Joy

Find a sermon associated with this topic below.

The sermon emphasizes the call to an everlasting preoccupation with God, urging believers to move beyond a superficial relationship with Him and to truly understand and embrace His grace. It highlights the transformative power of Jesus' call, as seen in the story of Levi, and challenges listeners to surrender fully to God's lordship, recognizing that true joy and purpose come from following Him wholeheartedly.

Pastor Ryan emphasizes that seeking God's kingdom first, as instructed in Matthew 6:33, is an invitation to trust Him fully. He highlights Jesus' intercessory prayer for believers in John 17, focusing on four key themes—glory, joy, protection, and mission—as fundamental to living a life that honors God's purpose and shifts us from a "seek me" to a "seek first" mindset.

Pastor Jim teaches that true generosity is not about how much we have but about our relationship with God, as shown by the impoverished Macedonian church in 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. He challenges the notion of waiting to give until we have more, urging the congregation to embrace giving now as a practice that reflects our faith and brings joy.

In this sermon, Pastor Will Medell emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath as a day of rest and joy, highlighting that it is a gift from God meant to remind us of our identity as His children rather than slaves to work and productivity. He encourages the congregation to embrace the Sabbath by disconnecting from daily responsibilities and trusting in God's provision, thereby experiencing true rest and joy.

This sermon on Philippians teaches that true joy is not dependent on circumstances but is an internal confidence found in Christ, who offers enduring joy even in suffering. This joy is a gift rooted in the gospel truth that Jesus, who endured the ultimate shame and sorrow for our sins, works through our suffering to advance His kingdom and promises a future free from pain.

The sermon argues that true self-control isn't achieved through willpower, but through "joy power"—a supreme affection for something greater that displaces lesser desires, with the ultimate joy being found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This lasting self-control, rooted in the joy of God's unchanging love and the sacrifice of Jesus, is cultivated through engaging with scripture, seeking accountability, and practicing humility.

Joy

This sermon defines true, lasting joy not as happiness in circumstances but as a deep-seated rejoicing in the Lord Jesus Christ, a joy that is only possible when we stop trusting in our own self-righteous "filthy rags" and instead receive His perfect righteousness. This gospel-centered joy comes from the profound truth that, despite our unworthiness, Christ has made us friends of God and offers us a love that is unwavering and eternal.

This sermon redefines the biblical concept of waiting as an active stance of patience and obedience, not passive idleness. The message encourages believers to focus on God's presence, find joy in Christ's finished work, and maintain an eternal perspective in the midst of anxieties and trials.

This sermon explains that Jesus is the unexpected and ultimate light of the world, a light that shatters our preconceived notions of greatness and triumphs over spiritual darkness. The message emphasizes that this divine light is received by grace alone and that His birth as the God-man, while demanding a response of worship, also offers profound comfort and an unshakable joy.