Understanding Christian Joy

UNDERSTANDING CHRISTIAN JOY

‘TIS THE SEASON

The turkey, stuffing, gravy, and all-things-pumpkin-related are now officially behind us, which can only mean one thing: the Christmas season is officially here! Cue the Hallmark movies, hot chocolate, lights, trees, and for us here in Southwest Florida—artificial snow and faux fireplaces. While the Christmas season and its many traditions undeniably stir up many nostalgic and sentimental feelings, one particular word or sentiment seems to capture the season best: JOY! After all, “Tis the season to be jolly.” This phrase summarizes what many believe this season should produce in us—high spirits, happiness, laughter, and an overall disposition of good cheer.  

To say that the theme of joy saturates the pages of the Bible is a vast understatement. The word itself occurs over 150 times[1], but when you include other terms associated with it––such as rejoicing––we find nearly 400 references spanning both the Old and New Testaments [2] and every major literary genre in the Bible. But as pastor and author Matt Smethurst recognizes, joy is "far from being a peripheral subtheme in Scripture," it is "the heartbeat of God."[3] If this is true about him, and the Christmas season aims to aid us in embracing this joy, we should endeavor to understand this word while rejecting its many cheap imitations.

But understanding exactly what joy is or defining it in specific terms is a complicated process. It is used throughout Scripture to describe the emotional feeling that springs forth from favorable circumstances while also anchoring it to a state of mind or an orientation of the heart that is secure, stable, and unchanging. Capturing the essence of this word may be difficult, but perhaps it is best to say that joy is a settled emotional state of contentment, confidence, and hope found in Jesus Christ, produced by the Holy Spirit, and cultivated by intimacy with God. Let's explore this definition as we strive to embrace the joy that God so graciously extends to us this Christmas season.

CHRISTIAN JOY IS FOUND IN JESUS CHRIST

One of the remarkable aspects of Jesus that the New Testament writers repeatedly affirm throughout the Gospels is the fact that he was a man defined by joy. Angels announced his birth as "good news of great joy (Lk. 2:10). His coming inaugurates the kingdom of God here on earth—a kingdom described as one of joy (Rom. 14:17). His joyful exuberance led many to falsely claim that he was a glutton and a drunkard (Lk. 7:34). He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit (Lk. 10:21), and his parables often described the joy of his ministry (Lk. 15:3-7). And finally, it was the joy of Jesus that led him to endure the suffering of the cross (Heb. 12:2). Jesus was a man of "deep, habitual joy,"[4] and it is this very joy that he now invites us to experience.

In the Upper Room Discourse, Jesus tells his disciples that all of his teachings had a singular aim: "that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (Jhn. 15:11). The words of Jesus are an invitation for his disciples to experience the fullness of joy. But his invitation moves beyond the human realm and into the divine domain. The same joy that Jesus has experienced from eternity past, which characterized his earthly ministry, he now extends to his followers—"the very joy of the Son of God poured into our souls."[5] Christian joy is ultimately distinguished by its source, for Jesus is not only the object of our joy; he is its essence. As John Piper describes it, "Christ not only offers himself as the divine object of my joy, but pours his capacity for joy into me, so that I can enjoy him with the very joy of God."[6]

CHRISTIAN JOY IS PRODUCED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Christian's joy is found in Christ—his very joy dwelling in us—but it is experienced by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the same way that Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit (Lk. 10:21), Christians today are dependent upon his enabling presence to receive the gift of joy. This is why the Apostle Paul can speak of the joy of Christ as being from the Spirit. He writes that the Thessalonian church "received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit" (1 Thess. 1:6). He tells the Roman church that the kingdom of God "is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17). In his letter to the Galatians, he describes joy as a “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22)—a godly attribute or character that can never be attained by mere human effort.[7]

The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery rightly asserts, “Joy is not found by seeking it as an end in itself. It must be given by God.”[8] If Christians are to experience the joy of Christ, it must be produced by the empowering presence of the Spirit. The joy of Christ is made readily available to Christians who live by the Spirit, allowing him to bear the fruit of joy in their hearts by faith. Any efforts to drum up joy in our own strength will only be met by frustration, needless striving, and ultimately, failure and utter defeat. The settled state of contentment, confidence, and hope promised by joy will be replaced by dread, sorrow, and despair. Instead, we are invited to allow "the God of all hope" to "fill you with all joy...in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Rom 15:13).

