The world today doesn’t see sin as sin.  It’s tolerated, enjoyed, and often celebrated.  However, as Pastor John will teach today, sin deeply grieves God. And as a believer, it should grieve you as well.  When you mourn over your own sin, and the sin around you in the world, it will lead you to God.  Come to Him with a repentant heart and God will forgive, deliver and comfort you.  Though it’s a paradox, the way to be joyful is first to be sad and broken by sin.  This will lead you to God, who is faithful to forgive.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew chapter 5 for his message Happiness Through Mourning.

The world will proclaim that the happy are those that are assertive, independent, rich and powerful.  You think you’ll be happy if you seek after whatever will elevate you and fill your latest desires.  Pastor John will encourage you today to instead humble yourself, recognize your poor spiritual condition apart from Him.  Only then can you be blessed by God and filled with joy.  Knowing you have nothing to offer God, but coming to Him for His grace and mercy is how you will be blessed.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew chapter 5 as he continues his message Happiness Through Poverty.

People seek happiness in the world from all kinds of places – in wealth, pleasure, companionship, power and position.  The world’s mantra on finding joy is counter to the message of the bible.  Today, Pastor John will describe the contrast between worldly and biblical joy.  The more you seek happiness in the world, the more it’ll elude you.  Because without God, you’ll never truly find it.  But with God, you’ll find purpose, peace, and true, deep joy.  He alone will fulfill you.  Seek Him for your joy.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew chapter 5 as he begins his message Happiness Through Poverty.

Ruth and Naomi were destitute.  They were without hope and devastated by the circumstances in their lives.  Yet, because they had a rescuer, their lives were redeemed.  Today, Pastor John will teach how Jesus fulfills all the roles of the redeemer in your life and for all who believe.  He, though God, became a man to be your kin, and through His perfect life, he was able to redeem you from sin.  He was willing to do whatever He had to do to save you and, after His death, completed the work for all who’d believe.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Ruth chapter 4 as he continues his message Redemption.

Ruth’s story was filled with tragedy, difficulty, and plenty of uncertainty.  But, because Naomi planted the seeds of faith in God, Ruth chose to believe and walk in faith in Him.  And because of that, her story had a happy ending.  What began with death and sorrow, God turned into great blessing and joy.    Today, Pastor John will remind you that you, too, can have a happy ending.  Though your life may resemble Ruth’s troubles at times, you can trust God and walk in faith just like Ruth.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Ruth chapter 4 as he begins his message Redemption.

It’s easy to follow God when He makes life comfortable and when things make sense.  It can be much more challenging when things are difficult.  When God’s will for your life isn’t exactly what you want, you may stumble.  Your will and desires are always present and feel the most important.  But, today, Pastor John will encourage you to submit your will to God.  Ask Him what HIS will is for you, and then follow it.  He’s got the best for you, even if life doesn’t make sense.  Trust Him and follow Him, no matter what.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Ruth chapter 3 as he continues his message Finding Rest.

It’s all too easy to try to walk through life in your own strength, trying to control everything and forget to rely on God.  This kind of life will wear you out and ultimately not benefit you.  Instead, Pastor John teaches today, live under the providential care of God, rely on Him, and find rest in Him.  He’s strong, when you’re weak.  He’s wise when you’re foolish.  As you seek to live under God’s care, you must be filled with His Spirit.  The Holy Spirit will guide and strengthen you and unite you with God.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Ruth chapter 3 as he begins his message Finding Rest.

Many believers often wish for God to give very detailed plans and steps along the way in their life of faith.  If He’d only tell you exactly what to do, when to do it, and what He’ll do for you, you’d have great confidence.  However, as Pastor John teaches today, God doesn’t often give you the whole story.  He asks you to trust Him each step of the way, even if you don’t know what’s next.  He asks you to believe that He has the best plans for you that far exceed your own plans and efforts.  He won’t let you down.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Ruth chapter 2 as he continues his message It Just So Happened.

When you’re in difficult or painful circumstances, you may wonder why God is leaving you in that situation, despite your desperate prayers for release.  The natural response to trials is to get out of them as quickly as possible.  However, as Pastor John teaches today, God may be leaving you in those circumstances in order to change you.  If He lifted you out of every difficulty, you’d never grow, mature, or become more like Jesus.  It’s through these crises that God will do a good work in you.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Ruth chapter 2 as he begins his message It Just So Happened.

When you’re going through a time of great suffering, you can easily become bitter in life and angry at God.  Despite her own sorrow, Ruth didn’t grow bitter.  Instead, she turned to the faith Naomi taught her and rested in the hope that God offered.  She had learned to trust God and wait on Him, and through all she was going through, she became the woman God desired her to be.  Pastor John reminds you today that Jesus can give you joy in your circumstances too.  So don’t grow hard and bitter but stay hopeful in God.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Ruth chapter 1 as he continues his message Running From Your Problems.