CrossPoint Fellowship Messages

Passage: Job 18–19In Job 19, nothing around Job has improved—he is still sick, grieving, and sitting in the ashes—yet hope begins to speak louder than his pain. Bildad's cruel certainty only deepens Job's isolation, but Job anchors himself to one confession: “I know that my Redeemer lives.” This message calls us to refuse half-true theology, offer presence over explanations, and hold Christian hope not as optimism, but as trust in a living Savior.Key Takeaways:Sometimes bad theology hurts worse than sufferingBildad's problem isn't believing God is just—it's believing he understands how God worksThe danger is speaking where Scripture is silentPain becomes heavier when people add to itNot every suffering person needs an explanation; sometimes they just need presencePeople rarely need a courtroom while they're sitting in a hospital roomBefore we speak into someone's suffering, ask: Is it true? Is it biblical? Is it loving?Timing matters as much as truth doesFaith doesn't ignore pain—faith brings pain to GodFaith never requires knowing everything; it requires trust in the One who doesNever confuse your assumptions for God's revelationChristian hope is not the absence of suffering—it is the presence of a living RedeemerJob's confession is not “tomorrow will be easier”—it is “I know that my Redeemer lives”

Passage: Job 9:1-35; Job 16:1-22These two passages show the need for a mediator between humanity and God. In many ways they point to Jesus. But this role can be held by loving mature believers who help remind us of who God is, and who we are called to be in the midst of the storm.Key Takeaways:We can't let our despair determine our view of God's character.This type of fair-weather faith leads not only to sin but to the collapse of our Christian worldview. It's vital that we give Satan his due.We all need someone on God's level who can speak on our behalf. A friend to plead our case. Such a friend we have in Jesus.No one can condemn us because of the work of Christ.Only He can save us.While we should cease to sin, when we undoubtedly fail, He stands as our righteousness.Our faith in Christ is our only hope, as He experienced all temptation without sinning.

In this episode, we dive into Job chapter 4 to examine the well-meaning but ultimately harmful advice of Job's friend, Eliphaz. We explore the dangers of relying on "karma-based theology" and learn how to seek God as our primary refuge during life's darkest storms.Key Takeaways:God should always be our first refuge and source of strength in times of trouble, as stated in Psalm 46:1.Avoid "karma-based theology" that incorrectly assumes suffering is always a direct punishment for personal sin.Do not belittle the big emotions of those who are grieving or hurting, as this only builds defensive walls instead of offering genuine support.Be cautious of advice from individuals who claim exclusive, secret revelations from God that cannot be backed up by Scripture.In the midst of hardship, focus on seeking the lesson God might be teaching you before rushing to find an escape.

In this raw and deeply personal message, we explore the heavy realities of Job chapters 1-3 to understand what "Godly Grievances" truly look like. We tackle the dangerous misconception that faith guarantees a painless life, and discover why honestly mourning our deepest losses is essential to healing and holding onto our hope in God.Key Takeaways:Satan is the afflicter, but God is the protector: Understanding the true source of our trials helps us maintain our trust in God's sovereignty.Faith must run deeper than our comfort: We cannot serve God on the false condition that He will shield us from all worldly pain and heartbreak.Grief is a necessary process: Suppressing our sorrow or trying to "be tough" only leads to festering wounds; God invites us to bring our genuine brokenness to Him.It is okay to ask "Why?": You can express profound grief, frustration, and despair to God without sinning or cursing His name.Community matters in the valley: Surrounding yourself with supportive people who point you to the goodness of God is crucial when everything goes wrong.

Welcome to the first episode of our new series, "Sackcloth and Ashes," a deep dive into the Book of Job. In this message, we explore Job Chapter 1 and the profound, often difficult reality of worshiping God when life falls apart.It is easy to praise God on the mountaintop when we are blessed beyond measure, but what happens when the storms hit? Through Job's story, we get a glimpse "behind the heavenly curtain" to understand God's absolute sovereignty, the true nature of the adversary, and why our faith must be tested to endure.Key Takeaways:The Danger of the Mountaintop: Why our spiritual foundation is often most vulnerable when life is going perfectly.Behind the Curtain: A look at God's ultimate control and the strict boundaries He places on the enemy.The Necessity of Testing: Exploring the truth that a faith untested is a faith that cannot be fully trusted.Worship Through Grief: How Job's radical response of worship in the face of absolute devastation challenges our modern view of suffering.Prepare for the Storm: The crucial importance of building an unshakeable relationship with God before the deep valleys of life arrive.Tune in to discover how to build a resilient faith that praises God in both the giving and the taking away.

