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.
Difficult Circumstances
Philippians 1:12-26
September 16, 2017 • Bill Young
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Finding Joy
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.