WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.000 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:03.000 --> 00:00:05.799 where we're dedicated to encouraging, equipping, 00:00:05.799 --> 00:00:08.040 and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:08.040 --> 00:00:10.140 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.140 --> 00:00:12.740 Pastor Patrick Daley preaches insightful sermons 00:00:12.740 --> 00:00:14.000 from the Word of God, 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:17.000 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:19.300 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:20.379 --> 00:00:24.440 So my wife, before in her time in Hawaii, 00:00:24.440 --> 00:00:27.600 she was the head of school for a Montessori school, 00:00:27.600 --> 00:00:29.980 and she jokingly likes to tell people 00:00:29.980 --> 00:00:33.980 that it's easier to work with five kids 00:00:33.980 --> 00:00:36.520 than it is with 35 kids, 00:00:36.520 --> 00:00:38.439 because that's the amount of kids that she had 00:00:38.439 --> 00:00:41.640 in the Montessori school that she had to oversee. 00:00:41.640 --> 00:00:43.539 And sometimes she would tell me, 00:00:43.539 --> 00:00:45.899 sometimes teachers and parents 00:00:45.899 --> 00:00:47.840 may act like children at times as well. 00:00:47.840 --> 00:00:50.359 So sometimes you have to add that to the list. 00:00:50.359 --> 00:00:53.159 But certainly going from 35 kids to five kids 00:00:53.159 --> 00:00:57.280 has just been a really easy transition for her. 00:00:57.280 --> 00:00:59.079 I'm just going by what she's saying. 00:00:59.079 --> 00:01:01.280 I gotta be honest here, you know? 00:01:01.280 --> 00:01:03.839 But I have to say that was really good for the children 00:01:03.839 --> 00:01:07.719 to be able to just celebrate and do their Christmas play, 00:01:07.719 --> 00:01:09.799 their Christmas songs together. 00:01:09.799 --> 00:01:12.400 It just always is a good, just a good time, 00:01:12.400 --> 00:01:14.159 a good reminder of when we were children. 00:01:14.159 --> 00:01:16.879 How many of us did something like that when we were young? 00:01:16.879 --> 00:01:18.780 Some of us, maybe, some of us maybe not. 00:01:18.780 --> 00:01:21.680 Some of us maybe don't like admitting that, 00:01:21.680 --> 00:01:23.280 but we did, right? 00:01:23.280 --> 00:01:26.599 And that's really great seeing just the next generation 00:01:26.599 --> 00:01:28.480 partaking in Christmas songs, 00:01:28.480 --> 00:01:32.160 and it's just really, really amazing for that. 00:01:32.160 --> 00:01:36.960 Well, good morning, and Merry Christmas, everyone. 00:01:36.960 --> 00:01:39.920 Can you believe in eight days 00:01:39.920 --> 00:01:42.120 we're gonna be on Christmas Day? 00:01:42.120 --> 00:01:44.400 Like, that's a little bit unbelievable right now, 00:01:44.400 --> 00:01:46.960 and that's just wild. 00:01:46.960 --> 00:01:48.000 The time flies. 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:49.840 I mean, I was looking at the beginning of December 00:01:49.840 --> 00:01:53.359 and now preparing for next year and everything, 00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:54.920 where does the time go? 00:01:54.920 --> 00:01:56.719 But it's certainly a great time for us 00:01:56.719 --> 00:02:00.120 to be in the Christmas spirit and to really reflect 00:02:00.120 --> 00:02:05.120 and to think about Jesus Christ being born in the manger 00:02:05.200 --> 00:02:08.719 at the time where Jesus Christ being born 00:02:08.719 --> 00:02:11.159 changes the course of history. 00:02:11.159 --> 00:02:14.840 And so today we are going to continue our message series, 00:02:14.840 --> 00:02:17.000 which is Journey to the Manger, 00:02:17.000 --> 00:02:20.360 Prophets, Promises, and the Prince of Peace. 00:02:20.360 --> 00:02:22.259 And the title of the sermon for today 00:02:22.259 --> 00:02:25.800 is going to be The Joy of Salvation. 00:02:25.800 --> 00:02:30.160 And for many of you, you should all have your notes on here 00:02:30.160 --> 00:02:33.000 and feel free to follow along. 