Peter's instructions in his letters are not about maintaining the status quo but about subverting it from within. This concept of subversive stability involves embracing our roles and working for change through suffering love and patient endurance. This approach calls us to remain rooted in our relationships, communities, and workplaces, seeking change from within rather than fleeing when challenges arise.

As Christians, we often forget to fully embrace our true identity as sojourners and exiles in this world. This identity calls us to live differently, abstaining from the passions of the flesh and maintaining honorable conduct among those who do not share our faith. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of the resurrection, demonstrating a living hope that defies the pessimism and defeatism prevalent in the world today.

Often our identity as chosen by God is defined by societal standards or personal accomplishments, rather by God’s love and unique purpose for us. The message of being chosen by God, as articulated by the Apostle Peter, is not just a spiritual concept but a call to live out our faith in tangible ways, reflecting the kingdom of God in our daily lives.

While humanity is created in God's image, there is also a need to acknowledge the depravity within us. This acknowledgment is crucial for spiritual growth and transformation, a process known as formation. This process involves actively pursuing our salvation, having an eternal perspective, embracing holiness, seeing God as a loving Father, and participating in community.

Often, Salvation is articulated this way: I have a sin problem, and I am on the road to damnation, but Jesus died for my sins, so now I have a chance to go to heaven. Peter's letter offers a rich tapestry of themes, including holiness, hope, and suffering, which together paint a picture of salvation that is far more than just personal deliverance from sin. It is an invitation into a life of holy community, hopeful presence, joyful suffering, and good news for the world.

The decline in volunteerism reflects a broader societal trend that has infiltrated the church. Many avoid serving due to beliefs in personal responsibility, passivity, and the overwhelming pace of life. However, Jesus' teachings make it clear that serving those on the margins is a gospel mandate. We are called not just to serve but to integrate those we serve into our daily lives.

While the idea of togetherness might seem straightforward, it is often fraught with challenges, especially given the scandals and moral failures that have plagued many religious institutions, including those in our own city. Yet Jesus regularly attended the synagogue, taught, healed, and debated there, despite its imperfections. Our commitment to the church is not about its perfection but about our collective journey towards Christ.

The world is undeniably broken, filled with suffering, injustice, and despair. Many of us have grown disillusioned, giving up on the dream of making a significant impact. However, Jesus invites us into a radical movement that promises to heal the world through suffering love, not through power or force, and live out the reality of the kingdom now while we await its full realization.

In American culture, there is an overwhelming sense that fulfillment in life is tied to sexual pleasure. Shaped in this environment, the sexual ethics of Jesus don’t sound liberating; they sound limiting. But the Christian story insists that marriage is the safest and best place for sexuality to flourish as bonding, mutual submission, and witness. 

It is no secret that our culture is relationship-obsessed. Whether it be Hallmark, Zola, Hinge, Love Island, or The Bachelorette, they all sell the same dream that Disney princesses believe—your fulfillment is tied to finding true love. This is problematic primarily because it’s not how Jesus lived or how the New Testament writers articulated marriage and singleness. Single people are welcomed as full participants in God’s kingdom.