Passage: Genesis 1:27; Romans 1:19-21; Romans 9:20-23Integrity and soullessness. AI can be a tool, but should never take the place of human touch or spiritual guidance.Key Takeaways:Anytime the soulless replaces the soul-filled, we have a problem.AI should never take the place of human touch or spiritual guidance.As image-bearers of God we share His creative attributes; AI is cold, mechanical, and only mimics a soul-filled being.Show them who you are—not what the machine is capable of.We are approaching our own Tower of Babel moment—undermining God's authority through self-inflation by technology.AI is an existential threat to human identity and must be approached and used accordingly.We are producing generations who value the outcome over the process—but it is the process that perfects us.Christians have a duty to use AI with integrity and to value people over the machine.

Passage: Gen 2:18; Phil 1:6, Heb 3:13, Heb 10:25, John 15:13Culture says you are the most important. Christianity says that others are the most important. The struggle between the two is very real.Key Takeaways:Stop fighting your design—you were created for fellowship, not solitude.Satan wants you isolated and alone; if he can get you there, he can break you.Partnership is where growth is solidified; sharing your faith deepens your understanding.There is no accountability in toxic individualism—encourage one another daily.Isolation turns you into the smartest person in the room by default, and that is dangerous.Individualism spits in the face of what Christ won for us—fellowship with God and with one another.When “me” becomes greater than “we” in your mind, you have a problem.Community requires proximity and frequency—don't neglect it.

Passage: Mk 10:43; Isaiah 53:4; Rom 6:8; Matt 20:26; 1 Tim 3:1-13, Phil 2:3-4; Prov 21:3; Col 3:12, Heb 12:1-2, Rom 12:15The Church has been—and unfortunately regularly is—rocked by scandal. Moral and ethical failures and the abuse of power destroy the trust people have in God. Don't place your hope in man; it will only disappoint you.Key Takeaways:When you place your hope in a man, you will be disappointed every time.Whoever wants to be great must be a servant; church leaders must be characterized by sacrificial, voluntary servitude.Leaders must be alive in Christ—you will know them by the fruit they bear.Ministry isn't an industry; it's a service.Not everyone who desires leadership or wants to serve should be granted their wish.You never just get a leader—you also get their spouse, and they need to meet the same qualifications.Love God more than you love the leaders of the church.When leadership fails, the failure belongs to that leader alone—not to God.

Passage: Psalm 111:10, Romans 1:19-28; Lev 18, 20; James 1:15, Prov 14:12Sexual sin has always been an issue of authority and identity. All sexual sin is against our own bodies and should be avoided. Sexual sins destroy our fellowship with God.Key Takeaways:When someone says they were born that way, respond with compassion—all of us were born sinful.We don't choose what tempts us, but we do choose how we respond to temptation.The solution for sexual sin is the same as for all sin: prioritize Jesus and be born again.Who or what you are sexually attracted to matters very little in the kingdom of God—how you respond to Christ does.Sin is never accepted; it is forgiven.Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? By no means.Same-sex attraction does not demand same-sex sin, just as heterosexual attraction does not demand heterosexual sin.You are not your sin; the only identity that matters is the one you find in Christ.

Passage: Psalm 111:10, Romans 1:19-28; Lev 18, 20; James 1:15, Prov 14:12Sexual sin has always been an issue of authority and identity. All sexual sin is against our own bodies and should be avoided. Sexual sins destroy our fellowship with God.Key Takeaways:Culture tells us to focus on self-gratification; God demands that we deny ourselves and choose Him.All sexual sin—heterosexual and homosexual—is against our own bodies and destroys fellowship with God.Scripture is clear; explaining it away is either denying the Word or refusing to live by it.Sexual sin leads to the destruction of society every time—no exceptions.Sin happens when we know God but deny Him and exchange His glory for the idolatry of self.You are not your own; you were bought at a price—honor God with your body.The Spirit will not indwell a temple that is decaying with sin.Repent and sin no more—put every boundary in place that keeps you from falling again.

