As the days of conquest approach for Israel, Moses gives instructions to a new generation about to enter battle for the first time. His concern is not to have the largest army, but the most committed army. The key to success in war was not military might or superior troop numbers, but spiritual confidence in the Lord of Armies. So it is with Evergreen today!

Any survey of the Bible reveals extensive teachings about Satan, the enemy of God. As such, no believer should be ignorant about our spiritual adversary. Recognizing his masquerades and tactics is essential to the daily spiritual warfare of the Jesus life.

We witness God's perfect timing as the Messiah is born in Bethlehem. Amid a Roman census, Mary and Joseph arrive in the city, unknowingly fulfilling ancient prophecies. In a humble stable, the Savior is born, bringing peace to a broken world. The shepherds, the first to hear the good news, remind us that the Messiah came for all, regardless of status. This Christmas, let us remember that God's timing is always perfect, even when we don't understand it, as He fulfills His plan of salvation for us all.

As we approach Christmas, Pastor Philip Jackson looks at the wondrous things of our God leading up to the birth of Christ. What do the miracles in Luke 1 tell us about the nature of God's involvement in our lives. Does He still do miracles? Does He still care about what we are going through?

Twenty-five years of God’s power, changed lives, deep fellowship among the people of God, and influence with other churches…what more could possibly be ahead? The succinct answer to that question is simply this—global impact! Evergreen now aims to fulfill our longstanding motto: “Knowing God. Sharing Life. Changing the World.” This is our time!

Peter now returns his attention to life together in the church. Here, he is writing to us personally, pastors and people. Before addressing warfare with Satan, Peter reminds us of our call to live in proper standing with one another according to God’s community plan.

When time is short, things get urgent. And simplified. As Jesus approached the cross, His focus and intensity increased. Suffering produces concentration. Peter brashly scolded Jesus and received the harshest rebuke in the New Testament (Matthew 16:23). Years later, Peter instructs believers how to possess that same Christ-like focus during persecutions.

Peter continues to call believers to live the “Jesus life” in hard days—to strength, to resolve, to unwavering firmness like a soldier entering battle. Accordingly, he outlines five motivations for “swimming upstream.” He calls us to be satisfied with our distinctiveness in a world that demands conformity.