Joy Starts Now

Paul was a tentmaker. He worked a side gig to keep the church free of financial obligations. Even though he could have demanded payment, he didn't. Sounds like Someone else he knew! Jesus laid down His rights to make His free gift of grace available for all.

Jesus shows us the meaning of leadership, not as a platform to be elevated but the opportunity to lift others up. Paul and his partners learned from the Best. So can we.

We all have a lord we serve. By God's grace we can serve the true Lord Who came to serve us His gospel. This starts with repentance: turning from lesser things to the Living God.

Paul was very happy with this church in Thessalonica. Why? They showed signs that grace was at work in them!

I Thessalonians is a terrific book full of encouragements, warnings and hope, Turning to Jesus is the best thing anyone can do! This church is founded on repentance: Turning from false idols to the true God.

What did the first church look like? It was full of devotion to God and each other.

Hebrews 11 teaches that faith is both a gift to be received and a muscle to be used.

Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the choice to trust and obey God in spite of fear.

Enjoy this message from one of youth leaders, Matthew Stiles! Jesus can be trusted for at least 3 reasons: He forgives our sins. He gives us an identity. And He transforms us.

What is the fuel we need to follow Jesus? Joy. Jesus was energized in His mission by the joy set before Him. So are we.

Goodbyes matter! Peter wraps up his letter with a simple reminder: Stand in the grace of God!

Humility is a choice! Thankfully, we can grow in the ability to be humble. And it begins by understanding the power and grace of God. (This sermon audio got cut short! Sorry!)

Leaders create culture! Good leaders work toward fostering a joy filled culture where Christ is deeply loved and happily obeyed.

It is one thing to go through suffering but is it possible to grow through suffering? Yes! Trials are meant to both test and strengthen our faith.

All the years after Jesus' resurrection are called the "end times." But how does that shape the way we live right now? Peter tells us to stay focused on what matters: loving God and loving people.

Can anything good come from suffering? Yes! Jesus proved it at the cross. Our suffering is not a the way to salvation but it is an opportunity to know and trust Jesus more deeply.

Jesus shows us the way forward through suffering. Even when the question of "why" was left unanswered, Jesus still did the "what" of obedience. By His wounds, we are healed.

Suffering is unavoidable. So what do we do when it comes into our life. This message explores the meaning of suffering and how to navigate it with wisdom and faith in God.

How do we live like an oak tree and not a tumbleweed? By staying connected to Jesus and His church.

Only God knows the real meaning of marriage. Thankfully He has explained it to us! This message explores the unique roles in marriage all meant to reflect Jesus' relationship with His bride, the church.

What do you when facing injustice? Look to Jesus.

Baptism is a gift Jesus gives to His followers! This message explores the views on baptism and encourages disciples of Jesus to take this important step of obedience.

The Christian life is a fight! But it's not a fight so that we win, It's a fight to trust that Jesus has already won. This victory in the heart shows itself through how we live as citizens, neighbors and friends.

Jesus did many amazing things in His ministry! Dying and rising from the dead may top the list, But in addition to His other miracles, John captures the story of Jesus the Cook, preparing a fish breakfast for His disciples. Be fed, served and found by King Jesus!

Jesus displays his goodness in many ways. In this story, Jesus the King raises Lazarus from the dead. Wow! Through faith in Him, we can be raised to new and everlasting life.