How good do we have to be to get into heaven? J.D. Greear answers that question as we jump into a brand new series called, In Earth as it Is in Heaven. Pastor J.D. is unpacking the story of the Good Samaritan. He’s getting right to the heart of the difference between works-based religion, and the gospel of Christ. We’re discovering why religion and good works are never enough to save us. 

As we come to the end of our time in First Peter, our theme has been “together we endure”—together, we press through difficult times. Peter talks a lot about suffering, frustration, and patience. It’s clear why this book is so relevant to us right now! The last few verses are about how not to simply survive in a hostile, cruel, chaotic world, but how to thrive.

In the middle of summer heat you know how good a moment of shade can feel, like when you’re in a parking lot and look for that one tree to park under. Our Scripture from First Peter tells us how to experience shade from the harsh heat of the world and how to provide that kind of shade for others. Pastor J.D. explains how to experience good days in the midst of bad days on Summit Life.

We’re jumping into a sensitive and controversial subject: the biblical roles of husbands and wives. God has a reason for the way he set things up, and it reflects his enduring, beautiful purpose for marriage. We must allow the gospel to transform the way we think about marriage.

Our nation has experienced an unusual few years, and the amount of stress that comes with following the authorities set before us is at an all time high. The Bible clearly calls believers to submit to authority, but what about when those in places of power – whether it’s a parent, a boss, or the government – are morally corrupt?

1 Peter says we’re supposed to be different than the world around us. What does that mean to leave as a citizen of heaven and not of earth? Pastor J.D. teaches the two crucial changes of perspective we must have to thrive in this world. Discover what they are when you listen.

Grow up. It’s a simple command God gives in 1 Peter. But what does that mean? In our spiritual lives, it can be hard to judge whether or not we’re really “growing up.” Pastor J.D. provides a very practical list of what it means to be a mature believer.

Most of us don’t feel like exiles – we live in communities that we enjoy, with shelter and friendships that sustain us. But the book of First Peter gives us another perspective by teaching us that every follower of Jesus is an exile, living in a world that we no longer belong in… and longing for our eternal home!

This teaching series called “Together We Endure” was originally preached during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was on lockdown — and yet, over three years later, our world is still in the midst of so much chaos! We may not be locked in our houses any longer, but we have so much to endure together. Our prayer is that today and throughout this series, we’ll find unity, hope, and perseverance for our weary souls.

What do you think is the greatest sign of Christian maturity? We close the “Romans” series in today’s message by looking at a seemingly unimportant list of acknowledgements of people serving in the church that fill the last pages of the letter. But Pastor J.D. helps us see that, because Paul included it, we can better understand why we never outgrow our need for connection to God’s family and how it is the measure of our spiritual maturity.