Choose Joy
As Christians, we have so much to be joyful about! It may seem like the world is crumbling around us but because of Jesus, we have nothing to fear! We have the distinct privilege of partnering with the Holy Spirit to spread the good news of Jesus right here in our own community. It is an awesome and breathtaking responsibility and one we must not take lightly! Paul tells us our lives should be: “bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:11)
Joy in the Effort
Were you told by your parents to be proud of who you are? How you look? How well you do in school? Yet in Philippians, we are told that regardless of our heritage, our upbringing, our good deeds, we are not to take pride in ourselves but only in Christ Jesus.Paul at one time took pride in his past, his nationality and his religious track record of persecuting the church. Yet he tells us in Philippians 3:7-8a (ERV) “At one time all these things were important to me. But because of Christ, I decided that they are worth nothing . . . compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
Enduring Joy
The race of life is often draining because we’re looking for strength from the wrong source or we’re running at a pace we cannot sustain. In this message we will look at how to train for the long haul and chase a prize that matters.
Joyfully Content
When we get restless, we tend to make bad decisions. Restlessness often comes from not being content or lack of contentment. That can spring from not being focused on what we have or not feeling we have enough.Paul speaks directlyto this matter, “… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)