Stand Firm With Those Around The World - Against The Current: 1 Peter Series (Grant Watts)

Stand Firm With Those Around The World - Against The Current: 1 Peter Series (Grant Watts)

In the final message of the series, Grant wraps up the study of 1 Peter by looking at the global family of believers who are swimming against the current together. He reminds the church that our security and hope do not come from our circumstances, but from the fact that God has chosen us and has our backs, even when the enemy seeks to disrupt and destroy. Grant challenges the community to live out their faith through a visible unity of purpose, deep harmony, and active love for one another in both good times and hard times. The message concludes with a powerful charge to live such good and joyous lives that those around us ultimately see Jesus, famously echoed by the quote from Saint Francis of Assisi: "Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words." 1 Peter 5:9; Romans 12:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Let Us Know You Are Listening [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2125288/fan_mail/new]

Is Faith Really Worth It? - Against The Current: 1 Peter Series (Nathan Holland)

In the fifth message of the series, Nathan addresses the inevitable friction that occurs when believers choose to step away from the "wild and destructive" currents of godless culture, noting that former friends are often surprised and resort to slander. Rather than giving in to this relational pressure, the church is challenged to live intentionally for the will of God with an urgent focus, knowing that the end of all things is near. Nathan unpacks three vital commands for navigating this cultural tension: being earnest and disciplined in prayer, maintaining deep and unconditional love for one another to cover a multitude of sins, and faithfully using our diverse spiritual gifts—whether speaking or serving—to glorify God through Jesus Christ. Ultimately, he reminds the community that suffering as a Christian is not a sign of shame or abandonment, but a refining process before a sovereign God; therefore, when the cultural pushback is strong, we can confidently commit our souls to a faithful Creator and continue doing good. 1 Peter 4:1–19; Romans 12:13; Revelation 21. Let Us Know You Are Listening [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2125288/fan_mail/new]

How Not To Live In Fear When Life Is Hard? - Against The Current: 1 Peter Series (Jim Wallace)

In the fourth message of the series, Jim Wallace addresses one of the most intense cultural and personal currents we face: the paralyzing grip of fear. Acknowledging that many in the community are walking through heavy personal, financial, and health challenges, Jim redefines fear not merely as an emotion, but as a primary battleground where our trust in God is either weakened or strengthened. Drawing from the story of Gideon in Judges 6, he shows how fear can cause us to hide in winepresses, question God’s presence, and feel completely inadequate. However, the message pivots powerfully to how God counters our fear—not by giving an explanation for our circumstances, but by giving us His presence, looking His strength into us, and reminding us of our calling. Jim challenges the church to look away from their own weaknesses and look to the Lord, trusting that when God sends us, He equips us with the exact might we need to stand firm against the current. Judges 6:11–16; Judges 6:22–24; Hebrews 11:32–34; Psalms 56:3. Let Us Know You Are Listening [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2125288/fan_mail/new]

Everyone Is Watching How Will You Respond? - Against The Current: 1 Peter Series (Corey Gregory)

In the third message of the series, Corey Gregory unpacks 1 Peter 2:11–17, exploring what it looks like to live out our faith practically while navigating our primary allegiance to God's Kingdom. Using the concept of citizenship, Corey contrasts the values and culture of earthly nations with our ultimate citizenship, which is in heaven. He explains that Peter's urge to abstain from sinful desires is a call to recognise that we are "foreigners and exiles" whose behaviour should stand out for its goodness. Rather than withdrawing from society in fear or blending in completely, Corey highlights the challenging biblical call to submit to human authorities, do good, and silence foolish talk through honourable living. The message concludes with a timely warning for the modern church: in our context, the greatest threat to faithful living isn't direct persecution, but the subtle traps of comfort, busyness, and distraction that make us forget who we truly are—citizens of heaven and ambassadors of Christ. 1 Peter 2:11–17; Matthew 22:21; Philippians 3:20; Romans 13:1–7 Let Us Know You Are Listening [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2125288/fan_mail/new]

Why Bother Being Holy? - Against The Current: 1 Peter Series (Craig Corkill)

In the second message of the series, special guest Craig Corkill dives into 1 Peter 1:13–16 and 2:9–10, challenging the church to understand what it truly means to live "against the current" as God's set-apart people. Stepping away from the cultural misconception that holiness is about rigid rules or a checklist, Craig redefines it through the lens of identity and focus. He unpacks Peter's command to "gird the loins of your mind"—preparing for mental action by filtering out cultural distractions—and setting our hope entirely on the grace of Jesus. Reminding the community of their high calling as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, he emphasizes that our distinctiveness isn't meant to isolate us from the world, but to declare the praises of the One who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. The message concludes with a practical call to holy living, fueled not by legalistic duty, but by a deep, responsive love to a holy God. 1 Peter 1:13–16; 1 Peter 2:9–10; Exodus 19:5–6; Isaiah 43:21; Romans 12:1–2. Let Us Know You Are Listening [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2125288/fan_mail/new]