Theme: God's transforming power and mercy

Exegetical note
Whoever this letter's real author was, it certainly does reflect what often appears to be the great Apostle's tendency to put his foot in his mouth. Here he jumbles and mixes three metaphors: newborn babies, living (?!) stones, and the New Israel (although he doesn't quite call it that). The most important theological thing he says comes in verse 10, after even he appears to have given up on his dubious images: God's power and mercy are utterly transforming.

Call to Worship
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