Persecution and Prosperity aren't usually words that we would link together. But as Pastor Richard shares today, Paul was encouraging the Thessalonians that the persecution that they, and other believers in the area were facing, was causing them to prosper spiritually. Is that how you see the struggles in your own life? Are you rising above your situation with a spiritual perspective or is your worldview being dictated by your circumstances?

You may be listening right now and feel that you've gone too far and that God could never forgive you for what you've done. And this is one of the main ways that we become confused about grace actually is. Grace isn't temporary or limited. Pastor Bryan will help you understand today that grace can be extended to you BECAUSE you are righteous. Jesus has made you righteous and therefore God extends grace to you.

The trials of the World can often grab our focus. What we hear on the news or from other people can make it difficult for us to know how to make decisions and live our lives. That's why it’s SO important to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. He doesn't waver in the midst of the chaos because He sees everything with perfect perspective. Pastor Richard will show us today that trusting Jesus is our best hope for making our way through all the turmoil.

Today Pastor Bryan begins unpacking grace. Now, many of you listening right now have heard the acronym: “God's riches at Christ's expense.” And while that's a very good way to look at grace...you'll learn today that there's so much more. Jesus didn't just die for you...He actually died IN YOUR PLACE...HE took the penalty that you and I deserved. This means that the death that you WOULD HAVE died...you won't have to because of His sacrifice.

Jesus defied every expectation people had for him as the Messiah and one very significant thing he did that truly upset the religious leaders was that he spent his time with sinners. Pastor Richard points out that this giving of his life to the sick and sinners was how Jesus lived a spiritually significant life. We have the awesome privilege of following him and doing life the way he did—a way that was unpopular yet deeply significant.