Philippians 1:27-2:30 Joy is not happiness, a fleeting event. Joy is an underlying consistent peace and security in Jesus that regardless of our life circumstances (especially now), we can maintain and rejoice in Him through all seasons of life. Joy is used in one form or another 16 times in the book of Philippians. What is Joy, how is it cultivated, and how can we stay full of it?

Jude Theme: Standing Firm in a Time of Compromise Key Verse: Jude 3 – "Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people."

Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Timothy, 2:13; Hebrews 10:23 Summary: God is true to His promises. We can rely on Him. His word is trustworthy. He is unchanging in his character and actions. God remembers his covenant faithfulness to his people. Even when we struggle in our faithfulness to God, he remains faithful.

Ephesians 2:8-10 Paul teaches about good works (which God prepared in advance for us to do).  Do we recognize the voice of God speaking to us and directing us toward new good works?  How do we hear God’s voice in community?

Galatians 2:11-21 There was a significant controversy between big name leaders in the church. We are talking about the likes of Peter, Barnabas, and James. Some of these leaders led others astray over ministry to the Gentiles. Are we at risk of being led astray now? Could we lead others astray in the faith? How can we protect against this spiritual danger?

Romans 8:38-39 The Bible says God is love. That seems pretty straightforward. It’s almost like a dictionary definition. How does love define the heart of God? What do we do with that truth?

Romans 8:14-15 Before we become a Christian, separation between God and humans exists and we could never be perfect enough. When we accept Christ, that old life is at an end because life is now dominated by the Holy Spirit rather than rebellion against God. Do we enjoy the quality of life that comes from trusting the Holy Spirit or do we still live in fear, doubt, insecurity and discouragement?

Matthew 25:31-46 Will you receive an inheritance? Sometimes an expected inheritance never comes to fruition. Jesus teaches about what it means to expect to be included in the kingdom inheritance. In this hard teaching, we recognize the reality that not all who think they are included in God's inheritance will actually be called God's sheep.

Matthew 6:25-34 (emphasis on v. 33) In the midst of Jesus' sermon on the mount, he teaches about worry. Jesus also shows the first priority of the kingdom of God is to seek God's kingdom and God's righteousness. How are you seeking the kingdom in your life of faith?

Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus' famous parable about a master who entrusts a financial investment to three differnt servants is a timeless classic. We have the chance to invest the gifts that God has given us both within the ministries of our church AND out in our community, neighborhoods, and workplaces. How are you living "on mission"?

Genesis 3 (emphasis on v. 15 and v. 21) Even as the first humans gave into temptation and sinned against God, the grace of God was already at work. How do we see Gods' action of grace towards humaniy in his promise from the very beginning? What is the scarlet thread of the promise of Christ that we read in the book of Genesis?