Pack Well - Jared McCormick
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began with a heartfelt celebration of the graduating seniors, urging the congregation to acknowledge their achievements and pray for God’s guidance in the next season of their lives. Jared McCormick used the story of Bilbo Baggins from *The Hobbit* as a metaphor for life’s unexpected adventures, stressing the importance of being spiritually prepared even when we feel unready. He then outlined three core “packing items” for the Christian journey. First, he proclaimed the certainty of God’s boundless love, citing John 3:16, Ephesians 1:3‑6, and Romans 8:38‑39 to illustrate adoption, unbreakable love, and eternal hope. Second, he urged confidence in the reliability of Scripture, referencing the "Dear Church" podcast series and apologetic works by Lee Strobel and Josh McDowell that affirm the Bible’s truth. Finally, he encouraged practical readiness, likening life to a survival challenge where believers must carry essential spiritual supplies. The message concluded with an invitation to trust God’s love, rely on His Word, and walk boldly into the future, especially for the newly‑graduated members of the church.
Key Scriptures
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.