CHRISTIAN JOY IS CULTIVATED BY INTIMACY

Jesus pours his joy into our souls, the Spirit produces it within us, but it must be continually cultivated as we pursue intimacy with God as our greatest treasure. As Jerry Bridges wisely comments, “True Christian joy is both a privilege and a duty.”[9] Yes, joy is a gift given to us by Jesus—received by faith and experienced by his empowering presence—but we also find that “worship evokes it, obedience discovers it, and work fosters it.”[10] While this duty may seemingly contradict the Spirit’s role in producing joy in us, we must recognize that our ability to cultivate it is in and of itself a work of God. As Paul writes to the Philippian church, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil. 2:12–13).

Our role in receiving the joy of Christ is made quite clear in the Upper Room Discourse. Using the allegory of a vineyard, Jesus declares that he is the vine, his Father is the divine gardener, and we are simply branches that bear the fruit of the vine (Jhn. 15:1-2). What is our role as branches in this process? Jesus describes it in a single phrase—“Abide in me” (Jhn. 15:4-5). To abide simply means to remain, stay, or continually dwell. It means we willfully and purposefully make choices that position us to continue to receive the life and nutrients that flow from the sap of the vine. In essence, it refers to the various means of grace we utilize to cultivate our intimacy with God, which in turn enable us to receive his gift of joy freely as his Spirit works within us.

EXPERIENCING CHRISTIAN JOY

Beloved, are you unsatisfied with the fleeting and momentary offerings of this world? Christian joy offers you contentment that will satisfy your hungry and thirsty soul. Are you anxious or worried about the uncertainty of the future? Christian joy gives you confidence to continue trusting in the faithfulness of God, even as you face the unknown. Has the suffering and pain of this world driven you to despair? Christian joy provides an anchor that keeps you tethered to the unwavering hope provided for us in the gospel.

Receive today what the Triune God has so generously given to you: a settled emotional state of contentment, confidence, and hope found in Jesus Christ, produced by the Holy Spirit, and cultivated by intimacy with God.

Don’t settle for anything less this Christmas season.

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[1] Brand, C., Draper, C., England, A., Bond, S., Clendenen, E. R., Butler, T. C., & La!a, B. (Eds.). (2003). In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

[2] Ryken, L., Wilhoit, J., Longman, T., Duriez, C., Penney, D., & Reid, D. G. (2000). In Dictionary of Biblical Imagery (electronic ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

[3] Matt Smethurst, Real Joy Has An Address. The Gospel Coalition, Sept. 4, 2019, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/joy-has-address.

[4] Donald Macleod quoted by David Mathis, Oh the Deep, Deep Joy of Jesus. Desiring God, June 28, 2018. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/oh-the-deep-deep-joy-of-jesus

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Jon Bloom, The Joy of God in Us: Why the Spirit Produces Happiness. Desiring God, April 1, 2022. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-joy-of-god-in-us

[8] The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery.

[9] Jerry Bridges, The Fruitful Life: The Overflow of God’s Love Through You (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2006), pg. 75.

[10] The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery.

Christmas Eve Services

You’re invited to join us for Christmas Eve as we celebrate the birth of our Savior! On December 24th, we will be having services at at each of our campuses and we would love to have you join us!

UNIVERSITY - Service times: 3pm & 5pm (Childcare for pre-school kids at both services)
19601 Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33913

NAPLES - Service times: 3pm & 5pm (Childcare for Infants- 5th grade at both services)
15220 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34110

GATEWAY - Service time: 5pm (Childcare for pre-school kids)
12941 Express Court Fort Myers, FL 33913

If you’re interested in volunteering with Summit Kids or on our Host Team, please let your ministry leader know.

*No services on Christmas Day.  Each Campus will offer one 10am service on New Year’s Day.

2022 Year End

Summit Family,

To encourage you, and to highlight the power and glory of God, we’ve put together this guide to share with you some of the specific ways the Lord has been at work in and through our church in 2022. The things we have captured are not even close to the complete story. But we pray it is enough to both stir your heart with gladness, and cause you to worship the Lord.

God bless you. - The Elders of Summit Church

“And God is able to make grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

Year End Review 2022

Click the square below in the bottom right corner for a full screen version of our Year End guide.

The God We've Waited For - Advent 2022

The act of waiting may be one of the most challenging conditions we experience in life...

A mother waits to give birth to her child after nine long and arduous months—the early pains of labor settling upon her body.

