Joy Starts Now

The church is a team of people following Jesus! Paul had lots of ministry partners. So should we.

In light of our 3 year birthday as a church, this message highlights God's love for starting things. The church is one of many things God has imagined and created. Being made in God's image, we can join him in His work!

What is the evidence of genuine faith in Jesus? Trouble, hardship and affliction! New believers can expect lots of opposition to their faith but always deeper and deeper joy.

Paul was a tentmaker. He worked a side gig to keep the church free of financial obligations. Even though he could have demanded payment, he didn't. Sounds like Someone else he knew! Jesus laid down His rights to make His free gift of grace available for all.

Jesus shows us the meaning of leadership, not as a platform to be elevated but the opportunity to lift others up. Paul and his partners learned from the Best. So can we.

We all have a lord we serve. By God's grace we can serve the true Lord Who came to serve us His gospel. This starts with repentance: turning from lesser things to the Living God.

Paul was very happy with this church in Thessalonica. Why? They showed signs that grace was at work in them!

I Thessalonians is a terrific book full of encouragements, warnings and hope, Turning to Jesus is the best thing anyone can do! This church is founded on repentance: Turning from false idols to the true God.

What did the first church look like? It was full of devotion to God and each other.

Hebrews 11 teaches that faith is both a gift to be received and a muscle to be used.