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:34.760 Our scripture reading is, 00:02:34.760 --> 00:02:37.500 we're gonna have three scripture readings 00:02:37.500 --> 00:02:40.040 from Luke chapter two, verse 10, 00:02:40.040 --> 00:02:42.900 Philippians chapter four, verse four, 00:02:42.900 --> 00:02:46.000 and 1 Peter chapter one, eight through nine. 00:02:46.000 --> 00:02:47.240 You don't have to know all that right now. 00:02:47.240 --> 00:02:49.439 You can refer to your notes on there. 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:51.360 And you know, in this Advent season, 00:02:51.360 --> 00:02:56.280 we've gone over the hope that comes from Jesus Christ. 00:02:56.280 --> 00:03:01.040 We've also gone over that Christ is the Prince of Peace. 00:03:01.040 --> 00:03:02.800 It's the peace that comes from Him 00:03:02.800 --> 00:03:05.740 that surpasses all understanding. 00:03:06.640 --> 00:03:09.200 And today we're going to talk about joy, 00:03:09.200 --> 00:03:11.820 specifically the joy of our salvation, 00:03:11.820 --> 00:03:13.920 the joy that comes from the Lord, 00:03:13.920 --> 00:03:17.000 the unspeakable, the inexpressible joy 00:03:17.000 --> 00:03:18.800 that comes from Him. 00:03:18.800 --> 00:03:21.380 You know, joy is a word that we hear so much 00:03:21.380 --> 00:03:23.480 in this Christmas season, amen. 00:03:23.480 --> 00:03:25.280 Right, you think of Christmas cards 00:03:25.280 --> 00:03:27.960 that we send to our friends and to our families. 00:03:27.960 --> 00:03:30.200 Or sometimes you may have a cup, 00:03:30.200 --> 00:03:31.520 I'm not gonna say what company, 00:03:31.520 --> 00:03:33.460 but you might have a cup that will say joy 00:03:33.460 --> 00:03:36.180 or might have a Christmas theme going on. 00:03:36.180 --> 00:03:40.520 You might see signs when you're going to your friends 00:03:40.520 --> 00:03:42.880 or families to work as you're driving in your car. 00:03:42.880 --> 00:03:45.200 You might see a sign that says joy, 00:03:45.199 --> 00:03:49.319 joy to the world, the Lord has come. 00:03:49.319 --> 00:03:50.439 And when we read this, 00:03:50.439 --> 00:03:54.280 we think about the proclamation of Jesus Christ, 00:03:54.280 --> 00:03:56.159 that He is coming to this earth. 00:03:56.159 --> 00:04:00.959 And certainly it is a reminder for us to be joyful. 00:04:00.959 --> 00:04:03.479 And in this season, look, there's a lot of time 00:04:03.479 --> 00:04:06.679 for festivities, the lighting of Christmas trees, 00:04:06.679 --> 00:04:08.319 the putting up of Christmas trees. 00:04:08.319 --> 00:04:11.120 Do you all have a Christmas tree yet? 00:04:11.120 --> 00:04:13.319 If you don't, it's not too late, you know, 00:04:13.319 --> 00:04:14.399 and don't forget. 00:04:14.400 --> 00:04:16.560 So let's just be mindful of that. 00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:19.920 And certainly we put up our Christmas trees, 00:04:19.920 --> 00:04:21.800 we just get in that spirit, 00:04:21.800 --> 00:04:24.759 that warm, jolly spirit, so to speak. 00:04:25.639 --> 00:04:29.800 And the joy that we think of when we think of scripture, 00:04:29.800 --> 00:04:33.280 it's a little bit different than when we're talking about joy 00:04:33.280 --> 00:04:37.439 in the human sense or joy that's in the world. 00:04:37.439 --> 00:04:39.439 When we talk about scripture, 00:04:39.439 --> 00:04:42.439 we're talking about joy that is transcending, 00:04:42.439 --> 00:04:45.120 something that is beyond the physical. 00:04:45.120 --> 00:04:49.560 The joy of our salvation, the joy of the Lord, 00:04:49.560 --> 00:04:52.279 it transcends our circumstances. 00:04:52.279 --> 00:04:55.720 And one of the beautiful things about the joy of the Lord 00:04:55.720 --> 00:04:57.639 is knowing that you are safe 00:04:57.639 --> 00:05:01.560 and that you are secure in the arms of God. 00:05:01.560 --> 00:05:04.720 For in believing in the Lord, there is safety 00:05:04.720 --> 00:05:07.560 and there is security that is in Him. 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:12.159 And I'm speaking of a joy that is rooted in who God is 00:05:12.160 --> 00:05:15.560 and what God has done for us, 00:05:15.560 --> 00:05:19.600 that God loved us so much that He sent His Son 00:05:19.600 --> 00:05:21.600 to be born in a manger. 