The heart of Pastor Paul's sermon 'A Different End' was about living intentionally in light of the reality that life is short and the return of Jesus is closer than ever. He taught us that instead of getting consumed by timelines and end-time theories, we should focus on what truly matters now: praying with alertness, loving others deeply, opening our lives and homes with hospitality, and serving others with the unique gifts God has given each of us. These four actions—prayer, love, hospitality, and service—are our response to the nearness of the end. Pastor Paul urged us to adopt a mindset that treats spiritual disciplines as tools, not rules, and to live differently in a way that points others to Christ. It was a call to embrace a lifestyle that isn’t just reactive to world events but is proactive in loving and serving in a way that glorifies God.
1 Peter 4:7a, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Peter 4:7b, 1 Peter 4:8, Matthew 7:1-2, 1 Peter 4:9, 1 Peter 4:10-11a, 1 Peter 4:11b
How can we offer hospitality in practical ways that reflect Jesus, even if our lives or homes feel imperfect?
Which spiritual gift do you think you have, and how can you start or continue using it to serve others in your church?
How does thinking about the 'end being near' change your priorities or the way you treat people around you?
Pastor Paul Feuerstein taught us in the message 'A Different End' from the 'Different' series at Echo Church that as followers of Christ, we're called to live with the end in mind—not in fear, but with intentionality. He walked us through 1 Peter 4, highlighting four key priorities: prayer, deep love, hospitality, and serving others. Pastor Paul emphasized that these aren't reactive responses but proactive disciplines. The message challenged us to stay spiritually alert and connected through prayer, to love others deeply and unselfishly, to extend genuine hospitality without grumbling, and to use our God-given gifts in service. He reminded us that living 'different' means living set apart, not strange or self-righteous, but purposeful and grounded in grace. The urgency of ‘the end is near’ was not meant to scare us, but to motivate us to live faithfully and lovingly in the time we do have.
Make time daily to pray proactively for yourself and others instead of waiting until a crisis hits.
Open your home or heart to someone new this week and show them true hospitality without hesitation or complaint.