Passage: Phil 3:8, 10; Heb 10:25A technologically driven world leads to the idolatry of busyness. It also dissolves human connection. We can't lose what makes us special: each other.Key Takeaways:Busyness has become our idol; if we aren't producing or advancing, culture says we're falling behind.The worst side effect of technological advancement is the destruction of human connection.Many things in life are good, but only one thing is truly important—Jesus.Making Jesus your everything is a group project; it doesn't succeed without human connection.We have willingly traded relationship and fellowship for solitude and screens.None of us was meant to be an island; God designed us for fellowship.Streaming and remote connection should never take the place of the full fellowship of believers.Satan works in isolation—and that isolation is never more dangerous than when he has convinced us we are supremely connected.

Passage: 1 Peter 2:11The focus on what divides us leads to division. Political, social, and academic infiltration causes disunity in the church. We must focus on what binds us together.Key Takeaways:Focusing on what divides us causes division; focus instead on what binds us together in Christ.Nothing outweighs the fact that we are brothers and sisters in Christ.Christians are to submit to governing authorities unless asked to go against the will of God.Rebelling against God-ordained authority on the grounds of dislike is rebelling against God Himself.Your allegiance, your causes, and your vote belong to the Lord—nothing is yours.No political candidate can do for you what Christ has done; don't make politicians into idols—or idols of hatred.Christ must not be divided—the only division that should exist is whether something is of Christ or not.Fix your eyes on Jesus; His kingdom is not of this world.

Passage: Matt 4:4, Jn 2:14, Eph 6:17, Eph 4:13-14, 1 Cor 13:12Lack of foundational knowledge leads to a shallow understanding of faith and an inability to connect Scripture to contemporary life.Key Takeaways:There is no substitute for knowing the Word of God—for our own protection and for discipling others.It is better to obey God's Word than to satisfy human desires.All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.Christ does not abolish the Law; He fulfills it—the Old Testament remains vital and life-changing.Sanctification comes by the truth, and the Word is truth.When you deny the authority of Scripture, you deny Christ.If God never spoke again and the Spirit never moved, the Word would still be enough to sustain.God does not contradict Himself—anything that does not align with Scripture must be thrown away.

Passage: 1 Peter 2:11-16; Romans 13; Matthew 28:18; Matthew 7:13-14; Gen 3The matter of right and wrong is extremely important for Christians. What is our source of truth, and who do we look to as our authority? The answer should be God; culture wants to take this duty from Him.Key Takeaways:Right and wrong are not subjective—feelings cannot be trusted as our authority.The only authority worthy of trust is God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.This world is not our home and therefore must not be our authority.There is no room for the intermingling of sin and righteousness.True love keeps the commandments; it does not leave others comfortable in their sin.The gospel is for everybody, but it bends to no one.Our God is not a God of acceptance—He is a God of deliverance.Too many are serving a god of their own creation; that god does not exist.

Passage: Isaiah 54-55Isaiah calls us to sing! The response to Christ's work in His death and resurrection is praise. We must sing! We must worship! We must praise!Key Takeaways:Presently choose what's right for the promised glory to come.Avoid the service of self in favor of the service of the Savior.Idolatry takes the place of true worship when we worship God only for what He does for us, not for who He is.Whoever takes refuge in the Lord will inherit the land.There is no peace for the wicked—repentance is the key.Repentance isn't about wickedness; it's about hope.True repentance leaves us different than we were before—bear the fruit of proof.One day every knee will bow; search your heart, know the truth, and be different.

Passage: Isaiah 53:10-12Christ longed for the other side of the cross. He spoke of it often. This week, we get to peek inside the inner workings of Christ as we see His maturation as Savior, built upon the nurturing of Scripture.Key Takeaways:Familial ties exist in Christianity because we all share in the blood of Christ.Wrath being satisfied by Christ, God can treat people with everlasting kindness and covenant loyalty.Peace and safety are the final conditions of those who trust in the Lord.Come what may, God is in control—that decision starts today.Salvation is a free gift because Christ already paid for it.Stop spending yourself on what does not satisfy; look to Jesus.God's ways are not our ways—you don't have to make grace make sense.Come, you who are weary, and find rest; come, you sinners, and find forgiveness.

Passage: Isaiah 53:7-9They rejected Him! Friends turned their backs on Him. The government washed its hands of Him. The Pharisees lied about Him. The soldiers beat Him. The crowd spit on Him. How great the injustice that points to the injustice of the Gospel.Key Takeaways:The Servant's death was God's will—His life wasn't taken from Him; it was given for you.Jesus' perfection in living allowed His death to meet the substitutionary standards of God.Because Christ's death wasn't the end of His story, our death doesn't have to be the end of ours.Christ holds the keys to heaven.Grace is powerful—but stop testing it and commit already.Through Christ, death leads to life; you must die to self.Your sin struggle does not have to define you.Willing obedience is the key to exaltation—Christ gave God what God wanted most: the possibility of you.

