Part 3 of our study in 1 Peter focuses in on God's purpose for trials. Trials purge us, and are permitted by the Father to mold us into His image. Many times God will also leave a trial in our life, which results in a deeper trust and knowledge of Who He is. In seasons of trials, we must continue to trust and remain sensitive to the work He wants to accomplish through it. Trials are apart of our journey of faith, and God will always work these situations for His good and glory.

Part 2 of our study in 1 Peter touched on the powerful truth of how there is Living Hope found in the person of Jesus. This Hope offers us an assurance of God's unending power and that our faith can always be placed in Him.

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3

Last Sunday's message began a brand new teaching series through the Epistle of 1 Peter entitled "Strangers and Pilgrims". The first instalment sets the stage for the uniqueness of the book and for what we will learn throughout our study.

Last Sunday's message was one that challenged our community to be all in. From Luke 5, we see the story of how Jesus commanded his Disciples to whole-heartedly follow Him. As our church begins this new chapter, we celebrate all God has done and unite our hearts in moving forward by faith. Surrendering whole-heartedly does require sacrifice, but when we choose to follow Jesus first, His blessings poor out and are better then we could ever dream. God opens doors for a greater purpose than we see right now, and we must be all in and go "into the deep.

There is nothing sweeter than unity in the body of Christ. Last Sunday's message reminded us of the many blessings found in Christian fellowship. We are challenged to bear the Fruits of the Spirit through our relationships and to show grace to each-other exactly where we find ourselves today. God designed us to do life together, and we can experience his blessings through seeking unity in the body and experiencing Godly friendships.

Our message last Sunday was titled "The Future is Friendly", and gave use beautiful and challenging reminder - If I trust God with my future, I can focus on living for Him today. From Abraham's life, we are reminded that we can claim and believe God's Word over our future. By resting in what He says in His Word, we can focus on glorifying and being faithful to Him in the now. All around, we are given Biblical principles for trusting God regardless of what it seems the future holds.

Part 2 of Ground Level continues on the theme of faith and obedience coming together. In this message, we study on what God requires from His people. God commands us to fear Him, walk in "all" His ways, love Him, serve Him, and simply obey His commandments.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 10: 12-13

Todays message kicks off a brand new mini-series titled “Ground Level” where we will be focusing in on Biblical truths on how faith and obedience meet and must coexist. Out first message of the series confirms to use that a relationship with God begins by faith, but is grown through obedience. We look at Micah 6:8 and summarize God’s three commands to “do justly”, “love mercy” and “walk humbly.”

Scripture: Micah 6:8

As we wrapped up our "Church Defined" series, we were challenged on the simple truth of serving the church. God has uniquely gifted each and every one of us! No matter what season of life we find ourselves in - there is something we can all do to serve through the local church. From our study, we were challenged to discover these gifts God has given, and to seek out how we can put them to use here and now. All around, we are reminded that we must have a passion for the church and make it a priority. But we also must play our part in helping to build it, and as a result see God glorified through our service to Him.

Our message last week was a challenge in our passion for the local church. We're reminded that we should make the church an overarching priority in our own lives. As the body, there is a desperate need for us to have connection and community with other believers and gather together to worship. With other points brought to light in regards to this, part 3 of “Church Defined” moves us to search our hearts - to determine whether we are truly seeking first “the kingdom of God.” God loves the church, and we must have a passion for it.