Veronica delivered a sermon emphasizing that joy is a choice rather than a feeling, drawing from biblical verses to illustrate this point. She highlighted how New Lebanon Assembly of God prioritizes joy and hope, using examples like Jesus enduring the cross for the joy of breaking sin and death's hold. Veronica encouraged the congregation to choose joy, even in difficult circumstances, as a way to gain perseverance, character, and hope, ultimately leading to a joyful and hopeful life that overflows to others.
Here’s a shortened, tighter version while keeping the heart of your message:
This message reminds us that hope isn’t just an idea—it’s a person, Jesus. Romans 5 teaches that suffering produces perseverance, character, and a Spirit-given hope that never disappoints. This sermon explores how biblical hope transforms us from the inside out, reshaping our nature as new creations in Christ. Through stories—from patiently untangling Christmas lights to parents who “leaked” hope even at their daughter’s funeral—we see what it looks like to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. The imagery of trees—Lebanon’s cedars and the Tree of Life—shows that hope has always been God’s plan. We’re challenged to activate our faith, stay rooted in God’s Word, and become people who overflow with hope for a world that desperately needs it.
In this powerful message on gratitude and worship, we're challenged to cultivate a state of being grateful, not just as a fleeting emotion, but as a core part of who we are. The central theme revolves around Psalm 136, where we're reminded that God's love endures forever. This repetitive phrase isn't just a mantra; it's a call to response, urging us to recognize and appreciate God's enduring love in every aspect of our lives. We're encouraged to see gratitude as a choice, a deliberate act of worship that begins with acknowledging who God is and what He's done for us. The message draws fascinating parallels between communal worship and scientific findings on group synchronization, reminding us that we're designed for connection and unity. As we reflect on this, let's consider: How can we intentionally cultivate gratitude in our daily lives? How might our perspective shift if we truly embraced the truth that God's love endures forever?
Bold Obedience
Where Christians Get It Wrong - Launch of our NLAG GO - Outreach and Missions
In this powerful message, we're challenged to move beyond a transactional faith to a relationship rooted in who God is. The story of the Israelites receiving manna in Exodus 16 serves as a backdrop, revealing five warning signs of transactional faith: forgetting God's past faithfulness, romanticizing the past, disobeying God's instructions, becoming bored with daily blessings, and refusing to rest in God's provision. These symptoms stem from valuing the gift more than the Giver. We're reminded that Jesus is the true Bread of Life, satisfying our souls eternally. This message urges us to examine our faith: Are we trusting God for who He is, not just what He gives? Are we ready to move beyond transactions into a genuine relationship with Jesus? It's a call to recognize God's daily miracles and to rest in His provision, transforming our faith from a self-centered contract to a God-centered covenant.
Life With the Holy Spirit