Passage: Isaiah 52:13-53:6Christ's suffering seemed to confirm the worst fears of His followers. He wasn't actually the Messiah, after all. How could the Son of God be destroyed by man? But the world's rejection of Christ turned out to be in our favor.Key Takeaways:True wisdom is obeying the will of God.The Servant had to be lifted to the cross in order to be lifted high.God is the ultimate restoration specialist—He takes what is discarded and makes it useful beyond comprehension.Christ was made nothing to give us everything.Our sinful eyes will deceive us when we rely on ourselves for life-altering decisions.The responsibility for the cross lies at your feet.By His wounds we are healed.Christ's physical agony is the means to your spiritual peace.

Passage: Isaiah 50:4-11Isaiah 50 tells of the obedience required by a follower of Christ. It wasn't just that Christ was innocent; it was that He was obedient to death.Key Takeaways:Humility is required for obedience.Discernment is required for obedience—God opens our ears to recognize truth.In the worst of circumstances, the Servant was obedient and submissive.Obedience requires faith that God has the final say.We aren't held accountable for people's response to our obedience—only that we were obedient.The value of your faith isn't displayed until it's truly all you have left.Obey the word of God even in the dark; don't light your own fires and pave your own way.The prize of obedience is newness of life—there is no promise of renewal without the resurrection.

Passage: Isaiah 49:1-13Who is our Savior? Isaiah 49 seeks to provide clarity as we answer that question. Christ is either the Savior prophesied by the Old Testament, or He is a fraud. This week, we look at what the Old Testament says about our Savior's identity.Key Takeaways:God destined you for a glorious purpose from your mother's womb.Without accountability, the cross is worthless.Jesus is not only Savior and love—He will hold you accountable.Unlike Israel, the Servant never failed nor forsook God.We do the work of the Father without regard for the outcome, and leave the reward in the Lord's hands.It was too small a thing for the Servant to restore only Israel—salvation reaches the ends of the earth.All that matters is whether you are covered by the blood.The story ends in joy: the Lord comforts His people and has compassion on His afflicted ones.

Passage: Isaiah 42:1-9This is the first of many steps for Isaiah in which he reveals the coming Savior to his audience. This is the first piece of the puzzle in confirming Jesus as Savior.Key Takeaways:Jesus Christ was chosen by God for a specific purpose, and the Spirit of God rests on Him.Jesus is the perfect definition of what it means to be meek—gentle and humble.He will not grow faint or be discouraged until He has established justice in the earth.Jesus was given as a covenant for the people and a light for the nations.He came to open blind eyes and bring prisoners out of darkness.Hope does not invalidate your struggles; it empowers you to push through them.As Christians we are little Christs—called to be chosen, gentle, humble, enduring, and a light.Becoming like Christ happens one purposeful step at a time.

Passage: Isaiah 1-2:5Isaiah 1-2:5 tells the story of two cities, one rebellious and one righteous. This week we look at how a city of ruins can become a city of righteousness.Key Takeaways:Often we feel God has forgotten us when we've been rebellious and are experiencing the consequences of that choice.Each of us is a rebellious nation—individually and collectively.Spiritual weakness leads to a lack of self-control, and often to physical weakness as well.We should be a mighty fortress in God, but often we're more like a temporary shelter easily torn down.It's only by the grace of God that any of us remain standing.Listen and do—but your heart has to be in it.Putting your heart into all that you do turns the meaningless into praise.God didn't spare His own Son—He will hold you accountable.

Passage: Col 4:5, Matthew 5:14-16We must make the most of every opportunity presented to us so that we can further the kingdom of God.Key Takeaways:Every interaction is an opportunity to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ.Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.A poor reputation results in the gospel falling on deaf ears.It takes years to build a good reputation and only one moment to ruin it.Everybody is an influencer—own your influence and use it for Christ.You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world; let your light shine.Be authentic, and be where your feet are.Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have—with gentleness and respect.

