That is a weighty title for a weighty topic to be found within just a few verses at the start of Peter's first letter to the saints. In a nutshell, the apostle makes plain to us that though suffering and trials come, God has a grand design for them. Pastor Mollenkopf unpacks the early verses of First Peter.

God uses the unlikeliest of people to do His great work. In this case, He choose lowly shepherds to be the recipients of the world’s greatest message, and to be the first witnesses to one of the most epic events in world history. Pastor Mollenkopf explains the wonder of the shepherds who first met the incarnate Son of God (discounting mom and dad and whatever critters were in the stable at the time).

Election. A controversial topic amongst believers but a topic from which the apostles and the Lord never shied away. Peter opens his first epistle by addressing the "elect exiles of the Dispersion," and he does so not to stir controversy but to be a great encouragement to the believers. Pastor Mollenkopf explains the rich value of the this opening, a value to the saints then and a great value for us today.

In a world of tumult, how and why should any aspire to be a peacemaker? When each of us is conflicted within our own hearts, in the halls of our own homes, how can we be expected to make peace? On our own, such efforts will prove futile. But God. As with all of God's word, the heavy lifting is done by God. God--in the finished work of Jesus Christ--makes peace with his creature. Christ is our peace, and because of him and through the empowerment of the Spirit, we can now--as far as it depends on us--live at peace with our fellow man. Keith Pond explains.

Thanksgiving is not merely a holiday in the US, but needs to be the heart attitude that overflows daily for every man and woman, especially so for every Christian. Jeremy Mollenkopf brings this timely message to the body of Christ.

David proclaims the incredible blessing of unity, and not just unity with one another, but also with God and all of creation. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up Psalm 133.

Though life may appear at times to be ruled by chaos and evil, God rules and reigns over all. This bedrock truth is a comfort amidst the chaos of a broken world, and it's a call for saints to submit to Christ the King of Kings. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up these truths in Psalm 93

At the outset of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shares with his disciples the sixth thing that by which his followers are "blessed" or happy. He states, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). But what does it mean to be pure in heart? And why is it such a big deal? And if I still battle sin, is it even possible for me to live a life of purity? The great blessing of  the pure in heart is that they will see God. But how can that be if no man has seen God? Keith Pond rattles the cages this morning as he looks to God's word to answer all of these questions.

In the storms of life there is one steady anchor for our soul, God. Alone. David beautifully turns our eyes to God and calls us to turn our eyes from all the false "saviors" of this world. Pastor Mollenkopf opens up Psalm 62 to show us the sufficiency of God alone.

Solomon’s journey for the meaning and purpose of life has now reached a conclusion. Yet, he does not end in under-the-sun despair believing all is meaningless. Rather, he realizes, because of God and his lavish grace, everything matters. Pastor Mollenkopf concludes this powerful sermon series in Ecclesiastes today.

Solomon’s final words before his conclusion seem almost identical to his introduction. Yet, he has not ended in despair, but rather he gives four God-oriented charges to the young and the old which point us toward living wisely, joyfully, and for God’s glory in this life under the sun. Pastor Mollenkopf explains.

What is mercy really? And how does grace differ from mercy? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7). Does that mean mercy becomes a payment for being merciful? How does that work. In this message, Keith Pond unpacks these questions to show the magnitude of God's mercy toward us and his expectations for us in exercising mercy toward one another.

God has created in us all appetites, hungers and thirstings whose satisfactions bring health and right-ness to the body. Jesus told his disciples, "Blessed" or happy "are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be satisfied." How does that play out? Keith Pond explains the important of seeking righteousness for our salvation but also for our walk with Christ even after coming to a saving faith.

Nothing leaves more devastation and heartache in its wake than does suicide. As such, it is an utter delight to Satan every time another image bearer of God takes his life. But can a real Christian do such a thing? And if so, how can such a horrible thing come to pass? And most of all, where is God in all of this? Christians must turn to the light of God's word that we not be led astray when considering this horrible topic. Keith Pond walks us through these waters this morning.

In contrast with the unbiblical book of the same title, God does provide us with guidance in his word, biblical guidance, for leading our best possible life before we enter glory. The truth is, we are all going to die. What really matters when we rise in the morning and put our heads on our pillows at night? Without God's word, it's a crapshoot. But we have God's word. Will we heed his counsel?

Solomon here warns us that since we approach the living God righteous and holy, we ought guard our words and fear if we are unfaithful to the things we have professed or vowed. Is God really that much of a stickler over the things that we say. Pastor Mollenkopf highlights from Ecclesiastes that God isn't being nit-picky, but he is upholding his righteous standard that he expects of all his image-bearers.