A family sits in a doctor's office, hearts racing and palms sweaty, awaiting the results of a medical test.

A student lies awake at night, stressing over the results of an admittance test after months of vigorous study and preparation.

Waiting can often generate anxiety as we worry and stress over endless possibilities. For others, it builds up frustration as we bitterly stew over circumstances beyond our control. For most of us, it tests our faith as we battle doubts regarding God's nature and character. But the act of waiting also has the potential of producing enduring and life-giving qualities that strengthen our trust in the promises of God.

Throughout Scripture, the people of God waited expectantly for the coming Messiah. The promise of a Savior made in the garden (Gen. 3:15) was continually traced throughout generations of genealogies and prophecies. Yet by the end of the Old Testament, the nation of Israel found itself in exile—taken captive by their enemies and forcefully removed from the land of promise (Gen. 12). The words of the past prophets seemed like empty platitudes that held no weight for their future. But looking back upon their own history, they were reminded of God's previous gracious provisions. The God who led them out of Egypt in the Exodus was still the same God who desired to extend his mercy to them once again. Their dark and seemingly hopeless reality gave birth to eager expectation and prayerful anticipation as they waited for the prophecies to be fulfilled.

But for five hundred years the prophets ceased speaking. The silence was deafening—the waiting unbearable. All they had were the promises of old. Until one still and calm night in Bethlehem, the sounds of angels pierced through the night, singing: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:14). The dark night suddenly illuminated by the glory of God, as angels comfort the terrified shepherds: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy...For unto you is born this day...a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). The waiting was over; the promised Savior had arrived. The prophecies foretold long ago, now fulfilled in a baby, lying in a manger. The act of waiting had accomplished its purpose—strengthening their trust in God and his promises. Together the people declared, “Behold, this is our God, we have waited for him...let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Isa. 25:9).

For centuries, Christians around the world have used the four weeks leading up to Christmas to prepare themselves for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. In this Advent teaching series, The God We’ve Waited For, we will explore several prophecies in the Old Testament that caused God’s people to expectantly wait for the promised Messiah. As we immerse ourselves again in the story of Israel's waiting, we not only remember and rejoice in the birth of Christ. We, too, are filled with longing and anticipation as we await his return, the second and final advent, when the dwelling place of God will be with man for all eternity (Rev. 21:3). Join us this Advent as we remember, celebrate, and rejoice in the birth of our Savior—the God we’ve waited for.

Grace Stories

RYAN’S GRACE STORY

I grew up Catholic and always believed in God but never heard much or thought much about Jesus. I believed God was happy with me when I did good things and unhappy with me when I fell short. When I was 21 years old, I started attending a friend's church where I began to hear and understand the gospel for the first time. I realized that I was a sinner and the only way to be reconciled back to God was by putting my faith in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of my sins.

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ALIVIA’S GRACE STORY

I was blessed to be born into a family of Christian believers and so I have known about Jesus my entire life. A few months ago I was waiting in line to order food at a restaurant with my parents. I was hugging them and as they both squeezed me, God gave me a flash of amazing memories reminding me of how thankful I am for the blessing of my family. Deep inside I heard a voice telling me that it was time to get baptized. And so I am here today to show my thankfulness, my faithfulness, and my love for my Savior Jesus.

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MADISON’S GRACE STORY

Jesus has shown me how easy it is to love him when you see how much he loves you. He has protected and healed the most broken parts of my heart in last handful of years. He has shown me what true love is and the true meaning of giving him control over my life.

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GRANT’S GRACE STORY

Before Christ, I was a sinner without direction or spirit. Finding Christ, I was a sinner who listened and felt Jesus’s presence in me. My faith in our Savior has grown over the years as I learn more about His teachings. I am still a sinner, but by following Jesus Christ, I know I am forgiven.

Eight Days of Hope

eightdaysofhope.com

We are now into our third week of sifting through the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, one of the most devastating national disasters in our nation’s history. Thousands of volunteers representing hundreds of organizations from around the country have entered our region bringing rescue and relief to those who were affected. But the tragedy is, they haven’t even begun to scratch the surface and many of them are already arranging for their departure.

But we are not going anywhere, and we need your help. For this reason, we are inviting you to partner with us as we participate in an 11 day working blitz in partnership with our friends at Eight Days of Hope, seeking to bring the light of Jesus into the darkness within our region.