Passage: Phil 2:3, Eph 4:32, Proverbs 15:1We must take care of one another and treat one another with kindness and respect. Discipleship happens in proximity; if we are always hurting our relationships, we can't fulfill the Great Commission.Key Takeaways:How you treat others says a lot about your relationship with Jesus.Value others above yourselves; put others first.Words either build or they destroy—be a benefit, not a detriment.Your voice becomes the inner voice of those closest to you.Leave people better than how you found them.A gentle answer turns away wrath; a measured Christian brings peace.Listen first, speak second—listen to hear and understand, not just to respond.Approach conflict with hope, and keep your conflict your conflict.

Passage: 1 Cor 6:19-20How we live in respect to our health matters. If we can do what others can't and don't, it's not only an affront to God, but an affront to others.Key Takeaways:A body devoted to the Lord would never intentionally defile itself.Those who are united with the Lord cannot be united with sin.Honor God with your body—you are not your own; you were bought at a price.When it comes to the service of the Lord, our physical readiness should match our spiritual readiness.Are you in control of your body, or is your body in control of you?Aimlessness has no place in the life of the Christian.Food is fuel for the body devoted to the service of the Lord.Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Passage: Prov 2:1-6Knowledge is a light that is meant to be shared with others. We should all strive to use what we have learned for the benefit of others.Key Takeaways:True wisdom is found in knowing God and following His path.As Christians, our ability to learn and grow must be used to help others learn and grow.Pursue God's words and commands—true knowledge and learning result in wisdom.Wisdom is more than knowledge; it's the application of knowledge for moral good.Hunger: you are never too old to learn and grow; Christians should be lifelong learners.Discernment: know what's worth keeping and chase after it—know the Word of God.Humility: knowledge is a tool, not a status symbol.Service: use your knowledge and learning to serve others; don't keep it to yourself.

Passage: 1 Peter 4:10, Matthew 25:14-30We have been given talents, giftings, and aptitudes. These aren't just for our own personal use and gain; they are ways in which we can serve the Lord and serve others.Key Takeaways:Everyone has talents and gifts.The outcome of good stewardship is more to steward.Kingdom differences are met with kingdom rewards.The opposite of good stewardship is wicked laziness.Your gifting is yours, but it doesn't belong to you—it belongs to God.Use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace.Any skill you possess that can be put to work for the kingdom of God is a talent.Be a vessel: whatever you have that God can use is His to use.

Passage: Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Tim 6:17-18, Mal 3:10How we manage our financial resources says a lot about our relationship with God. Our treasure isn't here on earth; it's in heaven. However, mismanaging our resources can quickly divert our focus away from heaven and turn the earth into hell.Key Takeaways:How we manage our resources says a lot about our relationship with God.Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.It's better to be poor and content than wealthy and wayward.Happiness is a matter of the heart, not a matter of your pocketbook.Wealth is no reason for arrogance, but a means to a godly end.Work to exchange the temporary for the eternal.Don't think you can rob God and experience the riches of His blessing.What we do with our financial resources reveals a great deal about our relationship with God.

Passage: Ephesians 5:15-16Time is our most precious resource. How we use our time is of ultimate importance. No one has a single second to waste. This doesn't mean we make ourselves busy; it just means we are intentional.Key Takeaways:All things are His things.Be very careful how you live—watch your steps and make the most of every opportunity.We have no time to waste; our days are short in comparison to eternity.Stop wasting your life; stop waiting until tomorrow.When it comes to the stewardship of your time, what may be good for others may not be good for you.Busy isn't bad if it's blessed by the Lord.God's math always works out.If you give God your time, He will make the most of it.

God With Us, pt. 4 - In the WaitingPassage: Isaiah 40:29-31, 1 Sam 1-2, Rom 5:3-5Waiting is God's way of bringing strength and renewal, purification, and deeper intimacy. During this time, we experience constant companionship, guidance, and direction, and ultimately the fulfillment of His promises.Key Takeaways:Trials are temporary; God is not.A promise is a promise no matter how long it takes to keep.God's majesty is the evidence of possibility.In times of waiting, the strength of the Lord is invaluable.God hears your prayers, but your worth shouldn't be based on how God responds.We cannot afford to be the people of have-not.We have to learn to trust God when the answer is no or not right now.Waiting is proofing—God is perfecting you, not punishing you.

