Genuine Joy

It is very important to have joy in all circumstances. But what do we do when something so tragic happens, that there seems to be nothing to be joyful about? How do we be joyful when things aren’t going like we expect? This week, Pastor Erin Bird teaches why it is so import to find joy under all circumstances.

Everyone longs for peace. We look for it in relationships, through our entertainment, even in the foods and drinks we consume. We want something that is going to tell us that everything is going to be alright.

In Philippians 4, the Apostle Paul talks about how to find a peace that surpasses understanding. If you long for that type of peace that will carry you through whatever situation you find yourself in, this is the message for you.

All of us are on a journey. On our journey through life, we encounter difficulties, struggles, obstacles, and even our own mistakes. How do we make it through the journey of life, and to do it with joy? Ed Pavelec, one of Riverwood’s elders, walks us through Philippians 3:12-4:1, showing us the encouragement the Apostle Paul gave his original readers so they might find joy in the journey.

It is important to watch out for those who claim the Bible is wrong. It is also important to find joy in Christ alone. This week, Pastor Patrick Ray talks about the book of Philippians and where we should find our true joy.

Many Americans think “bigger is better,” including when it comes to church. “If you have a bigger attendance, you must be a more successful church.” The book of Philippians shows us you can find joy in sending others to teach the Gospel, not just keeping people in your church. Pastor Erin Bird of Riverwood Church talks about how there can sometimes be more success when you show the Gospel globally than if you just worry about how many people attend a particular church.

Some humans will hear about various dangers in life, whether smoking cigarettes, eating too much sugar, or driving a motorcycle without a helmet, and proceed to ignore them. Why? Because they believe the “rules” of life don’t apply to them.

Sometimes, Christians will do the same thing. They will hear the “rules” of the Bible, but think they don’t apply to them. What they don’t realize is that these so-called “rules” don’t exist to make life miserable, rather, they exist to bring them joy.

Listen in as Pastor Erin Bird walks us through Philippians 2:12-18, showing how gospel-motivated obedience can lead to genuine joy.

Want to know the secret to great relationships? Believe it or not, the book of Philippians holds the secret. So if you long for great relationships at home, work, school, or church, this message from Pastor Erin Bird as part of our Genuine Joy series will give you the inside scoop.

Have you ever longed for something so much, you were willing to give almost anything for it? Perhaps you were willing to give up sleep to be first in line for the new iPhone or Black Friday sales. Maybe you left a job and city to move to be near someone with whom you hoped to spend the rest of your. Or maybe you emptied your entire savings to start a business you had been dreaming of for years.

Unfortunately, many times the things we long for and expend our time, energy, and money to get fade over time. They don’t provide the same level of joy they once did. Is there something in this life that is brings everlasting joy?

Without a doubt there is. But as Pastor Erin Bird warns us in this message from Philippians 1:19-30, it will cost you everything.

Is it possible to find joy in suffering? If so, how? Paul writes in his letters how to suffer well and use the hardships to grow in your faith. This week Jake Epley discusses the importance of suffering well.

This week, we kick off a study of the New Testament book of Philippians by looking at Acts 16. Listen in to meet the first three people who helped start the church in the ancient city of Philippi when they decided to follow Jesus.