In this message, Pastor John Elmore examines Exodus 14, where the Israelites face the Red Sea ahead and Pharaoh's army behind. Discover how God uses impossible situations to demonstrate His power and faithfulness, teaching us to trust Him when all seems lost.

Pastor JP’s sermon underscores the clear biblical message that Jesus is returning, and challenges believers to live with a sense of spiritual urgency and readiness. God’s grace not only saves us but actively trains us to live godly lives in a world full of distractions and temptations. As we look forward to the return of Christ, we’re called to live in a way that reflects our hope, our purpose, and our mission.

1. Let Grace Train You to Say “No” Now

2. Let Future Glory Move You to Do Good Now

3. Let’s Live Ready—and Help Others Get Ready

Discussion Questions

1. What would change in your life if you truly lived with the expectation that Jesus could return at any moment?

2. In what ways can God’s grace help you say “no” to the world and “yes” to a life that honors Him?

3. How can you actively help others prepare for Christ’s return in your everyday relationships and routines?

Pastor JP unpacks 1 Peter 2:4–12, reminding us that the Church isn’t a place—it’s a people. We are a community of believers, each one chosen, called, and placed with purpose. When we build our lives on Jesus, the cornerstone, and boldly live out our faith, we don’t just go to church—we become the Church, a movement that carries hope to the world.

The Church is being built of Christians

The Church must be built on Christ 

The Church is built when Christians declare and display Christ 

Life Group Discussion:

How can we shift from seeing church as a place we go to something we’re actively part of?

What does it practically look like to make Jesus the cornerstone of your daily life?

Who in your life needs to see or hear the love of Christ through you this week?

Teaching from Acts 2, Pastor John shows that the Holy Spirit isn’t just some mystical force — He’s a real person, part of the Trinity, and fully involved in your everyday life. Through the example of Peter going from scared to bold, we learn how the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live courageously and make a real impact. He challenges us to listen for the Spirit’s nudges and act right away — just like the 3,000 people who heard the gospel and instantly responded with faith and action.

The Person Holy Spirit

The Power of the Holy Spirit

The Promptings of the Holy Spirit

Life Group Discussion:

How would you describe your personal relationship with the Holy Spirit? Do you see Him more as a person or a power, and why?

What are some ways you’ve seen the Holy Spirit empower believers for ministry or daily obedience?

Can you share a time when you sensed a prompting from the Holy Spirit and chose to obey or ignore it? What was the outcome?

We have been given a clear job from Jesus to make disciples. Whether we go to our neighbor or to the nations, we are called to go! 

Jesus is the King with all power

Our purpose is to advance the Kingdom

Jesus’ presence is permanent

Life Group Discussion:

How does knowing that Jesus holds all authority impact the way you live your daily life?

Who is one person in your life right now that you feel called to reach or disciple?

How does Jesus' promise, "I am with you always," give you courage in sharing your faith?

In John 21:1–19, JP reminds us that Jesus doesn’t give up on us—even when we fail. We've been recruited like Peter, not because we're perfect, but because God's grace is bigger than our mistakes. Through Jesus, we're restored to relationship and redeemed for a purpose far greater than our past.

We’ve been recruited despite our failures

We’ve been restored to grace and fellowship  

We’ve been redeemed for a new future and purpose 

Life Group Discussion:

Why do you think Jesus still chooses people with messy pasts or flaws?

In what ways have you struggled to believe that God fully forgives you?

How has your past prepared you for the purpose God has for you?

Pastor John dives into Luke 22:54–62, where Peter—one of Jesus’ closest friends—denies even knowing Him, not once but three times. Jon keeps it real, pointing out that like Peter, we can be quick to talk big about our faith, but when pressure hits, our confidence can crumble. He challenges us to get honest with ourselves: Are we aware of how weak we really are? Are there moments when we’re low-key embarrassed to rep Jesus? And do we actually feel the weight of our sin, or just brush it off?

Are you aware your flesh will fail?

Are you tempted anywhere to be ashamed of Jesus?

Are you grieved over the gravity of your sin?

Life Group Discussion:

What’s an area of your life where you tend to overestimate your own strength or self-control?

What situations challenge your boldness when it comes to living for Jesus publicly?

When you mess up, are you more likely to justify it, ignore it, or actually feel convicted?

In John 18:1–14, JP points out how Jesus doesn’t run from the moment—He steps up. Even though betrayal and arrest are coming, Jesus shows courage and chooses to follow God’s plan on purpose, not by accident. JP also reminds us that Jesus is still running the show—protecting His friends, staying calm, and speaking with authority. And in an incredible moment of grace, Jesus heals the guy who came to arrest Him, showing love to His enemies right in the middle of all the chaos.

Jesus steps out in courage

Jesus is still in control

Jesus shows compassion to his captors

Life Group Discussion:

How does Jesus' courage challenge the way we respond to fear or opposition in our own lives?

Why is it important for us to remember that God is in control, even when things feel chaotic or unfair?

Can you think of a time when you were challenged to extend grace in a hard situation? What happened, and what did you learn?

In the Journey to the Cross series, Pastor JP highlights Jesus’ time in Gethsemane as a moment of deep surrender and trust in God’s plan. He reveals how Jesus, though in anguish, fully submitted to the Father’s will, setting the path for our salvation through His obedience. 

Jesus trusted the Father in His greatest suffering

Jesus trusted the Father in His greatest temptation

In suffering and temptation, Jesus prayed and obeyed

Life Group questions:

1. In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” What does this teach us about surrendering to God’s will in our own struggles and decisions?

2. The disciples struggled to stay awake while Jesus prayed. How can we stay spiritually alert in our daily lives, and what are some distractions that keep us from seeking God in prayer?

3. Jesus trusted the Father even in His deepest anguish. How can His example help us navigate seasons of suffering or uncertainty with faith?