The message of the Gospel is true, no matter who preaches it. God does not change. If we believe the gospel is true, we will be changed, if we don't believe the gospel is true we will regret it. There is nothing on Earth that can compare to the joys of Heaven. The reason why God's children are here is for the spread of the gospel. There is hope and Jesus Christ came to save sinners. Jesus will give us brand new lives. Suffering for Jesus is a privilege and gift. God is not the author of sin and God is in total control. In the midst of persecution, we don't need to enjoy it, but we should rejoice in the Lord.
God wants us to be like Him. If we are living like Jesus, we will not fit in and that's more than okay, that is what God is calling us to.
Jesus did something that changed everything, His death, burial, and resurrection. Pastor Wood explains this and other topics as he leads us through the book of 1 Peter.
Even when we walk with God a long time, fear is still an adversary, and old habits are hard to break. Abraham was protected by God despite that Abraham was still lying about Sarah. God's choosing is not based on us, it is based on His mercy and grace that He protects us. We do not earn God's favor or obtain our salvation by works. God is so gracious and merciful that God forgives us and takes us to Heaven, but He continues to use imperfect people for His glory. When God tells us something, we need to obey immediately. God deals with all kinds of people, when Abraham said there was no fear of God in the place, Abraham was wrong. God has written magnificent history and it is being played out all over the world. God has revealed Himself through His word and we would do well to believe HIm. If we use half-truths to deceive, we are lying and we do not want to be on Satan's team. God knows what He is doing and He has chosen to do what is best.