March 18 Message: Rejoice Always

I am glad to hear requests to post sermon notes and worship songs online so brothers and sisters can reflect on them.

We sang Give us clean hands, All for you, and worthy is the lamb.

The message is taken from Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.



Reflection Notes:

1. What is the meaning of rejoice?  How is it different from happiness?
2. What is gentleness?  How is it different from weakness?
3. What is the benefit to being anxious?
4. What is the cure to anxiety?
5. What are sources of suffering you are facing? External? Personal sin? Because of doing God's will?
6. How are you rejoicing in the midst of your suffering?

Book of Hebrews

It seems that many people find the book of Hebrews difficult.

The overall message of the book is that Jesus Christ is superior to everything that has gone before.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate priest.  Jesus Christ is the ultimate sacrifice.

The book is written to a community who is discouraged because of the suffering and perhaps doubts about whether Jesus really took care of sin.