Weekly Update – January 15th, 2026
Last Sunday, we saw from 1 Peter 1:13-16 specific application as to how we ought to live in light of what Peter calls the living hope of salvation. So, then what he does is, he attaches this hope to the new birth in verse 3, to an imperishable inheritance in verse 4 and to the salvation of our souls in verse 9. All of these truths lead Peter in verses 13-16 to say, in so many words, therefore, live intentionally.
But how do we live intentionally? Well, Peter in verse 13 calls us to prepare our minds for action, to be soberminded, all the while having our hope fixed completely on the return of Jesus Christ. This type of lifestyle causes us to then live as verses 14-16 say, as obedient children, no longer conformed to our previous lifestyle, but instead pursuing holiness.
Practically, I said that there were three ways this could apply to us in the New Year. First, we should be more intentional in our Scripture reading. To help with this, you can find some Bible reading plans HERE. Second, we should be more intentional about prayer. If we believe God hears us when we call out to him, then we should be active in lifting up our requests to him. Whether it be a friend or family member, or the salvation of a neighbor or co-worker, we should individually and as a church lift up our requests to God. Then thirdly, we should be intentional about gathering together. One of the most important aspects of our spiritual walks is having other believers involved in our lives. This first and foremost comes through when we gather every Sunday morning for service as we sing, pray, and listen to the word of God together. But in addition to that, this comes through Equipping Hour, home groups and discipling relationships.
This type of mindset and lifestyle might take some rearranging or some evaluation in our lives, but the results are eternal. Below I have added some additional questions to consider as we strive to live intentionally in the New Year:
- How can I be more intentional in my relationship with God?
- How can I be more intentional with my church?
- How can I be more intentional with my family?
- How can I be more intentional in encouraging others?
- How can I be more intentional in praying for the salvation of others?
- How can I be more intentional in evangelism?
- How can I be more intentional with my time?
- How can I be more intentional with my money?
This year, my hope is that we can together live with our minds prepared for action, soberminded with our hope fixed on the return of Jesus Christ as we pursue living as obedient children before our Lord and Savior. It is a great and necessary calling for us as Christians and it will be counter cultural to our world around us. But the results can be great, extending all the way through eternity. So then, join with me this year, as we strive together to live intentionally.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"[And now,] Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, ¹³and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?"
- Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Announcements:
NEW – Game Night: This Friday, January 16th from 7:00-9:00pm, there will be a game night at the church. Bring your favorite snack and game and plan to join us!
NEW – Family Discipleship Guides: These guides are designed to help equip parents further engage with what our children and youth are learning. You can find a guide for AWANA, HERE and for our Youth, HERE.
New Equip Class: Starting on January 11th at 9:15am, there will be a new class called Habits of the Household beginning. In Habits of the Household, we will discover simple practices that we can implement around our daily routines and seemingly mundane moments that will lead to a lifetime of growing closer to God—both for parents and their children. Go HERE for more information about this study.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering: We have officially reached our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal! Thank you for giving to international missions. If you have not given yet and would still like to, you can do so through one of our offering boxes located in the foyer or the welcome center. Just mark your envelop as “missions” or “Lottie Moon.” You can also give online HERE. Choose “missions” under the Fund tab. You can find more information about this offering HERE.
Building Remodel: We have officially kicked off our fundraiser! There are commitment cards available in the sanctuary as well as in the welcome center. Feel free to pick up one and return it to one an available basket. If you would like to give a one time or a reoccurring gift, you can do so HERE and select “building remodel.” You can also give through one of the offering boxes at church. Be sure to mark your envelop, “building remodel.” Check out a video highlighting the work done so far.
Men’s Study: On the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from 8:00-9:15pm, the church hosts a men’s study through the book, The Measure of a Man. See Clint Blankenship for more information.
Food Pantry: The food pantry is currently in need of some food items. For a complete list of food pantry needs, click HERE.
Awana Bible Club
Awana Clubs are held on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm with Awana Clubs starting at 6:30pm. Children can be registered HERE.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Habits of the Household” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Hebrews in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Home Groups
Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-4 years is available during the worship hour.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
YouTube: HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Ages 0-2 and 3–k meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1-2nd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 3rd-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.