The General Epistles

The early church and New Testament believers had their share of challenges. These letters from James, Peter, John, and Jude helped instruct, correct, and encourage believers during critical times. We can learn so much from these epistles today as the modern church meets challenges of its own.

  1. Shadows: The Book of 1 Peter

    Shadows: The Book of 1 Peter

    How do we operate when life is difficult? This four-week series answers this question by looking at the book of 1 Peter as a guide on how believers can endure suffering. Beginning and ending with a focus on an eternal perspective, this series encourages believers to have hope in the unfailing love and character of their Heavenly Father, while providing specific instructions on how to live blamelessly in the shadows of suffering.

    4 Weeks
  2. Prove It: The Book of 1 John

    Prove It: The Book of 1 John

    This seven-week sermon series asks believers if they truly know God, and if so, to Prove It, since a Christian’s life should be living proof of their connection to the Father. Essentially, our sacrificial love for others is a testament of our sacrificial love for God. The apostle John talks about living a Christian life in the first epistle. Do you know God? You can prove it because the evidence is in your obedience. Do you truly love your neighbor? You can prove it because the evidence is in your sacrifice. We don’t earn God’s forgiveness with our good deeds, but a transformed life should look just like that—transformed. Each entry in this series examines different claims made within the church, and asks for the evidence to prove that it’s true. It deals with themes like sin, the identity of Christ, and obedience. Prove it is a great way for your people to evaluate what areas of their life they need to change to be more obedient to Christ. You can say it with your mouth, but the evidence is in your actions.

    7 Weeks
  3. The Book of 3 John: Walk In The Truth

    The Book of 3 John: Walk In The Truth

    This one-week series explores the themes of hospitality and humility in the book of 3 John. This short and personal letter explores the dynamics of leaders in the early church and demonstrates the necessity of both truth and love in our communities. 3 John: Walk In The Truth is a great sermon to preach between longer sermon series.

    1 Weeks
  4. The Book of 2 John: Hold Fast

    The Book of 2 John: Hold Fast

    This two-week series explores the importance of truth—both practicing and protecting it. The epistle of 2 John paints a beautiful picture of the truth Christian community is built upon, demonstrating that this foundation results in love. These two ideas—truth and love—are not competing ideals but deeply and inextricably connected necessities for Christian community.

    2 Weeks
  5. The Book of Jude: Contend For The Faith

    The Book of Jude: Contend For The Faith

    As false teachers have arisen against the church, Jude encourages believers to contend for the faith by putting forth an intense effort to fight for the truth of the gospel. Jude also assures them that Jesus will protect them and preserve them until he returns and presents them to the Father.

    2 Weeks
  6. Stand Firm: Words of Encouragement From 1 and 2 Peter

    Stand Firm: Words of Encouragement From 1 and 2 Peter

    This six-week series on 1 and 2 Peter focuses on how a Christian can stand firm and unwavering against expected persecution and false teaching. Even though fiery trials, opposition, and heresy can envelop our lives in a variety of ways, we can have hope in the fact that it is all for the strengthening of our faith and refinement of our hearts. This series will offer encouragement and peace to those in your congregation who might be walking through a time of difficulty and opposition.

    6 Weeks
  7. Hold Fast: The Book of 2 John

    Hold Fast: The Book of 2 John

    This two-week sermon series on the book of 2 John explores the importance of truth—both practicing and protecting it. Rooted in this epistle is a threefold foundation: When one knows the truth, love comes naturally. When one knows the truth, obedience comes naturally. Signs of love and obedience to God is love for one another. The Hold Fast sermon series paints a beautiful picture of the truth Christian community is built upon, demonstrating that this foundation results in love. These two ideas—truth and love—are not competing ideals but deeply and inextricably connected necessities for Christian community.

    2 Weeks
  8. Jude: Contend For The Faith

    Jude: Contend For The Faith

    As false teachers have arisen against the church, Jude encourages believers to contend for the faith by putting forth an intense effort to fight for the truth of the gospel. Jude also assures them that Jesus will protect them and preserve them until he returns and presents them to the Father.

    2 Weeks