In 2 Corinthians 5 we read that Christ has given to us the ministry of reconciliation. The love of God and his works in our life will compel us to bring this hope of reconciliation to others. We see this evidence in Paul’s ministry. Despite constant persecution, Paul persevered and was moved to preach the gospel, because of the love of Christ.

Since Genesis Chapter 3, God has been at work redeeming fallen man. What does that mean for our lives today? As we study God’s word in 2 Corinthians 5 we see that God is doing more than just saving our souls for eternity. Every aspect of our lives will be touched by God’s redeeming work, including our worldview and our thinking.

In John Chapter 6 Jesus performs a great miracle: He feeds 5000 with five small barley loaves and two fish. We can link this event of provision with Deuteronomy 1:30-31, the Lord carried the children of Israel through the wilderness as a father carries a son, by meeting their daily needs. Jesus carried and sustained the people's need for nourishment on a hillside by the sea of Galilee. This same Lord carries and sustains our daily needs, not just for food and drink - but the hope of help in the wilderness, a purpose for this life and an eternal hope in His Kingdom.

God is never late with His provision. As the Israelite community is being led out of Egypt and into the wilderness (Exodus 16), they come to the end of their strength. With little food left, God meets their needs with a well-timed help: Manna. Looking to the text we will find that as the people of God, we cannot live by just the works of our human hands. Every day, God will provide His people with the bread (provision) of today.

Former JOY pastor Lauren Helveston ('89-'93) and his family, join us for Founders' Day 2016. Today we celebrate and remember God's faithfulness and goodness to the Church of Joy. For 37 years God has been exalted, worshiped and praised by a group of people who are hungry and passionate for His Word. As we remember the great things God has done, his Word teaches us that we have been given everything we need to serve Him in our daily lives and as a Joy family for 37 years. God's faithfulness will endure for the years to come!

What is worship? And who is it for? We often have expectations of what worship should be when we arrive at church on a Sunday morning. Let's study the text and redefine how we worship God in our daily lives.

Nehemiah understood that it would take more than the rebuilding of walls to reestablish the remnant living in Jerusalem. In Nehemiah chapter 8, he reintroduces the Word of God to the ears of the people. God's Word was an essential blueprint for the lives of these ancient people. God's word is an essential blueprint for our lives today.

In the face of fierce opposition, Nehemiah's enemies expected his hands to grow weak with fear. Nehemiah answered with prayer... Lord, strengthen my hands!