In Acts 12, we see that the early church is under persecution. James has just been martyred, and Peter is next up. Because of the church’s ardent, consistent prayers, God delivers Peter and miraculously sets him free. We have to learn to pray in faith that God will take care of us!

In this second portion of the message, Dr. Grier continues to explore the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, and to explain how God’s Word is meant as protection, not restraint. When we are in need, He provides the guidance and instruction we require in order to become what He designed us to be.

In Genesis 21, we see that Abraham’s lack of judgment led to enmity between Hagar and Sarah (and their sons). This is a clear lesson about how God’s law is meant to protect us, and how we often toy with things that God intends for us to take seriously.

Jeremiah heard from the God of the universe, because he was ready and listening. Don’t wait until you’re ready to take action— take action to be ready. God has a way of making us uncomfortable— and that’s okay!

In this second segment of the message, Dr. Grier continues to share his testimony of trusting God in times of little and times of much. It takes grace to live in either circumstance. Keep moving towards where God has told you to go— your “there.”

In 1 Kings 17, we find the story of Elijah, who prophesies that there will be no rain for the next few years unless he says so. Even though he spoke for God, Elijah still had to run following this announcement. Believers will discover, whether in times of much or little, they have all that they need in God.

In this episode, Dr. Grier explores the story of Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness in Luke 4 and 5. Just because we go through hard places doesn’t mean that God’s Spirit isn’t with us. Jesus’s temptation verified that He was ready to step into His ministry.

In Daniel 3, we find the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. By refusing to bow down and worship the golden idol, they refused to obey King Nebuchadnezzar. We learn from this story the importance of basing our life and decisions around God’s Word rather than the world’s pressures. In fact, pushback from the world may be confirmation that we’re still heeding God’s voice.

In Acts 10, we find the story of Cornelius, a man of influence who is visited by an angel. He acts faithfully, in obedience to what God tells him. When God speaks to us, we too have a responsibility to act in obedience.

Matthew 1 introduces us to the beginning of Jesus’s life on earth. By exploring the names given to Jesus in this chapter, as well as the prophecies in the Old Testament referenced here, we can gain new insight into Christ’s role and God’s character.