True joy is found in Christ, Who has come to save and restore us to God, the source of all true joy.

The love of God - which is the source of all love - has taken human form in Jesus, and we are called to believe in Him and love others as He did.

Christ is the Prince of Peace, who brings full peace - the blessed life that flows from the righteousness of God.

The hope that overcomes the despair and alienation caused by the fall is found in Christ, as we look to Him in faith.

The book of Acts closes with a bold, unhindered proclamation of the Gospel - in spite of all the oppositions of Satan and the world - which guarantees a glorious thriving future for the Church and the kingdom of God.

God is on a mission to glorify the name of His Son, Jesus.  There are times that God has chosen to use persecution to ensure that the gospel of His Son goes forth and that His Church thrives.

Luke describes the early church as thriving with continuous growth as it is strengthened by the Spirit through the means of grace to fulfill the Great Commission - even in the face of severe opposition.

As Paul learned on the road to Damascus, we thrive not through our own righteousness, but because we have a vital unity with Christ and His Church.

The Church exists because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And, the primary means by which it continues to thrive is the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A thriving church is a true community, centered on Christ, awed

God’s power, showing practical love, living life together, and experiencing

God’s favor.