Sermon #600: Joy in the Lord

 

Sermon #600: Joy in the Lord

Hello Friends,

Today, I want to talk about a gift that God has given us, a gift that transcends circumstances, that uplifts our hearts and spirits: the gift of joy. Joy is not just an emotion; it is a state of being that comes from knowing and trusting in the Lord. It’s a profound and abiding sense of well-being and happiness that can only be found in God.

Biblical Examples of Joy

1. The Joy of Creation
   When God created the world, He saw that it was good. The very act of creation was an expression of His joy. In Genesis 1:31, we read, "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." The beauty and order of creation reflect God's joy and His desire for us to share in that joy.

2. The Joy of Deliverance
   Think of the Israelites when they were delivered from slavery in Egypt. Their joy was immense. In Exodus 15, after crossing the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites sang a song of joy to the Lord: "The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." Their joy came from experiencing God's saving power firsthand.

3. The Joy of Salvation
   In the New Testament, we see joy in the salvation brought by Jesus Christ. The shepherds who received the news of Jesus' birth were filled with joy. Luke 2:10-11 says, "But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’" The birth of Jesus is the ultimate cause for joy because it signifies God’s love and the promise of eternal life.

4. The Joy of the Resurrection
   The resurrection of Jesus is another powerful source of joy. The disciples’ sorrow turned into joy when they saw the risen Lord. In John 20:20, it says, "The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." This joy comes from knowing that Jesus has conquered death and offers us eternal life.

Living in Joy

So how can we live in this joy every day? Here are a few practical steps

1. Stay Connected to God
   Jesus said in John 15:11, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." Staying connected to Jesus through prayer, reading the Bible, and worship ensures that His joy remains in us.

2. Trust in God's Promises
   Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Trusting in God’s promises fills us with joy because we know that He is faithful and His plans for us are good.

3. Rejoice in All Circumstances
   Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with God. Even in difficult times, we can find reasons to rejoice because we know that God is with us.

4. Share Your Joy
   Joy is contagious. When we share our joy with others, we spread the love and light of Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul writes, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Conclusion

In conclusion, let us remember that joy is a gift from God. It’s a fruit of the Spirit that grows in our lives as we walk with Him. Let us embrace this joy, celebrate it, and share it with the world. As we do, we will reflect the love and grace of our wonderful Savior, bringing light and hope to those around us.

May the joy of the Lord be your strength today and always. Amen.

 

Photo: Pexels

Embracing God’s Timing: Understanding Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, sermon number 500

 

Hello friends:.

Today, we delve into a profound and poetically charged passage from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verses 1 through 8. These verses are often quoted in times of change and reflection, and they hold a message that resonates deeply within the human experience across all ages. Let us explore together the purpose, meaning, and contemporary application of these timeless words.

Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

Purpose of the Passage.

The author of Ecclesiastes, often believed to be Solomon in his later years, shares these words to express a profound truth about the human condition and divine sovereignty. The primary purpose of this passage is to teach us about the inevitability of change and the ordered pattern of life under God's oversight. Every activity mentioned, every season of life, is part of a divine tapestry, intricately woven with times and seasons that each has its appointed place.

Meaning of the Passage.

The key message of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is the sovereignty of God over time and all human endeavors. The passage lists 14 opposites, covering a wide spectrum of human experience — from birth to death, from planting to reaping, from weeping to laughing, from war to peace. This poetic structure highlights the balance and rhythm inherent in God's creation. It reminds us that every event, whether joyful or sorrowful, is part of a larger, divine context that we are called to respect and accept.

These verses affirm that there is a God-ordained time for every human action and reaction. By acknowledging that "to everything there is a season," we are encouraged not to despair over the transitory nature of our experiences but to see them as part of a bigger picture that God controls.

Application to Today.

1. Acceptance of Life’s Cycles.
In our fast-paced, modern world, it's easy to want to control every aspect of our lives. Yet, this passage calls us to recognize and accept the natural flow of life, understanding that just as seasons change, so do phases of our lives. Whether we are in a time of planting or reaping, weeping or laughing, each season has its purpose and its blessings.

2. Trust in God’s Timing.
These verses encourage us to trust in God's perfect timing. Often, we rush to act or delay out of fear, but knowing that God has a time for every purpose under heaven should comfort us. We can rely on Him to guide us through the different seasons, trusting that He knows when and how to bring about His plans for us.

3. Reflection on Life’s Dualities.
The juxtaposition of experiences such as birth and death, building up and breaking down, teaches us that life is a mixture of opposites, each serving its purpose. This understanding helps us to cope with losses and challenges, knowing that they are as much a part of life as gains and triumphs.

