Joy on the Job
In the midst of his letter to the Philippians, Paul takes a moment to note the significance of two of his close associates, Timothy and Epaphroditus. These men are remarkable examples of devotion to the Lord's mission and service to a brother in the Lord - the Apostle Paul. How about you? Isn’t it easy to get so focused on yourself that you forget to recognize and reward the people that God used to make you a success? Who is it that needs to be rewarded in your life? Whatever job you may have, God has used others to get you to where you are today. Have you thanked God for them? Have you thanked them? You will find joy if you do.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Aug 6, 2017Joy on the JobJoy on the JobIn the midst of his letter to the Philippians, Paul takes a moment to note the significance of two of his close associates, Timothy and Epaphroditus. These men are remarkable examples of devotion to the Lord's mission and service to a brother in the Lord - the Apostle Paul. How about you? Isn’t it easy to get so focused on yourself that you forget to recognize and reward the people that God used to make you a success? Who is it that needs to be rewarded in your life? Whatever job you may have, God has used others to get you to where you are today. Have you thanked God for them? Have you thanked them? You will find joy if you do.
- Jul 30, 2017Joy in Your PotentialJoy in Your PotentialIs it easier for you to spend when you know that you have an abundance? If you knew you had a million dollars in the bank would it be easier to spend than if you knew that you only had one hundred dollars as of the end of last month? When you know you've got an abundance of life in Christ, it’s a lot easier to spend your life for others. When you allow Him to work into your life what only He can work, then it frees you to spend your life for other people. That’s the kind of hard work that results in joy - spending a life that God's given to you to love people.
- Jul 23, 2017Joy in Your AttitudeJoy in Your AttitudeJoy begins with three words. Some people think joy begins with the three words “work is over.” Some people think that joy begins with the three words “dinner is ready.” Some people think that joy begins with the three words “stocks are up.” Some think joy starts with the pleasures that come into their lives, and so joy begins with the three words “I got it.” That’s not where joy begins. Joy begins with the three words “Jesus is Lord.
- Jul 16, 2017Joy in your CircumstancesJoy in your CircumstancesToday we continue our series on the epistle of JOY – Philippians. Today we will see how even the negative circumstances that happen in our lives can be used by God to accomplish His purposes and advance His kingdom. God uses the circumstances of our life to build our character.
- Jul 9, 2017Joy in Your RelationshipsJoy in Your Relationships
Everyone struggles with experiencing the joy the Bible has promised us. Many of us, even Christians, endure life rather than enjoy life. We think the joy comes when we get to heaven, but the Bible says God created us to be joyful people beginning right now. This study in the book of Philippians will help us understand 9 different ways God wants to bring joy into our lives. Today we learn that the very places that we see joy being stolen away from us are often the very same places that God wants to give joy to us - including our relationships. - Jul 2, 2017In BetweenIn Between
We live in a world where leadership is lifted up, yet we forget that leaders first learn to follow. Following is never easy, especially when the going gets tough. It can be hard enough to follow people we know, respect, and trust. It can be even harder to follow an unseen God who speaks to us through His eternal Word, strengthens us through bread and wine, and leads and guides us by His Spirit. Yet, that is our calling. In the midst of struggle, persecution, famine, joblessness, and conflict, we listen to the One we know, respect, and trust because He is our Creator, our Savior, and is always with us to the end of the age. - Jun 25, 2017What Must We SayWhat Must We Say
There are many things that cause us to be afraid. We become afraid anytime we perceive our sense of security is threatened. This can be a perceived physical, financial, intellectual, relational, or spiritual threat. In these last days, these threats may only appear to be real or they may actually be real. No matter what it may be, our security and our strength lie in our God, who is our refuge and strength. In Him we put our trust. - Jun 18, 2017I’m Kind of a Big DealI’m Kind of a Big Deal
It is tempting to define ourselves by our accolades and achievements rather than by Christ’s achievement for us on the cross. On Father’s Day, we take a moment to remind men – and women – that they are valued and precious not because of what they do and accomplish, but because of who they are – baptized children of God. - Jun 11, 2017It Won’t Hurt a BitIt Won’t Hurt a BitWhen confronted with and caught in a sin, you’ve probably heard someone try to justify his or her actions by saying, “I wasn’t hurting anyone!” In Joshua 7, we are introduced to the biblical concept of “corporate sin.” Achan sinned, but all Israel was held responsible. Thus, there is no such thing as a strictly private sin. This is why we ought to flee sin and, when we do sin, confess and receive absolution. For our sins not only hurt us, they hurt those about whom we care the most.
- Jun 4, 2017We are Living in a Material WorldWe are Living in a Material WorldFar too often, we get so caught up in the things of today that we forget about the eternal things of God. This world is more than what we see and the possessions that we have. This is why Paul warns against loving material things like money and, instead, striving toward eternal things such as righteousness, godliness, faith, and love. These are things that will last – not only in this world, but in the next.
- May 28, 2017Those In-Between Times: Present or Absent?Those In-Between Times: Present or Absent?
As the disciples saw Jesus become absent at the Ascension and were told to wait and pray and go to Jerusalem, so are we left within the “going” and the “coming” of the Lord. Practicing His Presence is a matter of Faith and Spiritual Openness. Our expectations are not disappointed but are met by gracious surprises. - May 21, 2017All You Need is LoveAll You Need is Love
God sent his Son, the innocent Lamb, to be the sacrifice for our sins. Through his suffering and death we have the gifts of forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus paid the price of our salvation and by his wounds we are healed - May 14, 2017All Roads Lead to RomeAll Roads Lead to RomeOur culture is mired in relativism. Many people believe that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you believe something. They believe all roads lead to God. Jesus, however, is clear: only He leads us and brings us to God. In today’s message, we discuss how to begin a conversation about the exclusivity of the gospel in a world full of relativism.
- May 7, 2017The Life of a Sheep Ain’t so BaaadThe Life of a Sheep Ain’t so Baaad
You’re in charge. Or not. God created us to be dependent, on Him. But it’s a challenge to believe that, for it requires a sense of humility and a sense of awe to understand how far reaching and how incredibly personal the love of God really is. In the Gospel, Jesus used the imagery of sheep and a shepherd to describe our relationship with him: He’s the shepherd, He’s in charge, and He holds our lives in his hands and provides for us more abundantly than we might ever provide for ourselves. And that’s something we can be thankful for. - Apr 30, 2017You Only Live OnceYou Only Live OnceYou’ve probably heard it before: “YOLO.” “You only live once.” This is what the religious leaders desperately wanted to be true about Jesus. But no matter how much they tried to cover His resurrection with their lies, their efforts proved futile. On Easter Sunday, we celebrated the truth that Jesus’ resurrection means our resurrection. Today we continue to celebrate that and the truth that we will live more than once. We will live forever.