 Joy in the Journey
Peter, the Apostle, speaks about unspeakable joy in 1 Peter. Joy is essential in the life of the Christian but there are so many things that seek to destroy our joy in Jesus Christ. This sermon series will focus on five things that destroy joy and how to bring the joy back into one's life.
Joy Regardless - Lesson 1: (May 14th)
Joy regardless of the circumstances. Habakkuk was the prophet to the nation of Judah during the very last days before the nation went into captivity. His heart was broken over the sinful condition and lack of repentance of his nation. When he looked at his nation's condition, it brought heaviness to his heart. But, when he looked to the Lord in faith, it brought rejoicing. When we look at the circumstances in life, it can bring sorrow. But, when we keep our eyes on Jesus, it brings the joy back to our life. Joy comes from the right perspective - eyes on Jesus.
Habakkuk 3:17–18 KJV “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Joy Restored - Lesson 2: (May 21st)
Joy restored. Joy comes from the right confession. King David lost the joy of his salvation when he went into sin. When confronted by Nathan, the prophet, David saw the devastating consequences of his sin. It removed the joy from his life. In Psalm 51, David shows us how to restore the joy of one's salvation.
Psalm 51:12 KJV “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
Joy Redefined - Lesson 3: (May 28th)
Our definition of joy has changed with the times. Many within the church are seeking to find joy in places other than Jesus Christ. Ourdefinition of joy must be redefined to fit God's definition of what real joy is to the Christian. What brings real and lasting joy?
Matthew 21:5–6 KJV “Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,”
Joy Renewed - Lesson 4 (April 4th)
Today, we do not realized just how much joy was lost when Adam and Eve sinned. Adam and Eve lived a life of joy and peace until they sinned in disobeying God's commandment. Joy was lost in the Garden; joy was renewed at the garden tomb.
Joy Revealed - Lesson 5 (April 11th)
Job endured more suffering than anyone else. He lost his children, wealth, possessions, position, and health. He suffered greatly at the hands of his friends and family. Yet, in all of his suffering, he looked to eternity and his redeemer. He knew that an ultimate joy awaited him when his redeemer would give him that glorified body.
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