4. Embracing the Present.
Understanding that there is a season for every activity under heaven invites us to live fully in the present, embracing each season for what it offers. This mindfulness encourages us not only to endure difficult times but to cherish good times, knowing that both are temporary and valuable.

Conclusion.

As we reflect on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, let us embrace the rhythm of life's seasons, guided by the knowledge that God's sovereign hand appoints each one. In doing so, we learn to live not in fear or frustration but in a state of grace and acceptance, trusting that everything has its time. Let us hold this truth close to our hearts, finding peace in the assurance of God's perfect timing for every season under heaven.

 
Amen.

Let us turn to Matthew 6:5-15 for the Lord’s Prayer

And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the churches and on the street corners that they may be seen by all. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father who art in Heaven hallowed be thy name, they will be done, they kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, those who trespassed against us. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen

“For if you forgive people of their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive people their sins, neither will your Father forgive your sins.

For Those Who Want To Believe, You Can Ask Jesus To Come Into Your Life, Let Us Pray

Jesus, I come to you today to admit that I am a sinner.  I admit that I cannot live without you and I need a savior.  I turn from my sins and ask that you forgive me today, right here, right now, and create in me a clean heart.  Give me your new life that is abundant and free. I accept your free gift of salvation. I accept your mercy and grace.  Come and live within me, change my life, and lead me all of the rest of my days. I give my life to you. Thank you for loving me.  Help me to learn to love you in return. In your name I pray, amen.

Finding Strength in the Lord: Staying Positive in Tough Times - Sermon no. 400

Today’s message is :Finding Strength in the Lord: Staying Positive in Tough Times. Sermon number 400

Hello Friends,

In a world filled with trials and tribulations, it's easy to lose sight of the light when surrounded by darkness. But as believers, we are called to rise above the challenges and find solace in the unwavering presence of our Lord. Today, I want to talk to you about the power of staying positive and looking to the Lord when times are tough.

In the book of Isaiah, chapter 41, verse 10, we find these reassuring words: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." What a comforting promise this is! Even in the midst of our deepest struggles, God assures us of His presence and His unfailing support.

One of the greatest challenges we face in difficult times is maintaining a positive outlook. It's natural to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or even hopeless when adversity strikes. But as followers of Christ, we have a reason to remain hopeful. Our hope is not anchored in the circumstances of this world but in the unchanging character of our God.

When we shift our focus from our problems to the promises of God, we find strength beyond our own understanding. The psalmist declares in Psalm chapter 121: verses 1-2, "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Our help comes from the Creator of the universe, the one who holds all things together.

But staying positive doesn't mean denying the reality of our struggles. It means choosing to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness despite our circumstances. It means reminding ourselves that God is greater than any obstacle we may face. As the apostle Paul writes in Romans chapter 8: verse 28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Even in our darkest moments, God is at work, weaving together a beautiful tapestry of redemption and restoration.

So how do we maintain a positive attitude in the midst of adversity? First and foremost, we must cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with God through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. The more we immerse ourselves in His presence, the more our perspective shifts from despair to hope.

Secondly, we must surround ourselves with fellow believers who can encourage, support, and uplift us during difficult times. Ecclesiastes chapter 4: verse 9-10 reminds us, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Together, as the body of Christ, we can bear one another's burdens and share in each other's joys.

Finally, we must choose to focus on gratitude and praise, even in the midst of adversity. As the apostle Paul writes in Philippians chapter 4: verse 6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." When we shift our focus from our problems to the blessings that surround us, we open our hearts to receive the peace that surpasses all understanding.

My dear brothers and sisters, let us remember that our God is faithful, and His promises are true. Even in the darkest of times, He is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer. May we cling to Him with unwavering faith, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us, sustaining us, and filling us with hope.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Amen.

Let us turn to Matthew 6:5-15 for the Lord’s Prayer

And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the churches and on the street corners that they may be seen by all. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father who art in Heaven hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, they will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen

“For if you forgive people of their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive people their sins, neither will your Father forgive your sins.

For Those Who Want To Believe, You Can Ask Jesus To Come Into Your Life, Let Us Pray:

Jesus, I come to you today to admit that I am a sinner.  I admit that I cannot live without you and I need a savior.  I turn from my sins and ask that you forgive me today, right here, right now, and create in me a clean heart.  Give me your new life that is abundant and free. I accept your free gift of salvation. I accept your mercy and grace.  Come and live within me, change my life, and lead me all of the rest of my days. I give my life to you. Thank you for loving me.  Help me to learn to love you in return. In your name I pray, amen.

Sermon 400 Video - Finding Strengty in the Lord: Staying Positive In Tought Times