About this episode

This sermon teaches that Biblical joy is an active choice grounded in God's character and presence.

Fruit of the Root, 2 of 8 from June 14, 2026 “We grow in love as we walk with God’s Spirit.” Galatians 5 & Philippians 4 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon teaches that Biblical joy is an active choice to “rejoice in the Lord always,” grounded not in changing circumstances but in God’s unchanging character, presence, and work. Pastor Michael, candid about his own lack of natural joy, calls listeners to abide in Christ, let the Spirit grow this fruit, turn anxious fixation on what’s broken into grateful attention to what is true and good so that Spirit-produced joy is seen as a compelling witness to the reality of Jesus. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 💬 What circumstances are we convinced make us an exception to the joy of the Lord? 💬 Is what we focus on growing joy in us? 💬 Are we concerned with all the same things to all the same degrees as our neighbors who don’t know Jesus? 💬 Whose kingdom are we seeking with our prayers? ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 📝 Sermon Notes for this message 💾 Download a transcript of this message 📰 Blog Summary for this message 🖼️ Sermon Slides ‍ ‍ 🗫 Download a Gathering Guide for this message ▶️ Interview with John…

People in this episode

Host: Michael Lockstampfor

Guest: John Lennox

Topics covered

• joy
• spiritual growth
• faith
• abiding in Christ
• anxiety
• gratitude

Keywords

• joy
• rejoice
• God's Spirit
• anxiety
• gratitude
• faith
• spiritual growth

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Fruit of the Root, The Diary of a CEO, Galatians 5, Philippians 4, James 1:2, 2 Corinthians 7:4, 2 Corinthians 8:2, Colossians 1:11-12, 1 Thessalonians

More episodes of Neighborhood Church Ocala Sermons Podcast

• Does being a good person mean letting others walk all over you? · July 5, 2026 · 56 min
• Why does waiting feel so unbearable, and is there a way to get through it? · June 28, 2026 · 41 min
• Why is it so hard to be at peace with the people around me? · June 21, 2026 · 52 min

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