How do you respond to surprise events in your life? The way you respond can reveal a lot about what is in your heart and what you are believing about Jesus.

In a time of crisis, there is a heightened need to love one another. We are more easily stressed, more given to self-focus and even tempted to stray away from the faith. That’s why we need to love one another! So, what makes this supernatural love possible?

1) How can you "prepare your mind for action" each day and not drift into mindless entertainment, but put your hope in God's grace?

2) How have you grown over the last few years to become more like your heavenly Father? How have you slipped back into your old way of life?

3) What comes into your mind when you think about God and his posture towards you? How does his being a father and judge motivate you toward holiness?

In 1 Peter 1:10-12, we see that though we are not with the Lord bodily right now, he has spoken a gracious word to us (in both the Old and New Testament) and is now revealing his grace as he works to save his people. And on our journey heavenward, God means for us to be students of his grace, strengthened by his promises for the troubles we face.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1) Have you experienced both deep joy and honest grief in the midst of this trial?

2) How is God refining your faith in this difficult time?

3) How is God lifting your eyes away from worldly joys to eternal joys in this trial?

If ever there was a time we needed hope, it’s now. By God’s great mercy we can have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead!

Jesus is riding into your crowded and chaotic soul and asking, “Do you want real peace?”

God is doing some deep cleaning in our lives. What needs to go? What needs to stay? And as we look back on this Coronavirus someday, what will our stories be?

In this time of uncertainty we should grieve the things we have lost, but we should also see this time as an opportunity to grow deeper in our faith and serve the world around us.

With no church service this morning, today's sermon comes to you from Pastor Doug's office. We hope you are comforted and encouraged by this word today.