A Note From Pastor Eric
Standing Firm in a Shifting World
As we’ve journeyed together through our Standing Firm series this fall, I’ve been reminded how timely God’s Word really is. I love Peter’s encouragement in 2 Peter 1:2 (NIV) “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” Those words sound simple, and are easy to just skim over, but they’re packed with truth. Peter knew that believers would need a steady anchor when the world around them was uncertain and ever-changing. His message is clear: grace and peace aren’t found in the culture around us or even in our own strength, they’re found through knowing Jesus more deeply. In our world today, we’re constantly being pulled in different directions. Culture tells us that truth is relative, that we should “follow our hearts,” and that fulfillment can be found in success, pleasure, or self-expression. But the reality is, those foundations eventually crumble. If we’re not careful, we can slowly drift from God’s truth and start to build our lives on shifting sand instead of the solid rock of Christ. That’s why this series has been a great reminder to me that standing firm isn’t about digging in our heels in stubbornness, it’s about anchoring our hearts to Jesus. Our assurance, our confidence, and our identity must be rooted in Christ alone. When our lives are built on Him, the winds may blow and the storms may come, but our foundation will remain secure. Jesus said in Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV), “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” That’s my prayer for me and you, to live wisely, to build our lives on the firm foundation of God’s Word, and to live with the confidence that comes from knowing Him. But here’s something I’ve learned: standing firm doesn’t happen in isolation. We need one another. That’s one reason I love our Violet Groups so much. These small groups are more than Bible studies, they’re places of belonging, growth, and accountability. When you share honestly about life’s challenges, when you pray together, when you encourage one another to keep pursuing Jesus, you’re standing firm together. We all need people who love us enough to remind us of the truth when we start to fade. We need friends who will pray for us when we’re overwhelmed, and who will call us back when we start to wander. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” None of us were meant to do life alone. As we move into this season of Thanksgiving, my heart is full of gratitude for this church family. I see all the ways you serve, encourage, and walk alongside one another. I see how God is using our time in His Word to grow us in faith, perseverance, and love. And I see a church that’s standing firm. My prayer is that we would continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and that we would help one another hold to the truth of His Word. When culture tries to lure us away with its shifting definitions of truth and success, may we be people who stand confidently on the unchanging promises of God.
Keep standing firm, Church; our foundation is solid, and His name is Jesus! “To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” — 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
Pastor Eric
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