How to Follow Jesus When It's Hard

God's Grace in the Valley

February 19, 2023 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 5:6–14

One of the images of suffering that we’re given in the Bible is “going through the valley.” In the valley it’s easy to lose heart and lose our way. In the valley it’s easy to feel abandoned by God. In the valley it’s easy to feel angry at God and all alone. Peter knows this, and like a faithful pastor, he counsels us and guides us in a handful of ways to experience God’s grace as we go through the valleys of life. Join us for our final message in our 1 Peter study, “God’s Grace in the Valley."

Learning to Lead Like Jesus

February 12, 2023 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 5:1–5

There is no shortage of books, podcasts, and other resources available on the subject of effective leadership. It can be a bit daunting knowing where to turn and who to listen to when there are so many differing opinions and strategies. Thankfully, we can always turn to Jesus. As we near the end of our 1 Peter study, Peter draws upon the shepherding heart of Jesus and teaches us some key qualities that makes Jesus’ leadership so effective. Join us as we learn to lead like Jesus.

Guidelines for Shame Resilience

February 5, 2023 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 4:12–19

It can be easy when you’re criticized for following Jesus to feel social shame, to feel discouraged and begin to retreat. What do we do when our faith is mocked by others and we’re socially rejected because of it? Peter knows that in these moments, too often Christians can live with a defeated victim mentality and begin to lose heart. Join us as we consider some key guidelines for shame resilience and how to lean into these moments with courageous joy.

The Three Priorities

January 29, 2023 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 4:7–11

What are your main priorities in life? There’s no way around it. If we want to effectively manage certain areas of our lives, then we need to ascertain and uphold the appropriate priorities. The same goes with caring for one another well. With all the distractions of life, how do we give focussed and influential care for others? Join us this week as we continue our study of 1 Peter and discover the three priorities of Christian interpersonal care.

Why We Endure Mistreatment?

January 22, 2023 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 4:1–6

The Encouragement We Need

November 13, 2022 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 3:18–22

We all need encouragement. We all need a fresh imparting of courage and resolve to handle the various trials of life. But where do we get it? As we continue our study of 1 Peter, we’ll rediscover the unshakeable source of encouragement that we have in Christ. Join us as we learn how to draw upon the resurrection life of Christ to face our everyday struggles in the Christian life.

Recipe for Handling Mistreatment

November 6, 2022 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 3:13–17

Last week, we looked at the recipe for the good life. As Peter continues with his instructions for Christian living, he now gives us the recipe for handling mistreatment. How do we winsomely handle unfair criticism or intellectual challenges to our Christian faith? How do we face unjust suffering in a way that points people to Jesus? Join us this week for another one of Peter’s recipes for effective gospel living.

Recipe for the Good Life

October 30, 2022 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 3:8–12

Are you living the good life? How can you tell? Advertisements suggest that better possessions, better circumstances, or better experiences are the key to living the good life. You just need to own this, or experience this, and then you'll live life to the full. But if that’s the case, then why are so many people who seem to have everything still miserable? Join us as we pick up our study of 1 Peter, and discover God’s recipe for living the good life. It's not a secret recipe! It’s published and available for anyone who wants to try it.

Encouraging Women in Ministry

October 9, 2022 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 3:1–7

One of the unique things about the gospel is that it is all-encompassing—it relates and speaks to all of life. This includes the common relationships within human society. In this message, we continue our study of 1 Peter and discover how the gospel is meant to shape the husband and wife relationship. Moreover, we’ll look at the importance of encouraging and empowering women in ministry.

The Cross and Spiritual Formation

September 18, 2022 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 2:24–25

Join us this week as we conclude another chapter in our study of 1 Peter. I’ve titled the message, “The Cross and Spiritual Formation,” because Peter teaches us a significant meaning and purpose of Jesus’ cross and also provides helpful imagery for understanding our spiritual growth—a daily rising, repairing, and returning in Christ.

Our Suffering for Others

September 11, 2022 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 2:21–23

As we return to our study of 1 Peter, we consider the beautiful but difficult call to follow Jesus down the path of selfless, others-first living. Peter reminds us that this path will often involve unjust suffering, but it is a suffering that can be purposeful and redemptive in people’s lives. Join us as we grow in our practical theology of suffering in the service of others.

Facing Difficulties at Work

August 21, 2022 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 2:18–21

How do we practice the presence of God at work? As apprentices of Jesus, how do we face the various difficulties of work with his heart of deep respect and godly wisdom? How can a Christian begin to see their work environment as holy ground? Join us as we continue our study of 1 Peter and discover how to effectively and spiritually engage the everyday challenges of our working lives

Making A Positive Difference

August 14, 2022 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 2:12–17

How can Christians make a positive difference in our post-Christian culture today? What can we actually do to bring the truth and beauty of God’s kingdom into the spheres of authority and influence we find ourselves in? And what is the role of the church as it relates to our government, laws, and political leaders? Join us as we continue in our study of 1 Peter and rediscover an often neglected approach in the pursuit of making a positive difference.

The War Within Us

August 7, 2022 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 2:11

How well do you know yourself? There is much talk today on discovering your most authentic self. But how do we go about that self-discovery? And what do we do about the things that we see in ourselves that need to change? As we continue our study of 1 Peter, we come to a verse that sheds profound light upon the nature of fallen humanity, the internal struggles that every Christian experiences, and the one hope for lasting change.

The Difference God Makes

July 24, 2022 • Rev. Jeremy A. McKeen • 1 Peter 2:9–10

There is so much talk today around the subjects of identity and purpose. Who am I and what am I here for? Where do we get our sense of self and sense of call from? In our culture of identity confusion, how do we go about identity formation? And what difference does God make in all this? As we continue our study of 1 Peter, we run right into the subject of our identity and purpose as the church. Our passage this week will help us to consider how the grace and calling of God shapes the way we think about our identity and purpose in life.