God With Us, pt. 3 - In the MangerPassage: Matthew 1:23, Luke 2The manger is marvelous. It shows us the heart of God by introducing us to the heart of God—His one and only Son, Jesus.Key Takeaways:The Christmas story is one story—from the manger to the cross to the empty tomb.Jesus was born to die, and Jesus died so that you and I might live.Christ took the fall for you.The cross wiped away your debt; the resurrection brings new life.This gift started in a manger—and it was given to both the simple and the privileged.He came for us while we were still sinners.Because we have Immanuel—God with us—God doesn't have to be without us.

God With Us, pt. 2 - In the FirePassage: Daniel 3There was a fourth man in the fire, and I know that's where you'll be. In the midst of our most trying times, God is with us every step of the way.Key Takeaways:Choosing God can turn supporters into enemies.When faced with the fire, we must fight the temptation of the easy way out.Our God is able to deliver us—but even if He does not, we will not serve other gods.Faith isn't a get-out-of-jail-free card; we can make the right choice and still find ourselves in the fire.Although we may find ourselves touched by the flames, we will not be destroyed.Faith in the fire is met with fellowship with the Father and eventual freedom from the flames.Escape doesn't come from the changing of our circumstances but the resolve of our focus.Our time in the fire has the potential to bring glory to God.

Passage: Exodus 13, 16, 17God is with His people every step of the way. Exodus is the perfect example of His presence and provision.Key Takeaways:Just because God is with you does not mean your time in the desert will be short-lived.What might seem like an inconvenience could just be our saving grace.Sometimes the suffering we know is more comfortable than the suffering we imagine.The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.If God takes you into the desert, He's already paved your way to get out of it.Sometimes our time in the desert causes us to forget our time in chains.Lessons aren't a life sentence.Don't try God's patience when you should trust His provision.

Passage: 1 Cor 4:7, Ephesians 5:4, Psalm 118 and 136Thankfulness results in joy, and joy in a relationship. Prayer is the means of our relationship with God; the two are not exclusive. Every prayer should contain thanksgiving.Key Takeaways:Happiness is temporary and often triggered by external factors; joy is deeper, more enduring, and connected to purpose and relationships.Everything you have comes from God and is a gift.Joy and prayer go together—always be joyful and never stop praying.When we talk to God regularly with thanksgiving, we develop an attitude of gratitude.Thanksgiving isn't a one-and-done; it should be every day.When you live with an attitude of gratitude, you experience joy—and with joy you can deal with any circumstance.If God has made your cup sweet, drink it in grace; if He has made your cup bitter, drink it in communion with Him.

Passage: Psalm 95:2, 2 Cor 4:15Recognizing what good exists in our lives results in one option: praise. It should flow out of us like an uncontrollable wave, which swells only to crash upon the shores once again.Key Takeaways:Stop expecting to be served by worship and instead look to serve through worship.True worship comes from grateful hearts.Worship and gratitude are intertwined—there is no true worship without gratitude.Gratitude encourages peace; grumbling encourages agitation.Gratitude keeps us at peace and encourages unity.The whole of our lives should be acts of worship.Worship shifts our focus from our current circumstances to the throne of God.Worship is less about what you're doing and more about why you are doing it.

Passage: Psalm 105:9, 2 Chron 5:13All good things are from God, and bad can be made good through God. We must acknowledge His goodness at all times.Key Takeaways:Gratitude starts with the acknowledgement of God.The acknowledgement of God helps protect us against temptation.Gratefulness can only happen when worry is removed.Worry eliminates trust, and trust is the foundation of gratefulness.Acknowledging God is a complete action that requires our whole selves.You can either let your struggles define you, or you can let the goodness of God define you.Gratefulness ultimately keeps you on the right track.

Passage: 1 Thess 5:18, Phil 4:6Highs and lows. From one day to the next, we can be on the mountain, down in the valley, and then back on top of the mountain again. Wherever we are, we must give thanks at all times.Key Takeaways:Stop looking at your circumstances as a measure of God's love.Measure God's love by the cross.Make a habit of seeing God in all things.You can either accept the gift or you can decry the grind.The valleys do more for us than the mountaintops ever could.Compare your problems to your God.

