In verses 5 and 6 of Matthew 5, Jesus teaches that the meek will inherit the earth, and that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled. What does it mean to be meek, and what does "inheriting the earth" look like? And are we seeking after righteousness in our daily lives?

Jesus is teaching His disciples when Peter asks how often should they forgive their brother or their sister. Don't we find ourselves asking this same question? Maybe the question comes with restlessness because they are doing the same sin you've already forgiven them in. Or maybe in the context of being so hurt, how can I truly and deeply forgive them? This Sunday, Pastor Bill Holdridge will walk us through the power of the Gospel in the context of forgiveness because even in the difficulty, the truth remains that Christ first forgave us.

In Romans 8, Paul preaches to the Roman Christians about having a relationship with the Father. The Romans (including us!) are able to call God their Abba -- their Father! We are joint heirs with Christ, not only knowing God as our Father, but also knowing that we have an inheritance in the Kingdom of God by faith, through the grace of Jesus Christ who gave His life on the cross, so that we may receive this gift.

Peter is ending this second letter to the exiled elect scattered throughout Asia Minor by calling them to pursue holiness and godliness in anticipation of Christ's return. Peter has this same word for us today -- that we should pursue holiness and godliness, grow in grace and knowledge, be vigilant against false teachings, and prepare for the day when Christ returns.

In 2 Peter 3:1-9, we read that as we grow in the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we are able to give an adequate defense to scoffers who ask “where is His promised coming?” However, this isn’t just about having an adequate defense to this question. How will we respond as Christians who have and know the truth? Yet, even in the urgency to be ready with a defense, God is patient with us as we grow, desiring for all to come to repentance.

In 2 Peter 2: 12-22, the Peter warns about false teachers who, driven by their own corrupt desires, lead others astray with their destructive ways. These individuals are compared to irrational animals, destined for destruction due to their blatant disregard for the truth. Despite once knowing the way of righteousness, they turn away, becoming worse off than before, entangled in their own corruption.

In Acts 13:16-37, Paul shares the story of Israel, highlighting how God guided their journey from Egypt to the time of King David. From David's lineage, God brought forth Jesus as the promised Savior. Despite being rejected and condemned by the people of Jerusalem, Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled God's plan. Through this, God offers salvation and the fulfillment of His promises to all who believe.

In 2 Peter 2:1-11, Peter warns believers about the presence of false teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies, leading many astray. He emphasizes that God did not spare the rebellious angels or the ancient world in Noah's time, bringing judgment upon them while preserving the righteous. Similarly, God condemned Sodom and Gomorrah, rescuing Lot, a righteous man, from their destruction. He assures that the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials while keeping the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.