What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says "to die is gain"? In this powerful message from our series, An Invitation to Joy, we explore how understanding death biblically transforms the way we live today. Paul, writing from a Roman prison and facing possible execution, declares that death isn't the final word. Instead, he claims it's a doorway to gaining Christ's presence, permanence, and perfect fulfillment. We unpack why grief isn't a lack of faith but a sign of love, why the Bible calls death an enemy, and how Paul's shocking confidence in the face of death reveals what it means to live with real purpose. If you've ever wrestled with loss, grief, or wondered what makes Christianity more than just good advice, this message is for you.

00:00 Welcome & Introduction
00:32 The Quest for "Gains"
03:14 To Die Is Gain — Paul's Shocking Statement
04:25 More Than Good Advice — The Heart of the Gospel
06:31 Why Death Feels So Wrong
07:57 The Three Pains of Death
09:08 Jesus Wept — Tears Don't Cancel Faith
11:58 What Do We Actually Gain? Paul in a Roman Prison
13:22 Gain #1: We Gain Christ
16:09 Gain #2: We Gain Permanence
21:24 Gain #3: We Gain Fulfillment
25:04 So What? Why Paul Chose to Stay
28:55 Joy Is Found in a Meaningful Life
30:59 Closing Prayer

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Are you tired, overwhelmed, and pulled in a thousand different directions? In this message, Pastor Jacob explores what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21) and why true joy isn't found in a balanced life, but in a focused life.

We live in a culture that worships balance: work-life balance, balanced diets, balanced portfolios. But, the men and women of God in Scripture didn't strive for balance. They lived with an undivided heart. So what keeps us from that kind of focus, and how do we get it back?

In this sermon you'll discover:
- Why a scattered life leads to anxiety and steals your joy
- What it means to live through Christ and for Christ
- How to move from just surviving to truly thriving
- Why your motive behind everything matters more than the activity itself

Whether you're spinning 50 plates or just trying to get through the week, this message is an invitation to stop hydroplaning over the surface of your life and start walking on water with God.

Scripture References: Philippians 1:21, Hebrews 1, John 14:6, Luke 10 (Mary & Martha)

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How do you choose joy when your tomorrow looks terrifying? Whether you are facing a difficult medical report, a job layoff, or relational hurt, the Apostle Paul’s life shows us that uncertainty is inevitable, but misery is optional.

In this message, Jacob continues our series, "An Invitation for Joy," by looking at Philippians 1:19. Even while chained in a Roman prison facing a potential death sentence, Paul remained full of joy.

Key Takeaways from This Message:
- Isolation is a joy-stealer that affects our physical, mental, and spiritual health. Paul’s joy was fueled by the prayers of his community.
- While "rows" are for instruction, "circles" are where connection and life change happen.
- Paul relied on the Holy Spirit as both the "Spirit of Jesus" (providing empathy for suffering) and the "Spirit of Christ" (providing power for victory).
- We often lose our joy by obsessing over results we can’t control. Joy rushes in when we focus on faithfulness and leave the outcomes to God.

Scripture References:
Philippians 1:19 — "For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance."
Hebrews 11:1 — Faith as evidence of things unseen.
Job 13:16 — Paul’s source of confidence in vindication.

Declaration for the Series: "I can’t change yesterday. I can’t control the future. But I can choose joy today."

Support the show

Made a decision to follow Jesus? We want to know about it! Fill out our connect card here: https://local.churchcenter.com/people/forms/115766

Thank you for your generosity. For information on how to give, visit https://localvineyard.church/give.