Finding Joy
A Journey Through the Book of Philippians
Finishing Well
November 19, 2017 • Bill Young
We all love a happy ending! Whether it’s the 1980 U.S. gold medal Olympic hockey team, a little league soccer game, a successful new recipe, or the satisfying conclusion to a good movie — we all enjoy it when things finish well! Truth is, we will all “finish” this life — the only question is, will we finish well? As we conclude our Finding Joy study (through the book of Philippians), the Apostle Paul leaves us with four keys to finishing well in this life.
Personal Peace
November 12, 2017 • Bill Young
This world is messed up. Recent terrorist attacks and church shootings sadly remind us that finding joy and peace in this world is no easy task. In fact, studies show that we are a society that is marked by fearfulness more than anything else. Is it even possible to find personal peace in our current culture? The answer is yes! Jesus tells us in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…" In this message, we’ll learn four keys to finding personal peace in a troubled and messed up world.
Growing Up
October 29, 2017 • Bill Young
There is a time and a place to act childishly and immaturely. Namely, when you are a child. But, if an adult acted this way, consistently, we would suggest that something may be wrong; it would be a little freaky. Why? Because, like God, we expect people to mature as they get older. In the Christian life, we can be tempted to give up, quit, or simply tire of running the race God has set before us. Like Paul, mature Christians have a goal — "to know Christ." In this message, we’ll learn four keys that will help us grow up, experience joy, and become mature believers.
Faith Not Works
October 22, 2017 • Bill Young
Why is it that so many Christians seem joyless? I meet a lot of Christians who seem to be moping through life, without experiencing true joy. The Apostle Paul asks the same question to the Galatians, “What has happened to all your joy?” (Galatians 4:15a) In reality, there are many things that can rob us of joy, and legalism - works based religion - is one of them. In this message, Paul reminds us to remember something: That salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone! True joy comes through faith in Jesus, not good works! Join us as we discover three safeguards to help protect our joy.
Godly Friendships
October 15, 2017 • Bill Young
There is nothing in life that gives more joy than experiencing genuine, godly friendships. Paul knew the value of having true friends. Those who stuck with him during difficult times. And right in the middle of Philippians, he mentioned two of them — Timothy and Epaphroditus. Those two friends helped shoulder the burdens for the Apostle Paul and brought him great joy. The key to having great friends is becoming one yourself. In this message we will look at five qualities of a godly friend.
Not Complaining
October 8, 2017 • Bill Young
How do you respond to difficulties or hardships? If we’re honest, most people react by complaining. In fact, we have turned the act of complaining into an art form — complete with web sites and Youtube videos that will help us do it! But, God wants Christians to be different. He wants us to shine like stars by NOT complaining. How is that even possible? In Philippians, Paul gives us four keys to conquer complaining. If you want to increase the joy in your life, pay close attention to this practical message!
Reducing Conflict
September 24, 2017 • Bill Young
There are many ways for us to handle conflict. Some, however, are more effective than others. How do you handle the conflict in your life? You could move to Alaska, build a cabin, and live out the rest of your life with the bears and pine trees! That would certainly reduce conflict. But, God wants us involved in relationships with our family, co-workers, and other Christians. We need to be in unity, together. In life, people don't always get along; that's not the problem. The real problem is how we deal with the conflict. In Philippians 2:1-11, Paul gives us four practical steps to find joy by reducing conflict in our relationships.
Difficult Circumstances
September 16, 2017 • Bill Young
Most of us have trouble responding in a positive way when we encounter negative circumstances. We think, "If I could just change this..." or "If I could only get that...", or “If I looked like them…” Then we could finally enjoy life. In reality, however, if we focus only on ourselves, we will never experience true inner joy. The Apostle Paul was the quintessential "test case" for hardship. Yet he remained constantly joyful. What was his secret? In today’s message, we will learn about four keys to finding joy in difficult circumstances.
Finding Joy in Loving People
September 10, 2017 • Bill Young
As we journey through the Book of Philippians, we will discover that joy comes from pursuing God wholeheartedly, giving ourselves away, and learning to dwell on all that is good. One of the hardest challenges we often face is how to love the people who surround us. Do you really enjoy your spouse, kids, neighbors or co-workers? Many marriages and relationships can become more a matter of endurance rather than enjoyment. Today, we’ll learn how to do more than tolerate others, as we look at five keys to loving the people in your life.