Joy & Peace

Jim Leffel
Matthew 7:9-11

The peace that we can receive from God can enable us to have peace in our lives regardless of the circumstances or turmoil in our lives. In this way, we can effectively attempt to meet the pressing needs of others. We're taught, here, how to practically cultivate God's peace so that we can better meet these needs.

Joy & Reconciliation

Jim Leffel
Philippians 4:1-3

When we are willing to set aside our own expectations, examine our blind spots and realize that we are also a difficult person to get along with, we can build real relationships. These relationships help us through life and show the unity that is ours through the body of Christ. Euodia and Syntyche are struggling to get along and Sue Olah and Theresa Moon share their struggle to work through conflict and towards friendship.

Joy & Grace

Jim Leffel
Ephesians 4:22-24

The apostle Paul tells us that one of the best ways to safeguard our relationship with God is to rejoice in Him. And because of the mercy which God has for us, we can press on toward transformation in the Christian life.

Joy & Sacrifice

Jim Leffel
Matthew 16:24-25

We learn about what it means to appreciate our lives as a gift from God and to joyfully offer ourselves to God in thanks. Jim Leffel argues that since we are all pouring our lives out for something, the best thing we can pour our lives out for is the cause of Jesus.

Joy & Unity

Jim Leffel
John 17:20-23

Unity in our lives matters because we are witnesses of God's grace and good news. There are many ways in which we can all pursue unity with one another. We learn, not only how we can pursue unity, but that when we pursue unity with the same humility Jesus demonstrated by dying on the cross, we will have real joy in our lives.

Joy & Serving

Jim Leffel
1 John 3:2

Paul expresses a motivation to serve others that is rooted, in part, by the deep connections formed as a result. When we understand, like Paul, that we are victorious with Christ both in this life and the next, we can be free to strive to love others, joyfully.

Joy & God's Sovereignty

Jim Leffel
Acts 17:26-27

Like Paul, sometimes our situations seem to distract us from joy. However, we see that when we understand God's sovereignty and ability to work purposefully, even through superficially negate situations, we gain a new perspective and can experience joy throughout the worst of circumstances.

Joy in Relationships

Jim Leffel
1 John 3:2

Our culture is extremely autonomous. We value independence and freedom above all else. However, at the same time, reports of loneliness have skyrocketed. People have very few real friends. A look at how to build relationships with people and how to experience true joy through relationships.

Reflections on Joy

Jim Leffel
Philippians 1:1-5

Philippians is often referred to as the epistle of joy. What is true joy? How do we experience it? This teaching is an introduction to these questions.