In Christ Jesus, you have become a new creation and a son of God.We compare ourselves now in Christ to ourselves before without Christ.The second comparison is ourselves now in Christ to the fullness of Christ.The first appreciates how far I have come. The second recognizes how far I've left to go.We are new.Newness is from God, who graciously, through Christ, doesn't hold sin against those who are in Christ. We are new creations because we move from enemies of God to children of God.Your old garments are gone, clothed in Christ, you have a new identity that comes with the full rights of the citizenry of heaven.You were hostile to God.You could not please Him.But Christ could and did.In Christ alone, you have been chosen, loved, redeemed, justified, and made new, by the grace of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Titus 3:5, John 3:6-8, Revelation 21:4-5, Galatians 3:26-29, Romans 8:1-2,5-7,8,10,13,17,37-39

In Christ Jesus, you were redeemed and forgiven for all your sins.We can become the righteousness of God because of Christ's work on the cross.We can become righteous because Christ was sinless.We can be righteous because Christ took on our sin.We can be righteous because God willed Christ to be our sin.We can be righteous because Christ's righteousness is attributed to us.We can be righteous through faith in Christ.2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 3:5, John 1:29, Isaiah 53:7 & 12, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 2:2, Isaiah 53:4-6 & 10, Romans 5:17, Ephesians 2:8, Philippians 3:8-9, Titus 1:6-9

In Christ Jesus, you were redeemed and forgiven for all your sins.Redemption - The forgiveness of sins is a gift of the grace of God.Christ not only frees you from slavery but he also removes what causes the affliction to begin with.Your worth is measured in the blood of Christ.Your rescue is not provided with the perishable but the priceless, irreplaceable blood of Christ.It's always been about his unmatchable ability to bring about the redemption and restoration of the sinner.Only Jesus is capable of redemption.Christ left Glory and took on human form to be your substitute.Jesus' authority to forgive sins exists because of his deity.Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:13, Ephesians 1:6, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Philippians 2:6-8, Colossians 2:8-9, Mark 2:6-10, Isaiah 53:4-5

In Christ Jesus, you are loved by God with an inseparable love. In Christ, we have the greatest possible love.It's because of Christ's sacrifice that we know what love is to begin with.Christ loved us to show us what love is and to inspire us to love others.Christ loved us despite ourselves.Christ loved us as a reflection of the Father's love.Christ died for us to save us and to bring us into the fold.Pretty straight forward.John 15:13, John 10:14-17, 1 John 3:16, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 5:2, 1 John 4:19, Romans 5:8, Romans 3:9-12, 1 John 4:10, John 15:9-13, John 3:16, 1 John 4:7-8, John 13:34-35

In Christ Jesus, you were chosen by God before creation.In Christ alone, you are chosen.In Christ, each of us has everything we need for spiritual well-being.Our purpose is to be set apart and blameless sacrifices dedicated to God's purpose.We have been chosen to be coheirs with Christ.In Christ, all have been chosen. But not all respond in faith.This choosing, saving, and adoption accomplished through Jesus should result in our praise of God.Our faith is sealed with the Spirit.Ephesians 1:3-14

In Christ Jesus, you were given grace before the world was created.Salvation is a completed act, born from grace. Grace is not a merit-based system.It's only through the grace of Christ that anyone can be saved.Sin entered the world and death became possible.Jesus came to Earth for one purpose: to destroy death.Through Christ and Christ only, we receive grace, which is undeserved life in the face of deserved death.We need grace to ensure that we aren't defined by our worst moments.God's power shines through our weaknesses.God may not change your circumstances. But through grace, he can change your perspective on your circumstances.Christ is grace.The law magnifies your sin. The Master moves you past it.2 Timothy 1:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 8:28, Romans 5:12, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26, 1 Peter 1:3-4, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23a, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Exodus 33:18-19, John 1:16-17, John 8:53-54, John 4:12-14, Titus 2:11, John 14:6-7, James 4:6, John 6:14

The Day of the Lord is coming. We don't know when. But Jesus is returning and so we must commit to living with purpose and pursue truth in all things as we wait for His arrival.If Jesus were coming back tomorrow, how would your today be different?Know the Scriptures and know the God you serve. Know his desires for your life. To love God with all your heart and to love others the same way.Before Jesus comes again, many will come in his name but will only be serving themselves.God's word is final. What he says will be - and it is. Scoffers disregard God's Word and what has been, and claim that God is inactive.What is immediacy for an eternal God? One who is slow to anger, quick to forgive, and patient with his creation, desiring that they not perish?Knowing that God is coming back should inspire all of us to live lives of holiness and godliness.2 Peter 3, Matthew 24:3-5, 2 Timothy 3:1-5

