The meeting of Grace Christian Church. We meet in person and stream services every Sunday at 10:30 AM EST in Manalapan, New Jersey.
"Joy Experienced" (from Philippians 3:15–21, part of a series on joy in the book of Philippians) in key points:
- Core Theme: True spiritual joy — a deep, enduring gladness and peace from the Spirit of Christ — is only experienced by living from Christ as your source (inside-out transformation), not by law-keeping or rule-following (outside-in effort).
- Key Spiritual Principle:
Attempting to produce the fruits of the Spirit (including joy) through external rules/law never works.
Rest in righteousness by faith in Christ → pursue knowing Christ → live from Him as life → experience fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
No law produces joy, but no law opposes it either — real joy flows from the Spirit. - 1. Joy Experienced by Living from Christ
Paul urges mature believers to adopt his mindset/attitude: forget what lies behind, press toward the goal of knowing Christ, the power of His resurrection, and living "for to me to live is Christ."
Follow his example and pattern; God will reveal this truth to those who think otherwise.
Key attitudes: desire God's will over self-will, Christ-dependence over self-dependence, and Christ living in/through us. - 2. Joy Lost by Pursuing Earthly Things Instead of Christ
Many (enemies of the cross) set their minds on earthly/carnal things — their god is their belly, glory in shame, end is destruction.
A mind set on the flesh/earthly things brings death (no spiritual life/peace/joy) — whether unsaved or carnal believers (Romans 8:6).
Only a mind set on the Spirit brings life and peace/joy. - 3. Joy Experienced While Eagerly Waiting for Christ's Return
Believers' true citizenship is in heaven; we eagerly await Jesus, the Savior.
He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body (future resurrection/rapture).
While waiting, maintain Paul's attitude: live for Christ now — not consumed by end-times fear/anxiety or prophecy obsession, which can distract from the upward call and steal joy.