Hundreds of volunteers from around the country will be joining us as we seek to serve over 100 houses throughout our region. And we need your help. Would you prayerfully consider joining this tremendous opportunity to serve our city?

WHEN:
November 1st-11th (pick the days that work for you. It can be one, some, or all.)

SCHEDULE:
6:30am - Breakfast (provided) and daily devotion/briefing
7:00am - Worship and devotions
7:15am - Team designations and departure (lunch provided)
6:00pm - Dinner (provided), hangout and conclusion to the day

WHAT:
Removing debris, removing trees, mucking out homes, and assisting families with whatever they need.

WHO:
Able-bodied adults, 18 years or older.

HOW:
Summit congregants, local volunteers, and individuals driving in the for the day may simply show up on days you’re available to serve, for as many days as you like (see schedule above, but show up no later than 7:15am).

Those who need lodging to serve for multiple days must register online using the link below.

Hurricane Information and Disaster Relief

Updated: 11/29/22

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered! You are making a huge difference in our community as you represent the love of Christ! See below for the latest opportunities.

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volunteer.

Thank you for your interest in serving our city, as we seek to represent the heart and hands of Jesus to every man, woman and child. There are lots of opportunities to serve over the coming months, for both locals and those coming from out of town. Here are the best ways.

Local Volunteers

If you live in the area and would like to jump in to volunteer over the coming months, please go directly to the address below at 9am on any Thursday, Friday or Saturday morning. There will be teams assembled and mobilized to serve in light of the current needs. If you cannot go on those days, or have questions, please reach out directly to Chris Horvath.

Phone: ‭(612) ‭‭‭483-5630
Email: chrishorvath@adventures.org

Harlem Heights Center - 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908

Out of Town Individuals or Teams

For anyone looking to come and serve from out of town, we have partnered with Adventures in Missions (AIM) to provide logistical details. This will include a platform to raise necessary funds, lodging, meals and team/project management. This is a great opportunity to bring a group from your church, friends or family. If you want to come alone, you are more than welcome to join an existing team and help.

For more information you can fill out an interest form and they will contact you to coordinate details for your trip.

Click here to fill out an interest form

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give financially.

Thank you for your desire to donate to the tremendous needs in our area. Your generosity is such an expression of God’s heart, and will give us the tangible means necessary to contribute to the ongoing relief work.

Summit has created a fund specifically designated to disaster relief, and 100% of the money will be used for this purpose. To make a gift, you can use the giving link below and be sure to select “Hurricane/Disaster Relief” from the dropdown menu.

Give here

To give by check, you can make a it payable to Summit Church, with “Ian Relief” in the memo line, and mail the check to:

Summit Church
19601 Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy,
Fort Myers, FL 33913

If you would like to give to any local charities, we would recommend the following:

Interfaith Caregivers

Better Together

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weekend services.

All of our campuses have returned to normal service times with full Summit Kids programming.

We love you. Please make your needs known so that we can serve you.

- The Summit Team

The Heart of Jesus - New Teaching Series

When we think of the heart in human terms, we usually refer to either biology or our emotional state. It's the central organ in our cardiovascular system pumping blood throughout the body, or it is used colloquially to summarize our passions and feelings. But the Bible uses the term in a completely different sense. It is used almost 1,000 times throughout the Bible as a "comprehensive term that captures the totality and unity of our inner nature."(1) It is a complex summary of our mind, desires, and will functioning together to define our existence. In other words, the heart reflects the essence of who we are and determines what we do or how we live.

When it comes to Jesus, we thankfully don't have to wonder who he is. He tells us plainly as he describes his heart in the Gospel of Matthew. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Why? Jesus responds, because "I am gentle and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:28-29). Nowhere else in Scripture do we find the Son of God so candidly conveying his heart toward humanity. As author Dane Ortlund remarks, "If we are asked to say only one thing about who Jesus is, we would be honoring Jesus's own teaching if our answer is, gentle and lowly."(2) Jesus, the King of the Universe, full of glory and power—who by his very words spoke the world into existence—is in his essence humble, meek, kind, and approachable. And because of this reality, he invites us to draw near to him.