False teachers beware. God didn't spare angels and He won't spare us either. We must be sure to follow and teach the truth in order to avoid the wrath of God.False teachers are Satan's biggest weapon and the Christian's worst enemy.False teachers dress up their message as the word of God but are really pulling people away from the true Christ and his teachings.A false teacher's message sounds good but lacks substance.Masses will follow these messages, which support our desire to sin and experience salvation.False teachers exploit followers for their own personal gain.Judgment is coming, but the righteous will be saved, and you are personally responsible for your outcome.The Lord knows how to rescue the faithful from the midst of a trial and is equally capable of punishing the unrighteous.Better to be reviled in this life than destroyed in the next.A false teacher can't quench your thirst because they promise freedom they don't have.2 Peter 2

Everything we need, we have in Jesus. The perfecter of our faith can help us progress in our own faith, and we must follow trustworthy sources to get there.The first step to mature faith is understanding that equality exists between all believers.We can't just know of God; we must know God.We supplement this grace with tremendous effort.These qualities show our growth in the Lord, and we should be growing at all times.Goodness - Morality and righteousness.Knowledge - Of the Lord. Spiritual understanding, which comes from the Spirit and the Word.Self-Control - Preventing one's passions from becoming overwhelming.Perseverance - Withstanding those who scoff at and persecute us.Godliness - Reverence for the Lord.Brotherly Affection - A genuine care for others.Love - Desiring the highest good for others.As Christians, we have to be growing constantly, or we risk being unfruitful.Our task isn't easy, so encourage one another every chance you get.2 Peter 1, 1 Peter 2:24

Those in leadership must be led by God and lead with love. Our responsibility is great, and others depend on us. But we must depend on God to avoid failure.Mature Christians must step up to guide those who are less so. Each of us has a ministry serving those newer to faith than us. Humility is the pathway we must travel on our walk of faith. Faith In God's providence is no excuse for blind carelessness.Your suffering is temporary, Your reward is forever.1 Peter 5, John 21:16, 2 Tim 4:7-8

Beware, the end is nigh. And Christ already showed us how to handle it. With grace, faith, and commitment to God. We must follow his example.We are in for a fight, and we need to prepare to have unswerving resolve in order to experience victory.We share in his victory, but we must also share in his suffering.Being dead to sin, requires us to live in the present.Whether it's Jesus' return or the end of our lives, our short time remaining should motivate us to live like Christ.They way we love others should hurt a little bit. It should require us to stretch beyond what we think is capable.Suffering as a Christian is not “if” but “when”.The one thing we can't do is respond to persecution with retaliation.1 Peter 4, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, Phil 3:10, Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12

Living for Christ isn't circumstantial. We represent him at all times. We should avoid evil, accept suffering, and lead by example.First, we must be of one mind; the church should be a united entity.As believers, we must do more than just abstain from answering evil in kind - we must bless those who persecute us.We bless others in the face of persecution, knowing that the Lord sees and loves good while hating evil.Because our reward is not of this world, hope rather than fear is what defines us during hardship.In the end, our motivation is what it always should be: Christ dying for our sins and freeing us from the chains our sins created.1 Peter 3:8-22, Romans 12:17, Matthew 5:43-44, 1 Cor 4:12

How do we live as a Christian under various forms of authority - from government to family? Our submission to these authorities is an act of trust in God's sovereignty. Our conduct, even in the face of injustice, should reflect Christ's example and serve as a powerful witness to others.Christians are responsible to the laws of the land and the governments and rulers who have instituted them.Good, bad or ugly, we are exhibiting our trust in God's sovereignty by submitting to the authority that is in place.We are to submit to authority until authority demands we stand against Christ. And then we must choose to stand with Christ.False accusations fail to convict when the accused lives in a way that silences the accuser.Your righteous service to an unrighteous authority is a service to the Lord and will bring blessing on your life.If Christ can endure the process of persecution without sinning, you can face the injustices of this world with the same resolve.1 Peter 2:13-3:7, Daniel 2:21, Psalm 75:6-7, Acts 4:17-20, Romans 12:18

Following God's example leads us to good works. Those works shouldn't cease based on circumstances. Even in less-than-desirable moments, we must look to do good.No more malice, which is harboring ill will for others.No more deceit, which is deliberate dishonesty.No more hypocrisy, which is pretend love.No more envy, which is resentful discontent.No more slander, which is backbiting.All of these things characterize people who don't know Christ. Therefore, they cannot characterize you.Everything that we need for growth is in the Word of God. A characteristic of living things is the ability to reproduce. And as living stones, we must produce Christ-centered life. 1 Peter 2