We are challenged by life in multiple ways that cause us to lose our sense of stability. When we look at the news, we can feel overwhelmed at the violence, destruction, and despair. When we look at our communities, we can feel helpless to make significant change. When we think about our life circumstances we can be tempted to stay in the place of sadness and complacency. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can choose joy and approach our difficulties with hope. As we look at Paul's words in Philippians and 1 Thessalonians, we gain valuable insight on how to receive and maintain joy in the midst of life's uncertainties.

Pastor Ernest Gray is committed to helping others achieve their God given potential in Christ. He has served as senior pastor of Keystone Baptist since 2014. Most recently he taught New Testament studies at the Moody Bible Institute for over a decade. He is married to Shanya Gray and they the parents of two rambunctious boys, Elias and Asher. Ernest is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute, (BA, Pastoral Studies) Wheaton College Graduate School (MA Biblical Exegesis) and McMaster Divinity College (PhD Coursework). As a frequent bible teacher and contributor to Moody Radio, Ernest was co-creator of the Just Gospel Podcast. He continues to teach as a guest instructor at seminaries across the U.S. and has been a frequent conference speaker for the Center for Pastoral Theologians. A lifelong aim of Pastor Gray is to narrow the gap between the academy and the local church.