But Jesus not only tells us who he is, he graciously proves it repeatedly throughout the Gospels. His actions confirm and verify the self-description of his heart. "What he is, he does. He cannot act any other way."(3) When we consider the total weight of the Scripture's witness, we find that Jesus "moves toward, touches, heals, embraces, and forgives those who least deserve it."(4) Lepers, prostitutes, drunkards, tax collectors, thieves—his gentle and lowly heart thrust Jesus toward the broken and destitute—suffering sinners who need him most. And he continues to do so today. His heart toward humanity has not changed. He is just as gentle and lowly as he was when he walked the dusty roads of Jerusalem.

In this teaching series, The Heart of Jesus, we will consider who Jesus is as we explore his actions throughout the Gospels. How Jesus lives and interacts with the brokenness of this world flows directly from his heart—who he is determines and directs what he does. As we study several well-known stories retold by his disciples, we will find a Savior who cares deeply, loves profoundly, and serves sincerely.

But more than simply understanding who he is and what he's done, we are being invited to experience him afresh in personal and intimate ways. Join us as we ponder the heart of Jesus for us—the humble, meek, kind, and approachable Savior who whispers to us once again: "Come to me...for I am gentle and lowly in heart."

SERIES BREAKDOWN:

• Week 1: Jesus at the Wedding at Cana – John 2:1-12

• Week 2: Jesus and Zaccheus – Luke 19:1-10

• Week 3: Jesus and the Man at the Pool – John 5:1-20

• Week 4: Jesus Walks on the Water – Matthew 14:22-33

• Week 5: Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers – Luke 17:11-19

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(1) A. Craig Troxel, With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will Toward Christ (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020), pg. 17-19.

(2) Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020), pg. 21.

(3) Ibid., pg. 25.

(4) Ibid., pg. 27.

God of My Sorrow

God of My Sorrow
by Ashley Johnson

(Psalm 62; Lamentations 3)

Oh God of my sorrow,
To thee do I bow
In resigned submission
With sweat on my brow

For where can I turn to
Oh, where can I go?
When trouble surrounds me
And pains overflow

Like a river around me
That whisks me away
From the land of plenty
From sunlight and day

Oh God of my anger
To thee do I bow
In heated submission
For how can you allow?

Such horror to find me
Such evil abound
In a world you created
Have you not been crowned?

With power and glory
Dominion and rule 
With unmatched authority
Or am I just a fool?

Oh God of my sadness
To thee do I bow
In broken submission
With tears on my brow

The shock has worn off
My anger poured out
I have nothing left
But quietness now

And that’s where you find me
And speak to my soul
The words that I need
That only you know 

Oh God of my hope
To thee do I bow
In humble submission 
With your light on my brow

Though questions and problems 
With me they remain
You’ve promised your presence
Will do all the same

And with you as my refuge
Through the sickness and sorrow 
I can wake up again
Tomorrow, tomorrow

Oh God of my joy
To thee do I bow
In grateful submission 
Your work on my brow

It binds me
It seals me
It guides me
It heals me

And now I can see
What I couldn’t before
Your lovingkindness toward me
It is more, it is more

Grace Stories - Avila Family

Ralph’s Grace Story

I didn’t grow up in a home that honored Jesus as Lord. I was often witnessed to by my aunts and uncles when we would hang out, but I did not really pay too much attention to them. I did believe that there was a God and a heaven, and just figured I was ‘good enough’ to get in.

One day, in an FGCU study room in 2012, the topic of Jesus came up. Someone whom I barely knew, but eventually became good friends with, patiently answered my questions (even though I was probably being a bit more argumentative than I care to admit). He challenged me to look at scripture with him and we started a guided study of Romans meeting weekly at Panera Bread or in group study rooms at the University library. He challenged me to look at the evidence and meditate on it. And he invited me to start attending Summit Church with him.

After accepting Christ, I now see that I was not ‘good enough’ to get in; not by a long shot. Looking back at my life before Jesus and now, I see the need for a Savior. In moments where I struggle, I look to the scriptures and thank God for my Savior. I lay my fears and anxieties on Him, and trust in Him, and remind myself He is sovereign and in control.

Lauren’s Grace Story

My life before accepting Jesus was full of worry. What would the next day bring? And how many things would I accomplish in my life? In many ways it was safe to say that I was lost. I had an aunt and uncle witnessing to me for years and I would listen, but never fully take it in. I was not raised knowing about Jesus, so for me it was a little confusing. I am so happy that they never gave up on witnessing to me.

One day my uncle and I started talking and he shared the verse John 3:16.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

He told me to go home and reflect on this, and that night I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and asked Him for forgiveness. This moment that I will never forget was one of instant peace. Peace that I had never ever felt in my entire life. Nothing will ever compare.

