When you understand that God has created you for a specific purpose, and you live into that calling, it pushes you to live on purpose! The best part is, Peter reminds us that when we use our spiritual gifts, we are bringing God glory. The question is, do you know your gift? And, if so, are you living it out for the purposes of God?

God has blessed us with so much—not so we can keep it to ourselves, but so we can use it to serve others. Scripture calls us to steward every gift He's entrusted to us with excellence. That's why we strive to give our very best in every environment, from our weekend services and groups to our families, our community, and every opportunity we have to point people to Jesus!

One of the easiest mistakes we can make is assuming that we do not need others. The tension is that sharing our lives with others requires trust, sacrifice, and risk. These are not easy things to just entrust to others. But as we look at the early church (and followers of Jesus) we see that being in authentic transparent community is vitally important in our walk with Christ.

What if one conversation could change someone's eternity? This week in Built From the Core, we'll see how Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman reveals that the Gospel spreads best through genuine relationships. Discover how Jesus broke through barriers, transformed a life, and used one person's story to impact an entire community. And the kicker? Maybe He wants to do the same through you…

Can you think of a time when you did something wrong, expected the worst, but were met with forgiveness instead? Moments like that remind us just how powerful mercy can be. As Christians, we know this feeling deeply. When we look at the biggest mistakes in our lives, it's easy to believe we're beyond forgiveness. Yet the good news of the Gospel is that God's mercy is greater than our failures.

In our culture, countless things compete for control and fight for your attention. As Christians, that can be dangerous if the core of our faith isn't strong. The Bible is the authoritative, inspired Word of God that not only informs us but also transforms us.

When we attend a church, it's vitally important to know who they are, what they are called to, and how God is being followed. The mission statement is important as it ought to align with the great commission. But HOW ministry is done is just as important. Do you know what we believe at Grace?

Look Up. He's God and we are not. His ways are not our ways, He's infinite and we're finite. So Look Up. Decide that you're going to trust Him again, decide you're going to give love another shot. The world is broken, suffering is normal, but God is good. Look up.

Faith without works is dead. It's believing and trusting God and allowing Him to transform our lives as we grow in our love for Him and as that love translates into a love for other people. There is no list. The question is, Is Jesus transforming your life? Are you becoming more and more like Him in the way you think, and talk and act and react towards the people around you?

As we run this race with endurance, set your mind on things above, pursue Jesus with everything you have. Renew your mind, and then decide that you're going to put to death therefore anything that's getting in the way of that pursuit. This is sanctification. Peter says, "Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all that you do; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy."