The Upside of Down Times | 1 Peter 4:12-19 | Ps. Steve Johnson

Are you tired of waiting on God to move in your life? What if the waiting isn’t just about God’s timing—what if He’s waiting on YOU?

In this week’s message from our series Great Expectations, we dive into 1 Peter 4:7–11, where Peter reminds us that “the end of the world is coming soon.” While we wait, God calls us to live faithfully by doing three powerful things:

✅ PRAY — Be earnest and disciplined, staying connected to the heart of God.

✅ LOVE — Show deep, sacrificial love that reflects Christ.

✅ SERVE — Use your gifts to build others up and bring glory to God.

Waiting isn’t wasted when we lean into prayer, love, and service. God is patient, not absent—He’s giving us every opportunity to grow and to join Him in His redemptive work.

📖 Scripture References:

1 Peter 4:7–11 | Philippians 4:4–9 | 2 Peter 3:8–15 | Revelation 21:1–5

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When Jesus suffered and died, it wasn’t a temporary fix for sin—it was a once for all time victory that changes everything about who we are and where we’re headed.

In this message from 1 Peter 3:18–4:6, Pastor David unpacks:

How Jesus’ death and resurrection secure your salvation forever

The authority Christ holds over every power—seen and unseen

Why living with the attitude of Christ will transform your desires

How to stand firm when your new life meets opposition

Whether you’re wrestling with your past, facing pushback from others, or learning how to walk in your new identity, this message is a reminder: You are not who you were—and you never have to go back.

📖 Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18–4:6, Ephesians 2:1–7

#BibleTeaching #1Peter #OnceForAllTime #LifeWithJesus

Living faithfully when life gets hard isn’t easy—but it’s exactly what we’re called to.

This week, we continue our journey through 1 Peter in our series Great Expectations by exploring chapter 3, verses 13–17. In a world full of pressure, fear, and opposition, Peter calls believers to stand firm, do good, and reflect hope with gentleness and respect—even when it costs us.

🕊️ What if suffering isn’t a setback… but a setup for God to be seen through you?

🙌 What if your quiet courage and kindness in hard times is the loudest sermon you’ll ever preach?

In this message, you’ll learn:

Why doing good still matters even when it’s hard

How to respond to criticism or hostility with honor

What it means to live a hope-filled life that draws others to Jesus

📖 Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13–17

🎙️ Speaker: Ps. Steve Johnson

🏠 Church: Highlands Church Los Angeles

📍 Series: Great Expectations (Week 6)

👉 Subscribe and follow along each week as we walk through 1 Peter together.

📲 HighlandsLA.com

This week in our Great Expectations series, we explore one of the most challenging and transformative truths from 1 Peter 2:18–3:12 — the call to live with consistency, integrity, and faithfulness in every category of life.

Whether you’re a spouse, an employee, a parent, or simply navigating a complicated world — Peter’s charge is clear: no compartments, no divided loyalties. Just a steady, Christ-centered witness that shines through all seasons and situations.

🙌 You’ll learn:

Why integrity matters more than intensity

How to submit without surrendering your soul

What husbands and wives are really called to in marriage

How to stay united, humble, and full of love even when it’s hard

📖 Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 2:18–3:12

💬 Speaker: Pastor David Johnson

🎙️ Series: Great Expectations (Week 6)

Living Faithful in a Watching World | 1 Peter 2:11-17 | Ps. David Johnson

Great Expectations | 1 Peter 2:4-10 | Ps. David Johnson

Great Expectations | 1 Peter 1:1:21-2:3 | Ps. David Johnson

Stewarding Your Life | Romans 12 | Ps. Steve Johnson

Great Expectations | 1 Peter 1:1:13-20 | Ps. David Johnson