Since accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, my life has been different in so many ways. He has not stopped pursuing me, in fact He has opened so many ways for me and my family to know He is taking care of us. He provided me with a job so my husband does not have to work 2 jobs, and now we can attend community group weekly. This has been a blessing for my family. The church has been so welcoming of us and has made such an impact as well. I have peace knowing that even though we will still have hard times, we have Him to get us through the darkness.

Nathan’s Grace Story

I came to know Jesus through my family and coming to church. I know that Jesus died on the cross for us, for our sins, and it shows me just how much He loves us. Now that I’ve accepted Jesus, I know He is with me.

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19 Years of God's Faithfulness

A prayer for 19 Years of God’s Faithfulness at Summit Church

Heavenly Father, on our Church’s anniversary weekend we want to thank you for your goodness, grace, blessings and faithfulness to us over these nineteen years. We thank you for every soul saved by the gospel of Jesus Christ. We thank you for every heart that has been restored and healed. We thank you for the marriages reconciled, strengthened and formed within this body.

We thank you for every child that has been dedicated within this covenant community. We thank you for every student that has been ministered to and spiritually formed in this place. Thank you for the churches planted, the missionaries sent out, and mission organizations supported around the world. Thank you for the opportunity we have had to see the reach of the gospel into many different nations and people groups.  Thank you for the children fostered, adopted and sponsored by families here at Summit.

Lord, we thank you for the many different ways you have provided for the needs of this ministry; from people, to resources, to partners, to finances. You have always granted what we needed and have been so good to us.

Father we thank you that you have made us one in Christ. We pray that as members of your family, your Holy Spirit would continue to knit us together in the bonds of unity and love.

Lord, you have promised that you are the One that would build your Church so we ask that you would continue to empower each of us, both individually and corporately, to use the talents and gifts that we have been entrusted with for the praise and glory of your name and the edification of the saints of God.

Lord please protect us from the wiles of the enemy who seeks to destroy and cause divisions among your Family. Help us to be sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable and gentle towards each other. May the one-anothers you have mandated in your Word be our habitual practice and culture. May your Holy Spirit lead us away from selfish motives, and towards humbly regarding the needs and necessities of others before our own. May your love mark us and may your love be evident in the ways we love one another so that the community around us may know we belong to you.

And Lord we continue to cry out for the lost around us. We ask that you would use us as your ambassadors. Let us be salt and light in the places where we live, work, and play so that through us, every man, woman, and child may have repeated opportunities to see, hear, and respond to the good news of the gospel.

 And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all this day and every day that follows.

“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

In the victorious, mighty and glorious name of Jesus we pray - Amen.

Foster Care Info Meeting

Foster Care Informational Meeting

We are hosting an informational meeting for anyone interested in learning more about Foster Care. The meeting will be facilitated by our Every Child Initiative(ECI) partner, One More Child.

When: Tuesday, September 20th at 7pm. (Zoom link will be available as well)
Where: Summit Church - University Campus - 19601 Ben Hill Griffin Parkway

REGISTER FOR IN PERSON HERE

REGISTER FOR ZOOM HERE

Questions? Contact Vicky@summitlife.com

Family - New Series

Sunday mornings are a peculiar time of the week. While many people choose to sleep in, catch up on some housework, head to the beach, or perhaps grab brunch with friends, countless others get in their cars to gather at a specific meeting place. They sit shoulder to shoulder—some are close friends, others acquaintances, while many are seemingly strangers. The group is usually quite diverse in gender, age, race, and social-economic status; yet, they gather together in the early morning hours. Who are these people? And what has brought them together? It might seem strange to say or even comprehend, but they are a family. In some sense, you can even say that their gathering is a weekly family reunion. But this is no ordinary family; this is the church—the household of God.

The church is many things. As a matter of fact, the New Testament uses multiple images to paint a vivid portrait of who we are as the people of God. But the biblical authors use one particular picture more often than the others—the church as a family or household. Yet this is no mere metaphor or illustration, it is a theological reality accomplished through the gospel. In his glorious grace, God chose to adopt us into his family through the work of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5). In doing so, he now calls us his children (1 Jhn. 3:1), and in turn, we get to call him "Abba! Father!" (Rom. 8:15). But not only is God our Father, and we, his children, but Jesus—the Eternal Son—is our elder brother, who is in no way ashamed to call us his family (Heb. 2:10-13). This is who we are.

