In this historic and unprecedented time, we can have a hope that is “imperishable”- it cannot be destroyed or taken from us. Eternal security, infinite value.

In this series we look at the message from the Apostle Peter to Christians of his day, and it is remarkable how many things we can relate to in our present challenges. This message gives us hope, builds our faith and confidence in God.

Grace allows us to become better and better representatives of God with no limit to how much we can grow - it sets us free, leads us by the Spirit, and continually strengthens us.

Grace allows us to be people who are known not for being gifted, not for doing good things, but for how we love people. Real love doesn’t give up on God, ourselves, or on others. Graced people love people.

Understanding God’s grace is so motivating. It transforms our identity and allows to to truly be ourselves. It allows us to view weakness and struggle differently. It fundamentally changes our relationship to God.

The older we get as Christians, it can be easy to become self-reliant. Yet we quickly reach the end of ourselves and come up short. We try to fill ourselves with junk. But only the Spirit can produce in us those things which are most needed. Focus on being rather than doing. Live by faith and not by the flesh.

Could it be that God has designed a plan for you to make the world a better place through what you do? Learning to see your life as a calling from God can bring great purpose and meaning. An identity in Christ will make you a better employee.

This talk caps a weekend with Dr. Barnett learning more about racial reconciliation and having courageous conversations with those who may seem to be different than ourselves. Everyone has a “family of origin” story, and a good starting point is truly listening to each other—our hurts, our hopes, and our felt experiences. As we learn to know each other better we move from Awareness to Acknowledgement, and then to true Advocacy.

In the beginning there was work, and it was good! We begin this series with taking a look at God’s original design for work. Understanding this design can bring deeper meaning to daily routine in our jobs or schooling. We are all meant to be “gardeners” — cultivating beauty out of the ordinary.

"The rain is coming.” The Spirit of God is moving. We need to be ready. God is at work all around us. Be prepared to take a leap of faith to be able to be used by him.