Derby Dinner Playhouse on Sunday, Dec 28th. The event schedule is provided below, and further information can be found by visiting: https://derbydinner.com/show/elfthemusical/
Doors Open @ 6:00 PM
Dinner @ 6-7:10 PM
Overtures/Pre-Show @ 7:15 PM
Main Show @ 7:45 PM
Jan 3 | Men's Bible Study & Breakfast
The Men's Bible Study & Breakfast takes place on the first Saturday of each month at the church building, downstairs in the fellowship hall. This month’s study will be on Saturday, Jan 3rd at 8:00 AM.
Jan 4 | Life Groups
Have you signed up for a group yet? Life Group sign-up sheets can be found on the information wall in the foyer, as well as individual group specifics & schedules. Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May).
Jan 18 | Life Groups
Have you signed up for a group yet? Life Group sign-up sheets can be found on the information wall in the foyer, as well as individual group specifics & schedules. Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May).
Get Involved
There Are A Lot Of Ways You Can Get Involved & Do The Work Of God In Our Community!
Limited-Time Opportunities:
WES Backpack Program
We will once again be taking part in the Westridge Elementary School’s Backpack Program. We have listed some of the needed items below. If you prefer to make a monetary contribution, you can donate via check. Please make sure you add “Backpack Program” to the memo line. If you have any questions, please see Steve or Jenny Jones.
Items Needed:
Hot Chocolate
Ramen Noodles
Oatmeal
Easy Mac Cups
Nutri-Grain Bars
Chef Boyardee,
Vienna Sausages
Granola Bars
Fruit Cups
Cheese Dippers
Peas & Carrots
Pop-Tarts
Applesauce Cups
Pudding Cups
Fruit Rollups
Soup Cups
Green Beans
Corn
Pretzels
Pork-N-Beans
Cereal Cups
Beanie Weenies
Cookie Packs
Fruit Gummies
Cheez-its
Cheese & Crackers
Tuna Kits
Rice Krispy Treats
Raisins
Slim Jims
Protein Bars
Long-Term Opportunities:
Mission Ministry
Check out the Kingdom work being done by the congregation in Güines, Cuba! Linked below is the Mission Report for September & October.
Women’s Ministry
The Women's Ministry Program wants to make sure those unable to attend church are receiving visits! If you are not a member of the visitation committee but have visited someone recently, please let Cora Owens know. The visitation committee is creating a complete list of members to visit and wants to be sure no one is left out! Thanks in advance!
Tech Team Support
The Holly Hill Tech Team needs help. We would love to have a few more people trained and available to set up the livestreams and audio equipment. It’s a fairly simple task and you’ll be well trained before being thrown into the seat alone. If you’re interested, see David Jones, Brad Gregory, or Brad Proctor.
Meal Train & Potluck Ministry
If you’d like to help a family in need of a meal or sign up to bring a dish to a potluck, please contact Robin Mayes.
Building Security
We are in need of volunteers to make sure the building is locked following the conclusion of our Sunday & Mid-Week services. A sign-up sheet that runs through the remainder of the year has been place in the foyer. If you have any questions, please contact Scott Trent.
Youth Ministry
Holly Hill is beginning a search for a Children and Youth Minister. The Evangelistic Committee (Scott Trent, David Jones, Tom Owens, Jeff Jones, or Robert Roach) need your suggestions and input. Please pray for this position and for our congregation and for the search committee that will be formed in the coming days.
Children’s Ministry
If you’d be willing to teach, sub, or help, please see Scott Trent. We have a wonderful opportunity to teach God’s Word to our children. Let’s make sure they get our very best! Thank you!
Greeting Card Ministry
Every Sunday there are cards spread out on a table in the auditorium, right in front of the nursery window, which will be sent out to various church members and guests who need encouragement. You can help serve and encourage by making sure to sign these cards each week. If you know someone who would benefit from receiving a card from the church, please provide the name and address to Joyce Best. We will have “Get Well” cards, “Thinking of You” cards, “Praying For You” cards, and “Sympathy” cards.
Shriners Children’s Hospital
Donna White is collecting soda can tabs to donate to the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Please leave your donations in the lobby.
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