The image of the church as a family was never meant to be an abstract, theoretical, or simply idealistic vision for God's people. To ignore this fact, and even more gravely, to neglect to embrace this specific marker, would be to disregard God's heart and desire for his people's identity. We are a family; we are brothers and sisters. And how do we practically embrace God's blood-bought vision for his people, within the context of the local church? We choose to belong to a specific people in a particular place where we tangibly express our familial commitment to one another in response to the gospel. Through the local church, we joyfully yet soberly commit ourselves to our brothers and sisters. We reorient our loyalty and devotion. Why? Because the gospel compels us to embrace our family. Not just on Sunday mornings, but every hour of every day.

What would it look like for us to embrace this reality as a value at Summit Church? We often say we are a God-glorifying, gospel-centered, missionally-driven, and disciple-making people. In other words, we are committed to these distinctive values that shape and form who we are as a church. But what if our identity as the family of God was the distinctive that provided the context for us to truly embrace these values? What if we were committed to resting in our adoption as children of God? What would it look like to truly live in biblical community? What if we devoted ourselves to caring for one another as Scripture commands of us? Over the next few weeks, we will answer these questions as we consider what it means to live as the household of God—children adopted by the Father in Christ Jesus, committed to each other as brothers and sisters. Join us as we explore what it means to be a God-glorifying, gospel-centered, missionally-driven, disciple-making FAMILY!

School Deliveries

A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who participated in our Serve our Schools project this year! We’ve been delivering the supplies to our school partners, praying with them, blessing the teachers with lunches, breakfasts, and smoothies. Please pray that God would expand our gospel influence as we seek to share the good news of Jesus with every man, woman, and child!

Here are some things the teachers have shared with us so far!

“We are so very grateful for your generosity! Our teachers were delighted! The treats were absolutely perfect!
Everyone was so thankful and wanted me to pass on our most sincere written appreciation!”

“…to see y’all pray outside the office was powerful and comforting. Also- thank you for bringing the healthy, delicious snacks!”

“Our students and staff are blessed to have your love and support year after year. Thank you for all the backpacks and treats. We appreciate you! ”

“This is a huge help to us every year!”

“Thank you for praying over us.”

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All the Way In

By Joe O’Neal

Psalm 62:1-2

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence;
    from him comes my salvation.

2  He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

When I was a kid discovered skateboarding. A simple wooden toy with wheels and yet, also incredibly complex, artistic, challenging and beautiful. It’s a pretty good cardio workout too if you’re into that sort of thing. So I still thoroughly enjoy skateboarding whenever I find few minutes of time.

Skateboarding is everywhere these days; in advertising, in the olympics, in popular culture. So you’ve probably seen a picture or video clip of a skateboard ramp, commonly referred to as a halfpipe. (see illustration above)

Now if you’ve ever watched anyone skate on any of these ramps, what you should know is that the first thing that skater had to learn in order to ride the ramp was how to ‘drop in’; this entails standing atop the ramp and then ‘dropping in’ to the curvature of the ramp, plunging down towards the bottom of the ramp on your way to the other side. But here’s the thing about dropping in; it feels completely counterintuitive to what is your natural inclination. 

“But here’s the thing about dropping in; it feels completely counterintuitive to what is your natural inclination. ”

You see, you have to lean much further forward than feels safe to do in order to keep the board from shooting out from under your feet, causing you to take a very hard and painful fall. Fear will cause you to hesitate and be tentative instead of leaning all the way in; but that’s a huge mistake. Don’t believe me? Youtube it.

The only way to be stable is to believe that the curvature of the ramp will carry you forward despite leaning, what feels like, too far ahead. If you are half in and half out, you will be rewarded with a very painful fall. Its full commitment or nothing.

Now that’s a silly illustration. But Psalm 62 has a similar warning for those who put their trust and hope in anything but God alone. 

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath.

10 Put no trust in extortion;
    set no vain hopes on robbery;
    if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

David is quietly, confidently locating his hope in God alone. Not in himself, great warrior though he was, not in power, in people, or wealth or anything else…No, the Psalmist is instructing us to lean all the way in to God; to put our hope and trust in him alone. 

“No, the Psalmist is instructing us to lean all the way in to God; to put our hope and trust in him alone. ”

That’s because David knows our natural, sinful inclination is to put our hope in ourselves, in our financial portfolios, in the right political leaders…but this is like being half in, half out. And that’s only setting us up for a painful fall.

