Search Results for: joy

Posted: 28 Oct, 2018 | Author: Dove Cranson

The church is a beautiful thing, precious to God, and a source of good to the world.  The Biblical word “church” does not describe a building where people meet, or an event, but a group of people.  We are the church. Being the church has many wonderful dynamics and is a rich experience I would […]

Posted: 26 Aug, 2018 | Author: Steve Nelson

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. NIV11 Sometimes suffering is […]

Posted: 26 Aug, 2018 | Author: Bruce Bradford

What is it that makes us happy? Money? Success at work? Being popular? Nice house? Nice car? Are those things really it? God wants us to know that there is more in life! We can find true and deep joy! Download

Posted: 22 Jul, 2018 | Author: Dove Cranson

At times, it seems like the solution to the pain of life and the path to find happiness is to change our circumstances, our bodies, our habits, our relationships, our jobs, our pastimes, or at least change something.  This message shows the potential to thrive wherever we are at in life—enjoying thankfulness for the little […]

Posted: 06 May, 2018 | Author: Steve Nelson

CT Studd, missionary to Africa, found a tract which was reportedly written by an atheist. It read as follows: Did I firmly believe, as millions say they do, that the knowledge and practice of religion in this life influences destiny in another, religion would mean to me everything. I would cast away earthly enjoyments as […]

Posted: 01 Apr, 2018 | Author: Steve Nelson

1 Corinthians 5:7b For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. NIV The Passover is a celebration commemorating the last of the Egyptian plagues, when the judgement of God “passed over” the homes that had lamb’s blood on the door frames. In a similar way, Jesus, the Lamb of God, shed his blood so that […]

Posted: 03 Sep, 2017 | Author: Steve Nelson

We all find plenty to complain about, whether it is genuine hardships like sickness, suffering, and death, or it is the little stuff like having to eat the same thing for dinner that we had for lunch. As we see in the example of the Israelites (Numbers 11:1-6), complaining leads to misery, even in times […]

Posted: 20 Aug, 2017 | Author: Steve Nelson

Not only does God love you, but he likes you. He enjoys you. He is glad that you are His. In this study of Ephesians 1, we find many reasons to find joy and peace in our relationship with God, even though relationships are complicated, and we are fully aware of our shortcomings. Download Handout: Blanks / No […]

Posted: 28 May, 2017 | Author: Dove Cranson

There is something in us that makes us want to share with others the good things we have found.  Whether it is a great movie, a sunset, a revolutionary product, a new love, or something else we find exciting, we have a desire to pass it on.  How much more, despite hesitation or cultural opposition, […]

Posted: 09 Apr, 2017 | Author: Steve Nelson

Have you ever thought about the Day of Judgement—when Jesus addresses the masses of people who have lived since the beginning of the world? Will He be angry and condemning? Loving and compassionate? In this imagined account of Judgment Day, Jesus pours out his heart to those he loves—a jilted lover to those who rejected […]

Posted: 01 Jan, 2017 | Author: Steve Nelson

The greatest disciples throughout history, from Jesus’ Twelve all the way to modern-day martyrs, have something in common. They don’t care. They don’t care about what others think, about their own personal gain, or even about their own lives. This one commonly held attribute allows them to live with abandon and care about the things […]

Posted: 23 Oct, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson

It is the reality of life that each person gets to enjoy pleasures and happiness.   Also each human being experiences loss and sadness.   Through this adventure of learning to trust God we are called to a bigger perspective.   We can learn to be content with what we have been given and trust […]

Posted: 17 Jul, 2016 | Author: Steve Nelson

To have a meaningful relationship with God, we must not see Him as an emotionless robot—always the same: passionless, uncaring, and unaffected by what He sees and experiences. We must see Him as a being who experiences joy and grief, pleasure and displeasure, intense love and extreme jealousy. Download Handout

Posted: 03 Jan, 2016 | Author: Steve Nelson

Each of us has our own unique path in life, but suffering is not unknown to any of us. Not only do we have past hurts, but we have a span of life looming in front of us which is undoubtedly seasoned with unknown types and intensities of grief. In this message, Steve shares some […]

Posted: 20 Dec, 2015 | Author: John Houser

Merry Christmas from the Rio! In this message John Houser speaks about the joy of giving. The more we give, the less time we spend with out stuff. And less time you spend with something, the less you love it. And the less you love the things of the world, the easier it is to love […]

Posted: 28 Nov, 2015 | Author: Dove Cranson

So often we make Christianity about a list of things to do or events to attend. And yet when Jesus walked the earth, he didn’t ask people to come to small group or prayer meeting. Instead he took his disciples on a journey of commitment and excitement. In this sermon, Dove speaks about how Christianity […]

Posted: 14 Dec, 2014 | Author: Steve Nelson

Luke 2:10-11  But the angel said to [the shepherds], “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” NIV   Download

Posted: 14 Apr, 2019 | Author: Steve Nelson

Jesus did not intend for us to be laden by the weight of unattainable perfection. Instead, he wanted to give us rest for our souls.

Posted: 10 Mar, 2019 | Author: Dove Cranson

Through Christ, we can find joy, strength, and comfort in the midst of life’s peaks and valleys.

Posted: 08 Sep, 2019 | Author: Dove Cranson

You have permission to delight, not only in the gifts of God but in the fullness which is in the Giver. 

Posted: 22 Mar, 2020 | Author: Steve Nelson

In this message, Steve looks at some of the different ways we experience life and highlights a few areas that will be challenging in the midst of our current world crisis.

Posted: 18 Oct, 2020 | Author: Dove Cranson

May we have the faith to acknowledge our humanity AND look steadily at Christ from whom the love, hope, peace, and joy of God has come.

Posted: 29 Nov, 2020 | Author: Dove Cranson

The good news of Jesus is a joyful gift to receive.  It is also a joy filled gift to share. 

Posted: 24 Jan, 2021 | Author: Steve Nelson

One of the ways we respond to God's love is that we love him back. Practically, we do this by giving him our lives. 

Posted: 18 Apr, 2021 | Author: Dove Cranson

Posted: 14 Nov, 2021 | Author: Dove Cranson

When we allow God, His comfort brings us peace and renews our strength to keep moving forward with joy

Posted: 09 Jan, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson

Confession and repentance are not bad. Rather, they restore Joy! This study through Psalm 32 will help us remember this life-giving principle.

Posted: 13 Feb, 2022 | Author: Blaise Nelson

Lessons from Daniel and Joseph's lives that help us set a good course so we can experience life even when hardship comes. 

Posted: 06 Nov, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson

How can we deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment and still make a stand for Christ?

Posted: 27 Nov, 2022 | Author: Dove Cranson

Humility and thankfulness go hand-in-hand, and together they produce JOY.