Being a native of Louisville, the hometown of Muhammad Ali, my heart has always held a special place for the sport of boxing. In the boxing world, there’s a famous quote from Mike Tyson, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Now, I hope that none of you are regularly experiencing a literal punch in the mouth, but there’s a parallel in life. We can all find happiness when things are smooth sailing, but when life throws its unexpected punches, it can be challenging to sustain that happiness. Perseverance in the face of adversity can be as crucial to our happiness as almost anything else.

Happiness is a topic that occupies a central place in American discourse. The US Constitution even defines one of our inalienable rights as the “Pursuit of Happiness.” However, this pursuit often seems elusive, especially when the demands of daily life weigh us down.

I asked a friend once why they weren’t a Christian and they told me that they weren’t a Christian because they didn’t need the Bible to tell them how to be a good person. In that moment, I realized they didn’t truly understand the Bible or the purpose of Christianity. The Bible isn’t about making you into a good person, and being a Christian isn’t solely about being good.
The purpose of a Christian is to share the freedom granted by Jesus’ grace found in the Bible. Our aim is to spread His faith widely and let everyone experience the liberation from sin that comes with Jesus.

We will explore the Apostle Paul’s unwavering faith and his purpose in life. Despite his chains, Paul rejoices in the advancement of the Gospel and expresses his inner conflict between his desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better, and to remain in the flesh for the sake of the Philippians. Join us as we unpack these powerful verses and reflect on their implications for our own lives.

In Acts 1:4-8, the purpose of the early church is depicted as awaiting the promised Holy Spirit to receive divine power, enabling them to be witnesses of Jesus Christ's teachings and resurrection. This mission extends from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, emphasizing the global scope of their evangelistic work.

In this episode, Jesus encounters Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, in Jericho. By inviting Himself to Zacchaeus's home, Jesus demonstrates His mission to seek and save the lost, leading to Zacchaeus's heartfelt repentance and transformation.

Esther faces a life-altering decision in Esther 4:12-16, where she must choose between risking her life by approaching the king unsummoned or staying silent and allowing the destruction of her people. Encouraged by her cousin Mordecai's reminder that she might have become queen "for such a time as this," Esther embraces her purpose with the resolute declaration, "If I perish, I perish."

David’s true purpose was unveiled at the moment of his anointment, signifying his divine qualification for the role. Throughout his life, God’s guidance continually affirmed his readiness and suitability for his calling.