After spending five weeks in joy, we now come to a passage that answers the question, “Why is joy so hard to find?” The Apostle Paul gives us some helpful insight and a huge encouragement.

In Philippians 3 we see that joy comes from finding our identity in Christ: being marked by the Spirit, boasting in Christ, and placing no confidence in the flesh.

What are you building with your life? In this passage, Paul shows us how we can build something with our lives that will last beyond us and give us joy.

It can be hard to locate joy when life is difficult or in transition. Paul shows us where to locate our joy and how it sustains us.

Today we are beginning a new series in the book of Philippians. In this beautiful, uplifting letter, we find Paul full of joy. Why? Can we share in that joy, and if so, how? The first 11 verses get us off to a good start.

In our liminal space, between what was and what will be, we are reordering our lives. Jesus helps Peter and us through this process with love and kindness. 

What does the miraculous catch have to teach us about the return with great joy? Much, as it turns out. The future and the past hold the sea. But Jesus calls us to the present, where he is on the shore, so that we can breakfast with him.

As we return with great joy, there is room for our doubt and uncertainty. In fact, we can meet Jesus in our doubt and ask for His help. Thomas’s encounter with the risen Jesus shows us what’s possible.

Today we begin a new series looking at four episodes from the book of John of life after the resurrection. Can we return to life after Covid with “great joy”  as the disciples returned to Jerusalem after the resurrection? We believe we can. Mary Magdalene shows us how this week.