1 Peter 4:7-11 emphasizes the importance of living faithfully as the end of all things draws near. It urges believers to be alert and self-controlled so they can pray effectively. The passage stresses maintaining deep love for each other, as love covers many sins, and encourages hospitality without complaining. Each person is called to use their gifts to serve others, faithfully managing God's grace. Those who speak should do so with God's words, and those who serve should do so with God's strength, so that in everything, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

This sermon was preached on August 16, 2015 at Sovereign Grace Church in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. For those familiar with my journey, that was after my time in Cleveland. You’ll notice my voice sounds noticeably weaker and tired. Less than a year later there would be some, even more serious, medical challenges I would face (around Mid-May of 2016). Due to circumstances, the next sermon will be posted until November 10,2024.

Matthew 8:18-22 (NIV) describes Jesus' interaction with two would-be disciples and highlights the cost of following Him. In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that following Him requires total commitment and may involve sacrifices, such as the loss of personal comfort and even family obligations.

In Matthew 4:23-25, Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee. He travels throughout the region, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing people of all kinds of sicknesses and diseases. His fame quickly spreads throughout Syria, and people bring to him those suffering from various illnesses, including demon possession, seizures, and paralysis, and he heals them all. As a result, large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan follow him, drawn by his teachings and miraculous healings.