This message is an introductory message to a sermon series on the book of Exodus.

The message highlights some of the major themes of Exodus like:

Liberation and Redemption, God's Sovereignty, God's Glory, Law, Covenant, and God's Presence.

The message also looks at Exodus 1:1-7 where we begin to see that God is keeping the promises he made to Jacob in Genesis 46:2-4.

This is the final message in the "Summer of Joy" series and in this message we find Paul suggesting that Joy is found in "Thinking Right" and "Being Content in Jesus."

Paul urges us to find joy in unity.

And it is humble unity for he urges us verse 3-4 to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant.

Humility is a virtue and clearly Jesus humbled himself (vv. 5-8); but how can we find joy in humility?  This message explores a few possibilities.

What is Joy?  

It is often confused with happiness.

Joy is found in Christ.  The apostle Paul makes it clear that Christ is his joy; Christ is his delight.

What do we learn from Paul regarding increasing out joy:

Nurture your relationship with Christ.

Celebrate!

Surround yourself with joyful believers.

This message is a wrap-up for Stuart Presbyterian's Vacation Bible School (June 24-26), "Snowball Mountain Challenge"

The message provides a synopsis of what was learned over the three days, namely:

When we face challenges:

We can use our gifts (Joseph the dream interpreter, Genesis 40-41).

We can pray (Jesus - Matthew 36:36-46).

We can have hope (Peter and John heal lame man - Acts 3:1-10).

John believers are called to overcome the world; but what does he mean by "world"?  And what does he mean by "overcoming"?

John warns of three primary paths to worldliness: desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, and pride of life (1 Jn. 2:16)

But John offers hope of how we can overcome in 1 John 5:1-5.

In this message we consider what is sometimes referred to as John's "Test of Affection."  We know true believers if they love God and love one another.

This "test" is based on Jesus' answer regarding the greatest commandment (Mk. 12:28-31).

The message will attempt to provide a definition of love as well as some ways in which we can love God and love one another.

John wishes to assure us of our salvation and for those who have questions he offers three pieces of evidence that we are saved:

1. Obedience to God's Commands (vv. 3-4)

2. Adherence to the Word of God (v. 5)

3. Walking as Jesus Walked (v. 6)

John asserts the Moral Test for genuine fellowship with God.

Are we walking in the light?

The Ascension is often overlooked but it is more prominent in Scripture than we might realize.

Jesus' Ascension is historical in that it took place at a specific geographic location; there were eyewitnesses; and it was bodily.

What does it mean for us?

We have an advocate at the right hand of God.

Our priorities should shift to things above.

We have the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit, so we are fully equipped.

Our Lord reigns!