Main Point: "We were created to worship… and we become like what we worship."

Key Verses: "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.' After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." – Matthew 2:1, 2, 9-12 (NIV)

Series Description: When Jesus was born, we see a beautiful picture of worship in the way the Wisemen approach Him. Some brought gifts, some bowed to their knees, some praised God with their words. Today, some of the ways we worship God are actually very similar to the Wisemen. In this 4-week series, we learn more about different ways we express worship to God, and why we worship in that way.

Main Point: “Every person is a joy-filler, or joy-killer…and that includes YOU.”

Memory Verse: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Series Description: We live in a great country, our basic needs are met, and we have ample opportunity to live a great life. So why aren’t we content? Why do we continually search for happiness? The reality is, we’re searching for joy. The kind of joy that doesn’t run out and isn’t based on our circumstances. We were actually created to experience this kind of joy in our lives. But many of us, including followers of Jesus, are not. In this series, we investigate true joy, and discover what is preventing us from experiencing it.

Main Point: "Joy is grown through contentment. Contentment is produced through gratitude."

Memory Verse: "...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

Series Description: We live in a great country, our basic needs are met, and we have ample opportunity to live a great life. So why aren’t we content? Why do we continually search for happiness? The reality is, we’re searching for joy. The kind of joy that doesn’t run out and isn’t based on our circumstances. We were actually created to experience this kind of joy in our lives. But many of us, including followers of Jesus, are not. In this series, we investigate true joy, and discover what is preventing us from experiencing it.

Main Point: "Pain and Suffering are the primary testing grounds of our faith and the greatest opportunity to glorify Christ."

Memory Verse: "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." – Hebrews 4:16 (NASB)

Series Description: We live in a great country, our basic needs are met, and we have ample opportunity to live a great life. So why aren’t we content? Why do we continually search for happiness? The reality is, we’re searching for joy. The kind of joy that doesn’t run out and isn’t based on our circumstances. We were actually created to experience this kind of joy in our lives. But many of us, including followers of Jesus, are not. In this series, we investigate true joy, and discover what is preventing us from experiencing it.

Main Point: "Worry and fear will rob your joy and your health…if you let it."

Memory Verse: "...about your life …and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." – Matt 6:25a, 33 (NIV)

Series Description: We live in a great country, our basic needs are met, and we have ample opportunity to live a great life. So why aren’t we content? Why do we continually search for happiness? The reality is, we’re searching for joy. The kind of joy that doesn’t run out and isn’t based on our circumstances. We were actually created to experience this kind of joy in our lives. But many of us, including followers of Jesus, are not. In this series, we investigate true joy, and discover what is preventing us from experiencing it.

Main Point: "Living in God’s presence throughout every day—not a one-shot 'quiet time' or some activity to check the box—is a joy-FILLER for our SOUL."

Memory Verse: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my savior and my God.” – Psalm 43:5 (NIV)

Series Description: We live in a great country, our basic needs are met, and we have ample opportunity to live a great life. So why aren’t we content? Why do we continually search for happiness? The reality is, we’re searching for joy. The kind of joy that doesn’t run out and isn’t based on our circumstances. We were actually created to experience this kind of joy in our lives. But many of us, including followers of Jesus, are not. In this series, we investigate true joy, and discover what is preventing us from experiencing it.

Main Point: "Every decision is either joy-producing, or joy-killing,"

Memory Verse: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." – Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

Series Description: We live in a great country, our basic needs are met, and we have ample opportunity to live a great life. So why aren’t we content? Why do we continually search for happiness? The reality is, we’re searching for joy. The kind of joy that doesn’t run out and isn’t based on our circumstances. We were actually created to experience this kind of joy in our lives. But many of us, including followers of Jesus, are not. In this series, we investigate true joy, and discover what is preventing us from experiencing it.

Main Point: "Our hearts don't long for joy. Our hearts long for Jesus."

Memory Verse: "...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." – Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)

Series Description: We live in a great country, our basic needs are met, and we have ample opportunity to live a great life. So why aren’t we content? Why do we continually search for happiness? The reality is, we’re searching for joy. The kind of joy that doesn’t run out and isn’t based on our circumstances. We were actually created to experience this kind of joy in our lives. But many of us, including followers of Jesus, are not. In this series, we investigate true joy, and discover what is preventing us from experiencing it.

Main Point: "Your marriage can thrive, but it will require spiritual oneness."

Memory Verse: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." – Genesis 2:24 (NIV)

Series Description: Every year, 2.3 million couples get married... and 1.2 million get divorced. It’s no secret that marriage is hard. When Dr. Billy Graham—a legendary evangelist, author, husband and father—was asked, “What makes a marriage work?” he responded with three ingredients: a marriage needs 1) two very good forgivers, 2) spouses who accept each other’s faults, and 3) a common spiritual affinity or oneness. During this 3-part message series we dig deeper into the ingredients for a thriving marriage.

Main Point: "Your marriage can THRIVE, but it requires accepting one another’s faults."

Memory Verse: "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." – Colossians 3:13 (NLT)

Series Description: Every year, 2.3 million couples get married... and 1.2 million get divorced. It’s no secret that marriage is hard. When Dr. Billy Graham—a legendary evangelist, author, husband and father—was asked, “What makes a marriage work?” he responded with three ingredients: a marriage needs 1) two very good forgivers, 2) spouses who accept each other’s faults, and 3) a common spiritual affinity or oneness. During this 3-part message series we dig deeper into the ingredients for a thriving marriage.