Feels Like Christmas - Joy
HAPPINESS is based on HAPPENINGS.
JOY is based on who lives IN you.
Luke 2:9-11 (NLT)
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lordâs glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. âDonât be afraid!â he said. âI bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Saviorâyes, the Messiah, the Lordâhas been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
How to experience TRUE JOY instead of TEMPORARY HAPPINESS:
1. JOY is a CHOICE.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Godâs will for you in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Make the CHOICE to REJOICE!
Joy comes by choosing a PERSPECTIVE based on the PROMISES of God.
2. JOY is found in JESUS.
John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
FULLNESS of joy is found in KNOWING Jesus.
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
âAre you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and youâll recover your life. Iâll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with meâwatch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I wonât lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and youâll learn to live freely and lightly.â
JOY is based on who lives IN you.
Luke 2:9-11 (NLT)
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lordâs glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. âDonât be afraid!â he said. âI bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Saviorâyes, the Messiah, the Lordâhas been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
How to experience TRUE JOY instead of TEMPORARY HAPPINESS:
1. JOY is a CHOICE.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Godâs will for you in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Make the CHOICE to REJOICE!
Joy comes by choosing a PERSPECTIVE based on the PROMISES of God.
2. JOY is found in JESUS.
John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
FULLNESS of joy is found in KNOWING Jesus.
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
âAre you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and youâll recover your life. Iâll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with meâwatch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I wonât lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and youâll learn to live freely and lightly.â
Jesus came to establish a RELATIONSHIP for you to ENJOY, not a RELIGION you have to ENDURE.
Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
âJoy is a RELATIONAL reality.â - Dr. Jim Wilder
Joy is attached to SOMEONE not SOMETHING.
Luke 2:10-11 (NLT)
âI bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Saviorâyes, the Messiah, the Lordâhas been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
3. JOY is meant to be SHARED.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.â
Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
âJoy is a RELATIONAL reality.â - Dr. Jim Wilder
Joy is attached to SOMEONE not SOMETHING.
Luke 2:10-11 (NLT)
âI bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Saviorâyes, the Messiah, the Lordâhas been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
3. JOY is meant to be SHARED.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.â