00:05:21.600 --> 00:05:25.080 What an incredible love that our God has for us. 00:05:25.080 --> 00:05:26.920 But before we go any further, 00:05:26.920 --> 00:05:28.800 I'd like for us to take time, 00:05:28.800 --> 00:05:32.560 let's take some time in prayer and let's ask God 00:05:32.560 --> 00:05:35.560 to be with us as we turn to the scriptures 00:05:35.560 --> 00:05:38.480 about having the joy of the Lord, 00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:42.400 the joy of salvation and how it transcends 00:05:42.400 --> 00:05:45.360 our human understanding of worldly joy. 00:05:45.360 --> 00:05:47.480 As it were, will you pray with me? 00:05:47.480 --> 00:05:48.480 Let's pray together. 00:05:49.840 --> 00:05:52.520 And Father God, we thank you for giving us this time 00:05:52.520 --> 00:05:55.080 and this opportunity for us to come together 00:05:55.080 --> 00:05:58.040 and be present with our friends, with our families, 00:05:58.040 --> 00:06:00.520 and with our church community. 00:06:00.520 --> 00:06:03.120 We're grateful that we have the opportunity 00:06:03.120 --> 00:06:06.240 to open your word and to hear your word. 00:06:06.240 --> 00:06:08.519 May we prepare our minds and our hearts 00:06:08.519 --> 00:06:13.519 for the coming of your Son, Jesus the Messiah, the Christ. 00:06:13.720 --> 00:06:15.879 And Father, you sent your Son. 00:06:15.879 --> 00:06:19.400 You love us so much that you sent your Son down to earth, 00:06:19.400 --> 00:06:23.360 the word becoming flesh, and you provided the way. 00:06:23.360 --> 00:06:28.160 You provided truth for us and you provided new life. 00:06:28.160 --> 00:06:31.480 Be with us as we explore your word 00:06:31.480 --> 00:06:35.840 and what your word has to say about joy 00:06:35.839 --> 00:06:37.560 in our lives. 00:06:37.560 --> 00:06:42.199 For knowing you, we have the joy of the Lord. 00:06:42.199 --> 00:06:44.039 And this joy that you offer to us 00:06:44.039 --> 00:06:46.959 is something that is different. 00:06:46.959 --> 00:06:51.039 In fact, it is greater than human joy. 00:06:51.039 --> 00:06:52.879 There is joy in our salvation, 00:06:52.879 --> 00:06:57.879 knowing that you provided salvation to us through belief 00:06:57.959 --> 00:07:00.919 and that you God will never forsake us 00:07:00.919 --> 00:07:03.359 and you will never abandon us. 00:07:03.360 --> 00:07:06.120 And I pray that everyone in this congregation, 00:07:06.120 --> 00:07:08.000 everyone here today and even those 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:10.040 that are not with us today, 00:07:10.040 --> 00:07:13.720 that they may believe in Jesus the Christ, 00:07:13.720 --> 00:07:16.240 that they may grow in faith 00:07:16.240 --> 00:07:19.759 and that they may serve you by doing good in your holy name. 00:07:19.759 --> 00:07:24.160 It is in Jesus' holy and mighty name that we pray 00:07:24.160 --> 00:07:27.480 and we all say together, amen. 00:07:27.480 --> 00:07:29.160 Before we open our Bibles, 00:07:29.160 --> 00:07:31.280 I would like for us to take a quick moment. 00:07:31.279 --> 00:07:34.439 Let's turn to the person, let's turn to those around us. 00:07:34.439 --> 00:07:36.679 Let's turn to the person next to us. 00:07:36.679 --> 00:07:39.799 I want us to share, let's put that on the slide here, 00:07:39.799 --> 00:07:42.639 a moment of joy. 00:07:42.639 --> 00:07:44.759 Turn to your neighbor, share a moment of joy 00:07:44.759 --> 00:07:47.959 that you have experienced in your life. 00:07:47.959 --> 00:07:51.239 It can be something that has happened recently 00:07:51.239 --> 00:07:53.359 or it can be something that's happened in the past. 00:07:53.359 --> 00:07:56.319 So let's take a couple of moments and just think of a moment. 00:07:56.319 --> 00:08:01.319 Just it can be anything that's happened of a moment of joy. 00:08:02.279 --> 00:08:06.240 You know, it's always great to share in moments 00:08:06.240 --> 00:08:08.680 where we experience joy, 00:08:08.680 --> 00:08:13.120 where we experience happiness in our own lives, right? 00:08:13.120 --> 00:08:15.240 Sometimes we have a brief moment of joy 00:08:15.240 --> 00:08:17.319 when we finished a test, right? 00:08:17.319 --> 00:08:19.719 We were finishing a hard day's work 00:08:19.719 --> 00:08:22.319 and we're like, I'm glad this is over with, right? 