First Importance

Pastor Josh Hall continues this Wednesday evening study, "So You Want to Be Like Christ," based on Charles Swindoll's book by the same title. In this episode, he looks at the discipline of "Silence and Solitude."

1. The Example Set - Mark 1:35-39; Luke 5:12

2. A Pattern to Be Followed - Psalm 46

In verse 1, the Psalmist acknowledges God as our "refuge and strength." Then each of 3 sections ends with a "Selah," perhaps indicating a pause to reflect.

1) When the world is upside down (vv. 1 - 3)

2) When the world turns against us (vv. 4 - 7)

3) "Be still and know that I am God" (vv. 8 - 11)

3. A Goal to Be Pursued - Philippians 3:10-14

NextGen Associate Pastor Lee Beaumont shares this message from Luke 22, identifying 4 Phases of Crisis:

1. Your Adversary Will Sift You - v. 31

2. Your Abilities Will Sabotage You - vv. 44 - 46

3. Your Actions Will Surprise You - vv. 54 - 62

4. Your Advocate Will Secure You - vv. 31 - 32

In this, the penultimate message in his CHOOSE JOY series, Pastor Josh Hall asks the question: "What's In Your Wallet?" From Philippians 4:14-19, he shares the things in the Philippians' wallet that every believer should have in theirs.

1. Kindness - v. 14

2. Willingness - vv. 15 - 16

3. Generosity - v. 18

4. Provision - vv. 17 - 19

Pastor Josh Hall continues his CHOOSE JOY sermon series from Philippians. This message examines the topic of "Contentment." True contentment is characterized by:

1. An Unusual Joy - v. 10

2. An Impractical Perspective - v. 11

3. An Uncoveted Lesson - vv. 11 - 12

4. In the Lord Jesus - v. 13

Pastor Josh Hall continues this Wednesday evening study, "So You Want to Be Like Christ," based on Charles Swindoll's book by the same title. In this episode, he begins discussing the discipline required and introduces the subject of "Intimacy." From the text in Revelation, he draws out 3 actions for one who has "lost your first love" (v. 4).

1. Remember

2. Repent

3. Return

In v. 1 of chapter 4, Paul exhorts believers to "stand firm." Pastor Josh Hall points out that it takes 3 things to stand firm:

In this continuation of his CHOOSE JOY sermon series from Philippians, Pastor Josh describes how our heads are involved.

1. Ponder - v. 8

From this verse, we see 7 questions to ask as we "ponder," or

think about the Lord:

1) Is it True?

2) Is it Honorable?

3) Is it Just?

4) Is it Pure?

5) Is it Lovely?

6) Is it Commendable?

7) Is it Excellent?

2. Practice

Practicing these things in our lives requires striving and

discipline.

Pastor Josh Hall continues his CHOOSE JOY sermon series from Philippians 4:5-7. With v. 5 (Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand) as the key, he goes on to share the results of recognizing the nearness of (at hand) God.

Recognizing God's Nearness Will...

1. Adjust Your Attitude - v. 5

2. Alleviate Your Anxiety - v. 5

3. Avert Your Attention - v. 6

4. Affirm your Assurance - v. 7

Pastor Josh Hall begins a new Wednesday evening study, "So You Want to Be Like Christ," based on Charles Swindoll's book by the same title. In this episode, he introduces the study with the premise found in 1 Timothy 4:6-7: "Train Yourself for Godliness."

1. Training Requires Discipline

2. Training Requires Pain

3. Training Requires Perseverance and Consistency

4. Training Requires a Goal

Pastor Josh Hall resumes his CHOOSE JOY sermon series from Philippians. Stating that in this letter Paul makes mention of "joy" or "rejoice" 13 times, he goes on the share the following:

1. Benefits of Rejoicing

1) It is good for your sanctification (Gal. 5:22; Ps. 64:10)

2) It is good for your satisfaction (John 4:13-14)

3) It is good for your strength (Neh. 8:10)

2. Practical Tips for Rejoicing

Citing Psalm 37:4, he states, "Rejoicing is the God-given, defiant determination to be contented, satisfied, and happy in the Lord."

1) Set some reminders:

a) Time alone daily in God's Word (Ps. 63:1; 19:7-11)

b) Time alone with God in prayer

c) Time together with God's people

2) Rehearsals to attend

a) Meditate on God's Word (Ps. 1:1-2)

b) Worship the Lord in private

c) Worship together in public

d) Practice rejoicing in rough times (Job 1:21)

Next-Gen Associate Pastor Lee Beaumont shares this message from Psalm 119 entitled, "The Blessed Life." In this message, he discusses...

1. Blessing Described - vv. 1 - 8

The blessed life is one that is "blameless."

2. Blessing Desired - vv. 9 - 16

9 Steps to a Blameless, Blessed Life:

• Guard His Word - v. 9

• Seek Him with all your heart - v. 10

• Treasure His Word - v. 11

• Let the Lord teach you - v. 12

• Proclaim the Lord's wisdom with His Word - v. 13

• Rejoice in His decrees - v. 14

• Meditate on His precepts - v. 15

• Delight in His statutes - v. 16a

• Don't forget His Word - v. 16b