This week in the Chosen Exiles series at Woodlands Church, Pastor Jon Ewton challenges us to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ. Moving beyond religious routines, Pastor Jon encourages us to focus on a daily, active connection with our Savior. Using the example of a growing marriage, he illustrates how consistent love and trust nurture a profound bond with God. He unpacks 1 Peter 1:8-12, emphasizing the present tense verbs that describe a living, ongoing relationship with Jesus. The sermon highlights that the ultimate reward is not material blessings but the inexpressible joy of intimately knowing Christ. Pastor Jon also connects this personal relationship with the prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus' suffering and glory in the Old Testament, reinforcing the truth and fulfillment of God's word.