"Choosing Joy"

Cross Church Norman

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"Choosing Joy"

Zach Kordic - Youth Pastor

April 30, 2023 • Jonah 4

Happiness is a fleeting feeling; joy is eternal. Are you happy? Or are you joyful? Where do your happiness and joy come from? If it comes from the things of this world, it will fade and disappear. But if it is sourced from your relationship with Christ, no force in heaven or earth can take it from you. Join us as we study Jonah 4 and learn how servants of God are supposed to act joyful--even when we don't feel like it!

"It Takes What It Takes"

October 27, 2024 • Daniel Kitchel • Hebrews 12:1–6

We are called by God to throw off anything that is hindering us and any sin that has us entangled. This is an incredible visual for us. This means we must do an inventory of what must go in our lives so we can have all that we want to have. A great question to consider: "What are you willing to NOT do to have what you want to have?" This is a heavy question. But, we must understand that it is God, through the Holy Spirit, who will give us the power and strength to rid ourselves of what is harming us and stealing our joy. We are surrounded by Him and such a great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us.

"God Doesn't Waste Your Days"

September 15, 2024 • Daniel Kitchel • Matthew 25:14–30

Often, we spend our lives chasing the big moments. It is easy to get caught up in chasing fulfillment from one big event to the next. Our next big thing might be a vacation, having another child, the next relationship, or the next major purchase. The list can be endless. But what if the big moments were not the most important ones? What if our perspective was radically changed so that we found God in the thousand little moments throughout the day? God wants to sanctify us the most through the regular, routine, and everyday moments. Jesus taught that we must first be faithful in the small things, and then we will be trusted with more.

"Compassionate Christianity"

September 22, 2024 • Daniel Kitchel • Matthew 9:35–38

We are called to be compassionate Christians. Like Jesus, our hearts should be broken and moved by the hurting world. We should run into these problems instead of away from them. Historically, Christians moved into the pain of others and brought healing with significant cost. This can be overwhelming for us. Problems can seem insurmountable to solve, and meeting the many needs can feel impossible. But, take heart. God has called us to it, and we will be equipped to carry it out. Remember: We cannot fix everything, everyone, or every problem - so we live with this heart: "Do for one what you wish you could do for all."