In last week’s message, we explored the living hope that informs how we live our lives as followers of Jesus. This week’s passage invites us to consider specific ways this living hope is meant to influence our lives in the present. Peter reminds us that we are called to live in holiness, reverence, and love.

The opening section of the letter of 1 Peter is designed to highlight the transformation its readers have experienced when they became Christians and to point forward to the glory that will be the eventual outcome of their faith. In between these past and future realities, believers are reminded of their present reality - the experience of a living hope.

Paul and Tanya Gericke, missionaries to Romania, share about their experiences and how they've seen God's faithfulness in the development of Camp Falcon Rock. Learn more about their ministry at rootsinromania.com. As followers of Jesus, we are to live as people of faith, being confident in our eternal hope and assured of God’s provision, even when we cannot see it.

True hope is founded on Jesus’ historic resurrection, and it includes the return of Jesus, the resurrection of all people and the renewal of all things. Through faith in Jesus Christ, you can find peace in your relationship with God and look forward to participating in God’s promised destiny for creation and humankind. This change in perspective can radically improve your life today.

The last chapter of the Bible reveals with vivid imagery the destiny God has planned for his renewal of all things. Creation and humanity are broken beyond repair, but Jesus’ death and resurrection opened the path to rescue. And now, everyone is invited to receive God’s gift and participate in his promise.

A maturing follower of Jesus practices generosity by offering money, time, and the spiritual gifts they have been given. This week’s passage invites us to live lives of generosity and simplicity rooted in God’s abundance and aimed at making a lasting investment in the lives of others.

A maturing follower of Jesus generously offers spiritual gifts, time, and money to build the church and meet practical needs. Paul's letter in 2 Corinthians reminds us of the great generosity we have already received from God and sets forward the hope that we would be compelled toward a similar generosity as we follow Jesus as well.

A maturing follower of Jesus practices generosity by offering money, time and the spiritual gifts they have been given. Part of God’s sovereign work of caring for the needs of His Body is to give the Body good gifts in order that they would choose to be obedient and care for one another with these gifts. In turn, thanking God as they give generously and thanking God as they receive. This is a beautiful dance of grace that is seen in 2 Corinthians 9.

Do you long to live a life of fulfillment? A life where every moment matters deeply? Scripture teaches that this sort of life can only be found when we stop living on our own (whether through secularism or religion) and receive God’s help into our lives. God desires blessing for us, so he invites us to live for things that last and to invite others to do the same.

How close is heaven, physically and practically, to our daily lives? Scripture continually surprises us as it reveals, through the stories of ordinary people throughout history, that heaven is closer than we think. And Jesus’ teaching and ministry affirms the truth that one day heaven and earth will be united. This truth, if we’re open to it, has the power to impact our lives in countless positive ways.