We’ve been exploring the power of the Gospel — Euangelion, the Good News of Jesus Christ. In this message, we finish chapter 1 of 2 Peter by focusing on the foundation of the Christian life: the Word. We’ve been exploring the power of the Gospel — Euangelion, the Good News of Jesus Christ. In this message, we finish chapter 1 of 2 Peter by focusing on the foundation of the Christian life: the Word.
So far, we’ve seen:
• The Promise — No matter our past, we can stand before a holy God because of Jesus.
• The Life — God has already given us everything we need to live a godly life. From self-control to agape love, the Gospel shapes how we live.
Now, we shift to The Word — the Gospel message written and revealed. Faith begins our journey, but it’s through the Word that we grow. Peter challenges us not to neglect it. In this message, we’ll look at three things we must not do with the Gospel and why feeding on the Word is essential for real, lasting spiritual growth.
Don’t just believe the Gospel — build your life on it.

God has already given you everything you need to live the life your soul longs for in Christ. The only thing left is to live it.

In this message, we look at 2 Peter 1:5-11 and unpack 7 virtues that define the Gospel life. It’s not an easy path—it goes against the flow of culture—but it’s a life that points others to Jesus.

Let’s discover what it really means to live out the Gospel.

If getting to God was based on religion—on our own efforts, rules, or performance—then we’d all be without hope. Religion, in that sense, is not life-giving. It’s a weight that reminds us of how far we fall short. That’s why so many walk away from it—feeling hurt, burned out, and convinced they’ll never be good enough for God.

But the gospel—the good news of Jesus—is something completely different.

Through Christ, every believer stands on equal ground. None of us earned it. None of us deserve it. Our standing with God is not based on performance, but purely on His mercy.

Peter reminds us: God has given us His Promise—a gift of grace, not something to strive for, but something to receive.

#stjoecoc #ComeAndSee #Engage2025 #Acts4_20

Happy Father’s Day!
Today’s message isn’t just a celebration—it’s a call to action. While many Father’s Day sermons focus on statistics or pressure men to “do more,” we’re diving into something deeper from 1 Peter 5.
As we wrap up our "Engaged in Battle" series, we’re reminded that we live in a broken world—a battleground of suffering, despair, and spiritual warfare. Peter calls the entire church—especially its leaders—to live purposefully and honestly, letting their faith shine in every part of life.

Men, this message is for you.
If you’ve fallen short, will you admit it?
Will you be bold enough to lead your family back into the light of Christ?

This is war.
And the fight is for the souls of your wife, your children, and your community.
It’s time to rise.
Time to fight.
Time to Stand Firm in Jesus.

#stjoecoc #ComeAndSee #Engage2025 #Acts4_20

In our sermon series, Engaged in Battle, I have mentioned living out our faith with a Soldier’s Life and Enduring Hardships. There are going to be fiery trials. There is going to be persecution. Some of the believers are going to suffer for the cause of Christ.

1 Peter 5:1 NIV To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:
Peter identifies himself as a fellow elder. He is proclaiming that he is a fellow soldier. Peter was not a perfect leader. God calls very imperfect people to positions of leadership but takes them through a process to refine them, grow them and mold them. God is calling all Christians to submit to the elders.
So what does it look like to follow spiritual leaders in the heat of battle? What does submission to godly leadership truly mean for the believer? Join us for Engaged in Battle: Follow the Leaders.

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Persecution of Christians isn’t new — it’s been part of our story since Stephen in Acts 7. Around the world today, believers still face hardship as the norm, not the exception. But here, in our culture, suffering is something we tend to avoid at all costs. Let’s be honest: no one wants to suffer. And yet, as followers of Christ, we’re told to expect it.

Peter doesn’t say run from it. He says welcome it. That’s a hard word — but it’s a true one.
As we continue our journey through 1 Peter and our sermon series, Engaged in Battle, we shift from the life of a soldier to a sobering reality: Enduring Hardships.

Are you ready to engage in battle?

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Are you boarding a cruise ship or a battleship?

Many people step into the Christian life expecting ease, comfort, and blessings—like they’re setting sail on a luxury cruise. But reality quickly proves otherwise. The New Testament paints a much different picture: the Christian life is a spiritual battle, not a pleasure cruise. Each of us has been given a mission—battle orders from God. Whether your role is visible or behind the scenes, your calling matters deeply.

What we’re called to do, we do for the glory and praise of Jesus Christ.

If we take this mission seriously—if we choose to faithfully follow the calling God has placed on our lives—lives around us can be forever changed. Imagine a year from now: people who are currently lost, empty, and searching could be sitting in this very room. Through the power of Jesus, they’ll know what it means to be forgiven, to be free from shame and guilt, and to finally find the purpose and hope their souls have been longing for. Their lives—radically transformed—because we answered the call.

Are you ready to Engage in Battle: A Soldier’s Life?

Happy Mother’s Day! This is a great day to show our love for the ladies who have poured into our lives. Our message today is 1 of 4 in the series Called to Alignment. This series is about making sure our lives are in line with what scripture says in 1 Peter. We are continuing today with Called Into Alignment: Home. This message is not only for women/mothers but also all who dwell together in a relationship and are following Christ.

#stjoecoc #ComeAndSee #Engage2025 #Acts4_20