Does forgiveness mean that you step right back into a hurtful relationship? No. Does forgiveness mean that you just forget what you learned from an experience? No. But you forgive because it was modeled for you and you forgive because forgiveness will set you free.

May we live uncommon lives filled with joy that exceeds our current circumstances. May we live uncommon lives filled with peace amid great uncertainty? May we live uncommon lives that cling to hope in the midst of fear? May we live uncommon lives for God's sake to draw a watching world to the hope we've found.

Men and women just like Peter who failed, had flaws and sins, and were shaky on their own, that God started and built his church. So many people just like Peter started to make sure people heard about Jesus, and all these years later, it's because of Peter and people just like Peter who were used by Jesus that the news of Jesus' grace has reached your ears right here at First Christian Church.

Faith in Jesus doesn’t erase hardships. We still cry, we mourn at loss, and we are still saddened by our fallen world. But you can remind yourself that it will be okay. You will still be hurt. You will still be wounded. But we know that one day, our wounds will be healed because, as Isaiah 53 says, “by his wounds, we are healed.” Peter explains that an unshakable faith praises God, has a firm hope, and rejoices no matter what.

To be obedient to God’s calling in our lives, it is essential we allow the big stones, the most important things, to go on our calendar first. Those things are spending time in God’s Word, taking time to pray, being connected in community (Life Group), sharing with others by participating financially, and finally, serving and giving your greatest commodity, your time.