Thanksgiving is not just a once a year celebration for Christians, but a year-round response to God’s grace. Communion, or the Eucharist as it’s referred to sometimes, is a meal of thanksgiving. It reminds us of God’s grace given to us personally and prompts our response of thanksgiving. It is also an appetizer and preview of the feast we will enjoy in the new kingdom of God.

Submission is often a dirty word today. But God’s word honors submission, even to authorities that are not so great. Though there are times not to submit, submission witnesses to our faith in the Ultimate Authority, silences those who slander God’s followers, gives us opportunity to follow Jesus’ example, and tries our faith in continuing to entrust ourselves to God who judges justly.

There’s a war being waged. And it’s a war for our soul. Christians are not only sojourners and exiles in this world; they are also soldiers. We fight our sinful nature, the trappings and values of the world, and the evil one himself. Our faithful engagement in the fight ensures not only our own health, but our honorable reputation among those who would like to speak against us. Where is the fight raging for you? What steps of obedience do you need to take?

What are the stories we tell ourselves about who we were, who we are, and who we want to be? Have you ever considered that Jesus is calling you into his story? A story that calls, ultimately, for resurrection into life in Him? In this sermon we focus on the master storyteller, Jesus, and his parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14) to hear about the greater story Jesus calls us into.

In a world scurrying to find and define identity, Peter gives us an identity that is not achieved but rather received. Believers have unique position and privilege because God has chosen us and is building us up as His temple. We are His most valuable possession.

In the midst of trials and in unfamiliar, foreign territory, believers in Jesus can have clear minds and confident hope. We are called to be distinct and different and therefore make a difference. But the motivation for holiness is paramount. Be hopeful. Be holy. Because you are God’s beloved.

Trials train and transform us. Through them, the luster of the world’s toys and comforts fade. We (re)discover the value of faith. God is not punishing us but perfecting us. And ultimately, we are rewarded for enduring faith.

Reflecting upon the tragic death of a young lady in the Frisco community, Pastor Ross directs our hearts to various passages in 1 Peter, 2 Corinthians, and Revelation for hope that is found only in the Good News of Jesus.