The greatest barrier to generosity is fear. Specifically, the fear of scarcity is the great hurdle to generosity. When I am afraid of not having enough, it will be nearly impossible to have a generous heart. Thankfully, there is good news here. God is generous. In Christ we have an abundant life, not a life of scarcity. This does not mean that God wants us all to have a big house, nice cars, luxury vacations, and fancy clothes. But it DOES mean that God wants to care for our daily needs and give us true blessings that last not just for a few months or even years, but will last a life-time and for eternity. When we learn to depend on God’s good provision we discover that a generous heart is born in knowing a generous God.

Stand-alone sermon by Jonathan Wallace

Apathy may be considered the greatest enemy of faith in America. We are cautioned against the danger of apathy, as the return of Christ signifies a time of judgment. As believers, we're encouraged to live in eager anticipation of His coming and to place our trust in His promises. Embracing this mindset of expectancy not only prepares us for Christ's return but also strengthens our faith, reminding us to live each day in accordance with His teachings and to eagerly await His glorious return.

Let’s be honest, living like Jesus day in and day out can be tough. The temptation to fall back into our old habits, our human weaknesses, is strong. But we shouldn't forget that God takes sin and our worldly desires seriously. So, when we feel that tug, we need to remind ourselves of the goodness God wants for us, helping us to keep growing to be more like Him.

We long for a rich and fulfilling existence, marked by virtues such as knowledge, self-control, and love. Through salvation in Christ, we gain access to this abundant life, as we become partakers in the divine life of God. His essence permeates our being, enabling us to fulfill our intended purpose and live in alignment with His design for us. As we immerse ourselves in His presence, our lives are transformed, radiating His light and love to those around us.

In today's culture, we often prioritize self-interest above all else, but those guiding God's church are tasked with embodying humility. They prioritize others' needs over their own, setting an example for all believers to emulate. This humility serves as a guiding light, inspiring the entire body of believers to prioritize compassion and selflessness in their own lives.

What if suffering is actually the pathway to a deeper intimacy with God? By reframing suffering as a pathway to spiritual maturity, we discover that it not only strengthens our faith but also serves as a testament to our commitment to following Christ wholeheartedly. Peter does not consider suffering as something that “could happen,” but something that is necessary in our pursuit of Christlikeness.

When we live a life filled with goodness, it sparks curiosity in others about what sets us apart. Our actions, rooted in goodness, become a magnet drawing others to inquire about the source of our joy and purpose. Furthermore, our baptism serves as a tangible symbol of our victory through Jesus, marking triumph over challenges and a life transformed by His grace. Our daily choices and the symbolism of baptism can inspire others to discover the life-changing power of following Christ.

Marriage is hard, and really that might be an understatement. In the marriage relationship, we see the unbelievable opportunity to model Jesus to one another. By modeling Christ-like virtues and recognizing mutual respect within marriage, couples can nurture a relationship grounded in love and equality. This allows marriage to not only be a holy union, but also a way of modeling Jesus to one another.

Following Jesus, the mocked, ridiculed, and rejected Savior of the World is never easy. Despite the challenges and mockery we might encounter, our unwavering dedication to following His example is paramount. Even amidst ridicule, our commitment to emulating Jesus' love and compassion stands as a testament to our faith. Let us draw strength from this devotion, understanding that our perseverance not only honors Jesus but also serves as a beacon of hope in a world yearning for redemption.