And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. - Philippians 4:19 –20 (ESV)

It seems like some subjects are off limits in church. We like talking about theology and Jesus. Leave things like politics and money at the door. In fact, if those (and several other subjects) come up especially from the pulpit, people tend to pull back and even leave churches because of it. This makes pastors and congregations hesitant to say anything at all in these areas.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself - Philippians 3:20 –21 (ESV)

A few weeks ago we sent out the State of Theology survey. It was helpful to get a snapshot of our congregation's thoughts and understanding about what the Bible teaches. If you didn't see the results, take a look.

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:12 –13 (ESV)

Some verses seem to get memorialized. They end up on plaques and mugs. They become phrases and mottos. Unfortunately, most of them get severed from their context which endangers their true meaning and interrupts their true power.

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. - Philippians 3:14 –15 (ESV)

The story of the Bible is the one grand story of our creation, fall, redemption, and glory. It is a story filled with unexpected turns. It reveals the dark depths of humanity and the glorious heights of God's character. It covers from the very beginning to the very end of everything.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:8 –9 (ESV)

Proverbs 14:12 tells us, "There's a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." This proverb is so striking because it shows how deceptive our perceptions of reality can be. Before believing in Christ, our ways of living led to death and we believed they were life. God is gracious to not only give us eternal life, but he shows us how we are to continue living as we wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. - Philippians 3:1 (ESV)

When you consider fighting for joy there seems to be multiple things that collude to regularly defeat it. Circumstances collapse on us, squashing joy. Stress and anxiety assault us and joy seems to retreat in defeat. Busyness tells us we don't have time to think about joy. All of these must be addressed to find joy.