Instead, let’s put all of our trust and hope in God alone. Lean all the way in. He’s fully trustworthy. And in His power and love, there’s a thrilling ride ahead.

Fall Kickoff Family BBQ

Join our Summit Kids team on Saturday, August 27th as we celebrate the kickoff of our Fall ministry season with a time of food, fun, and fellowship for all of the families with children in Summit Kids! (infant-5th grade)

This event is happening at both our University and Gateway campuses.

UNIVERSITY
What: Hotdogs, Ice Cream Truck, Games, Inflatables, Water Balloons, Fellowship and more
When: Saturday, August 27th - 5-7pm
Details: Hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be free of charge; ice cream truck will be present ($3-5 per item)
Where: University Campus - Please consider bringing your own lawn chairs for additional seating.

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GATEWAY
What: Hotdogs, Games, Fellowship and more*
When: Saturday, August 27th - 5-7pm
Details: Food will be provided ($ donations welcome)
Where: Gateway Campus

Serve Our Schools

Every year, we have the God-given opportunity to serve the schools and families within our Circles of Accountability (COA) by providing uniforms, backpacks, and school supplies. Would you join us in multiplying our gospel influence as we tangibly represent the love of Christ to our partner schools and the families in our communities? Not only does this simple act of love imitate Christ's generosity, but it also provides us with opportunities to proclaim the message of the gospel through a variety of ways as we build relationships with the administrations and teachers.

To participate, simply pick up a supply list from the table at your campus this weekend! Thank you!

The Posture of the People of God

When dignitaries walk into the room, everyone in attendance swiftly stands to their feet. Soldiers salute their authorities of higher rank, and citizens of a kingdom bow before the throne of their ruler. Even fans cheer and praise the sight of their favorite celebrities or sports teams.

But how should we respond to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? What posture are we to assume in the presence of the Almighty? What does he demand of his people, and how should we joyfully respond?

This summer, we will consider how the book of Psalms vividly demonstrates the diverse postures we are to embrace as the people of God—postures such as humility, worship, trust, and repentance. Each posture reveals an aspect of God's character and invites us to respond in kind. Join us for this teaching series as we look at The Posture of the People of God.

A Lament for Today

I am weary with my moaning;
    every night I flood my bed with tears;
    I drench my couch with my weeping.

 My eye wastes away because of grief;
    it grows weak because of all my foes.

Psalm 6:6-7

Almighty God, it’s so crushing to be in this dark world. Our souls are greatly troubled. We feel like weeping with the unbearable sadness of it all. Evil surrounds us. How long, O Lord? The pit of unimaginable wickedness feels insufferably wide and impossibly deep.

We’re left stunned, speechless, and horrified by the senseless murder of school children, just finishing their 4th grade year. How can this be? How long, O Lord?

Unborn children have their lives extinguished in the womb. White supremacists murder grandmothers in the grocery store aisle because they are black. War ravages nations. Innocent men, women, and children are bombed in their homes or shot in the streets. How long, O Lord?

We hear of sexual abuse and coverup in the Church, and we’re filled with righteous anger and an awful, sickening sorrow. How long, O Lord?

People call wrong, right. They look at evil and say ‘this is good, this is my truth’. They choose their own way, enslaved without even knowing it. How long, O Lord?

God, your children look to you. Where else can we go? 

Jesus, You are the resurrected, death-defeating, sin-conquering King. The Prince of Peace. We breathe deeply, and so we are not afraid. But still we are mournful and angry. Help us. What can we do?

Spirit, may the cleansing begin here. Sanctify us. Purify us. Rid of us sin, prejudice, callousness, hate, idolatry, pride. We repent. And we worship. In the darkness, we worship You.

Make us shine like stars in this crooked and perverse generation.

Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly.

Hallie's Grace Story

I grew up in a household where we went to church on Christmas and Easter and a few other Sundays throughout the year. But I never knew who God was or had a relationship with him. In 8th grade my best friend introduced me to what a relationship with God could look like. I began studying the Bible and developing a relationship with God for myself and never looked back.

Through the years, I have been on some mountains and in some valleys but God was there walking right beside me. When I moved to Florida for college, God immediately led me to join a women's ministry and I have met many Godly women who invited me to start attending church with them at Summit.

A year and a half later, I am standing here as a testament of God's faithfulness.