“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4. Really? Always rejoice? Always have joy? Don’t you know what I’m going through? Sometimes it’s hard to imagine being able to rejoice when the stresses, pains, and anxieties of life start to pile up. Yet Paul writes this beautiful, joy-filled letter to the Philippians, and he writes it from a jail cell! He writes it to a church that is suffering, poor, and persecuted. God gives this letter to us too. Rejoice! 

We’ll see that regardless of our current situation, Christ has blessed us. He gives us partners for encouragement as we work together. No matter what is going on, life, death, and everything in between, Christ gives us a positive perspective. It’s all good. 

When we take a close look at how Jesus was willing to go the cross for us, it gives us a new “others focused” attitude. We’re encouraged by the example of other Christians, and we’ll join them as we shine like stars in a dark world, holding out the word of life. We can have joy because our value isn’t based on our achievement, it’s based on Christ’s righteousness. We can press on and finish strong because Christ has won the race and carried us to victory. Feeling anxiety or emptiness? God’s word will give peace and contentment. When we realize we have everything we need, we want to share. 

Journals and Family Bible Studies for Rejoice Sermon Series: For the new sermon series starting 9/13, we will provide resources for you whether you like to study the Bible on your own or in groups. This will help you get more out of the sermons by taking notes during the sermon and going further into Philippians at home. Grab a “Rejoice” packet on the table outside of the sanctuary as you come into worship this Sunday!

• Take a copy of “Rejoice: A Bible Study Journaling Booklet Based on the Book of Philippians” if you like to take personal notes during sermons and at home

• Take a copy of “Rejoice: A Family Bible Study Booklet Based on the Book of Philippians” if you would like a guide for doing a study with your family or a small group.