Main idea: "Why we don't know who we are until we know whose we are."

I. Our Father has redeemed us, v7

II. Our Father has lavishly poured out his favor on us, v7-8

III. Our Father has revealed his hidden plan to us, v9-10

IV. Our Father has promised us a future inheritance, v11-12

V. Our Father has marked us as His own by His Spirit, v13-14

Main Idea: Salvation is God's story for His glory and its theme is grace from beginning to end.

1. God is the Author who planned grace in eternity, v3-5

2. God is the Actor who pays out grace in human history. v5-7

Believers live in two realms, and the one that daily dominates our identity daily determines our mentality.

I. The Identity of the Author, v1-2

II. The Identity of the Readers, v1-2

III. Our Identity “In Christ,” v3

Talk yourself into determined joy because of God's amazing grace.

1. Learn to talk to yourself v1-2

2. Learn to talk to yourself about God's amazing grace v3-5

When the evils of the world are in our face it's tempting to respond with indifference, or outrage, or fear. But the way of faith wrestles with God in confident trust.

1. Don't be indifferent about evil and injustice. Instead, wrestle with the LORD over it. v1-11

2. Don't be outraged as if justice depends on you, but instead trust in the LORD's justice. v12-15

3. Don't be fearful, have faith in the LORD's kingship and compassion, v16-18

The secret to finding joy in this life is finding joy in the things of God.

1. Finding joy in the God who saves

2. Finding joy in His church

3. Finding joy in true worship

4. Finding joy in what God provides and in His providence

5. Finding joy in His Word

6. Finding joy in what's to come

Message from Caleb Barrows on Aug 6, 2017

A Fortress for the Fight

The fight for joy is a fight because we have an enemy: so fight from within the Fortress.

1. The Promise of Protection

2. The Snares of the Enemy

3. How to Twist God's Promises

4. How to Rest in God's Promises

Big idea: Suffering reminds us we’re not there yet.

I. Find Joy in God’s Restoration Work, v1-5

II. Find Joy in Knowing, “You Don’t Got This,” v6-7

III. Find Joy in Knowing “We’re Not There Yet,” v8-12

Message from Samuel Andres on Jul 16, 2017