The world we live in can leave us feeling rejected as we chase after Jesus. Yet, Jesus is the one that we can find solace during this life. Just as Jesus' life culminated in the ultimate act of sacrifice for the redemption of humanity, our own moments of rejection can be transformed into opportunities for greater alignment with God's purpose for our lives.

Suffering isn't a pleasant concept for anyone. In fact, we often go to great lengths to avoid it. However, Peter's message to the early Christians underscores that suffering is an integral part of our pursuit of Jesus. Surprisingly, it's through our endurance in hardships that the genuineness of our faith becomes evident. In our moments of suffering, we find comfort and resilience by holding onto the hope of Jesus' eventual return.

Too often, because of past or present failures we are weighed down by sin and shame, and we struggle to escape this spiritual guilt. The night Jesus was arrested, Peter moves from the bold claim that he was ready to die for Christ to a moment of failure and disgrace when he denies even knowing Jesus. But, it is in this story of Peter that we see how Jesus can turn a moment of colossal failure into ultimate restoration. Peter’s story reiterates this good news for every one of us who feel like we fail as disciples of Jesus.

World events today have Christians asking questions regarding Israel and the church. Do the promises God made to the Old Testament nation of Israel still apply to Jewish people today? What abut the future national and spiritual restoration of Israel? It is vital today for the church to understand God’s plans for all his people, both Israel and the Church.

The hope and goal of every marriage should be more than just surviving. The goal should be to thrive. In order to thrive, both spouses must embrace the God given calling to put Christ at the center, to love unconditionally, and to embrace the specific role God gives to husbands and wives. With an understanding of this call and a commitment to live by God's design, we will begin to truly enjoy the gift of marriage and allow it to become a light to a dark and hurting world. Together we will discover the roles of needs, desires, service, and mission in God's design for marriage. And together we will learn to pursue a marriage that doesn't just survive, but thrives.

In a world filled with uncertainty and change, Hebrews 10:23 calls us to anchor our lives in the unwavering hope found in Jesus Christ. What does it mean to cling unswervingly to our faith we profess? What about the unshakeable promises of God and his faithfulness? Let us get a grip on hope, knowing that our God is always faithful to His promises, empowering us to remain steadfast to the end.

The practical goal of every Christian is to look more like Jesus day after day. Every day is an opportunity to let the Holy Spirit transform the heart. Central to this journey is to do what Jesus called us to do- "Take up your cross and follow (Him)." This means that we have to let go of what we think we deserve, are owed, or want for the sake of serving Jesus and making much of Him. We follow His lead in choosing to serve rather than be served, to obey rather than insist on our own way, and glorify God rather than glorifying ourselves. In return we gain an eternal inheritance and reward that lasts forever.

The world is a broken and hurting place full of broken and hurting people. The world's biggest problem is rooted in a belief that there is something better than God and what God offers.  This belief leads many to engage in empty and even dangerous pursuits. We trade what we want most for what we think we want now. People are lost, confused, lonely, and hurting. The good news is that God is neither surprised nor unprepared. God foresaw the problem and provided for the perfect remedy at the perfect time.

The story of Elijah can be a comfort and encouragement to us. Being a strong person of God does not mean that we will never feel discouraged, but rather, it means looking to God when faced with adversity. Time after time Elijah‘s faith, obedience and courage were tested yet he constantly saw God’s power displayed in his weakness.

One of the most important phrases to our life in Christ comes from two (not so) little words: But God. Knowing what God’s Word says about who we are, what God has done, and what to expect from there has tremendous impact on our life from here on out. All because of God’s grace, we can experience abundant life.