Can we really find hope in God's sovereignty? What about in seasons of extreme difficulty? Furthermore, is it right for us to think of ourselves as having a significant role in God's sovereign plan and purpose? When we understand sovereignty in a biblical way, we can live, not as passive pawns in a cosmic chess match, but as key partners in God's great purpose in the earth, sealed with the Spirit of God, reflecting our Savior-King, and bringing glory to our Father. This is true, not only during our easy days, but maybe even more evident in our days of difficulty. (Note: This message was shared as the Spokane Complex Fires continued to burn around the city and region.)

As Paul begins to dive into his letter to the Ephesians, he leads immediately into a 'big reveal' of God's plans from before the beginning of creation. We discover that the blessings we can enjoy today flow from our adoption as sons and daughters, and from God's eternal plans to reconcile all things under Christ.

What does it mean to be an apostolic church today? What does that look like? There are seven key elements that every local church should seek to embrace fully if we want to build according to the pattern of the apostles of Jesus as they sought to obey His commission to make disciples.

Imagine... What would it look like to be a part of a church family that's not only stable, but also prepared to multiply and to spread across the nations? What would this church family prioritize? How would they treat one another? How would they participate in the community around them? When we look at the priorities of the church in Acts 2 we are looking at a beautiful pattern, and even a mirror of what a healthy church can be still today: full of life and full of the Spirit of God.

Jesus didn't die just to make us less sinful and so we would 'try to be better.' The gospel is so much more than this! Peace with God, total access to Him, hope, assurance of our salvation and confidence that flows from this, knowing that we will be glorified with Christ - these are realities that are ours in Christ Jesus! Because of Him, we have multiple reasons to celebrate!

Which is more holy: to quietly trust God's sovereignty, or to trust God and plan intentionally for the future? It's possible to err in the extremes of either direction, so let's learn from Jesus as He tells a story about about a man who entrusts ten of his servants with his own resources, instructing them, "Engage in business until I come back." Being wise with finances, and putting to work whatever resources God has entrusted to us, is actually a healthy thing! The key is to honor Jesus as we do these things, committing our dreams, goals, and plans to Him, then acting in obedient, submitted faith.

How did Peter the fisherman become Peter the faithful friend and church father? The answer is found in the faithfulness of Jesus. If ever there was a friend who sticks closer than a brother, Jesus is that friend. Peter, who had denied Jesus in His most vulnerable moment, is pursued and encouraged, transformed by the grace of God extended to him, and recommissioned by Jesus on a memorable day on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. This same Jesus is transforming us to be faithful friends who can extend His prophetic call, challenge, care, correction, and commission to others.

Does God want us to be afraid or to be full of faith? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), but far from life-long anxiety, this God kind of fear also brings a strong confidence (Proverbs 14:26). The day Peter met Jesus on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he went through the full spectrum of emotions. The fear he felt at first made him want to get away from Jesus, but that quickly turned into an awe that led him to leave everything and follow Jesus. Jesus good word to Peter is also a good word to us today: "Do not be afraid!"

If you were God, how would you choose to conclude the Old Testament Scriptures? The last few sentences of Malachi in our Bibles reveal the relational heart of God for families. They also point to the significant influence the family of God can have as we build the culture of His kingdom one family at a time, one conversation at a time, and one God-honoring conversation at a time. This final part of our Big Question series was spoken on Mother's Day, but the principles we learn about healthy parenting apply to every influencer. Teach them to: Look Back, Look Ahead, Look Up, Look In, and Look Outward.