00:08:23.199 --> 00:08:25.680 There's little moments that there's small things 00:08:25.680 --> 00:08:28.319 that can bring a smile to our face. 00:08:28.319 --> 00:08:30.600 And sometimes there are events that happen in our life 00:08:30.600 --> 00:08:32.680 that really just bring joy to our life. 00:08:32.680 --> 00:08:36.080 I know it brings me great joy when I see my children 00:08:36.080 --> 00:08:40.399 and they're not throwing a fit, if I'm being honest here, right? 00:08:41.759 --> 00:08:44.320 But certainly in these small moments of joy, 00:08:44.320 --> 00:08:45.519 it's earthly joy, right? 00:08:45.519 --> 00:08:47.240 It's human joy. 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:49.000 But today we're gonna speak about something 00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:51.919 that is much greater, the unspeakable, 00:08:51.919 --> 00:08:54.120 the inexpressible joy. 00:08:54.120 --> 00:08:56.480 So we're gonna go deeper into that kind of joy, 00:08:56.480 --> 00:09:00.639 the joy of our salvation, the enduring joy, 00:09:00.639 --> 00:09:04.480 the profound joy that comes from Jesus Christ. 00:09:04.480 --> 00:09:07.600 When we speak of joy in this Advent season, 00:09:07.600 --> 00:09:10.720 it's beyond the festivities and the activities. 00:09:10.720 --> 00:09:13.080 It's something that comes from the Lord. 00:09:13.080 --> 00:09:17.000 And joy specifically in this season, in the biblical sense, 00:09:17.000 --> 00:09:20.720 it transcends, like I said, our everyday experiences 00:09:20.720 --> 00:09:22.120 and our earthly moments. 00:09:22.120 --> 00:09:24.480 So let's turn to the Word of God 00:09:24.480 --> 00:09:27.240 and let's go to our first scripture reading, 00:09:27.240 --> 00:09:31.200 which is going to be from Luke chapter two, verse 10. 00:09:31.200 --> 00:09:34.039 And I'm gonna go ahead and put that on the screen right now. 00:09:34.039 --> 00:09:35.000 Let's see if it works. 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:35.840 There we go. 00:09:35.840 --> 00:10:03.280 It's gonna be on page 1018. 00:10:03.280 --> 00:10:04.879 All right, are we all there? 00:10:04.879 --> 00:10:05.919 All right, let's read it together. 00:10:05.919 --> 00:10:08.720 So Luke chapter two, verse 10. 00:10:08.720 --> 00:10:11.399 And the angel said to them, what? 00:10:11.399 --> 00:10:15.879 Fear not, for behold, I bring you what? 00:10:15.879 --> 00:10:20.879 Good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 00:10:22.399 --> 00:10:24.559 So what is being brought here? 00:10:24.559 --> 00:10:26.799 Good news of great joy. 00:10:26.799 --> 00:10:28.559 And I want us to take note of that 00:10:28.559 --> 00:10:31.960 as we are going forth here. 00:10:31.960 --> 00:10:34.480 I know it's a section of what's happening 00:10:34.480 --> 00:10:36.840 of the birth of Jesus Christ, 00:10:36.840 --> 00:10:39.440 but there's something that's significant about this. 00:10:40.519 --> 00:10:44.480 You know, last week we talked about Luke chapter two, verse 14, 00:10:44.480 --> 00:10:47.519 which was talking about the word doxa, 00:10:47.519 --> 00:10:50.800 which means giving glory to God in the highest, 00:10:50.800 --> 00:10:54.279 giving him the highest honor and the highest praise 00:10:54.279 --> 00:10:57.519 that our God is worthy of our praise. 00:10:57.519 --> 00:11:00.600 So the angel is speaking to the shepherds 00:11:00.600 --> 00:11:03.759 and he says the words, fear not, 00:11:03.759 --> 00:11:07.319 two very powerful words, right? 00:11:07.319 --> 00:11:10.799 Some translations will say, do not be afraid. 00:11:10.799 --> 00:11:12.840 And we find in the Old Testament 00:11:12.840 --> 00:11:16.840 as well as the New Testament, fear not 00:11:16.840 --> 00:11:21.080 is something that should give us great comfort. 00:11:21.080 --> 00:11:22.240 Do not be afraid. 00:11:22.240 --> 00:11:25.960 If an angel appeared before you when you were working, 00:11:25.960 --> 00:11:27.120 I'd be a little freaked out. 00:11:27.120 --> 00:11:29.279 I'm gonna be honest here. 00:11:29.279 --> 00:11:31.080 And if an angel told me to fear not, 00:11:31.080 --> 00:11:33.519 I would hopefully believe him, 00:11:33.519 --> 00:11:35.879 but I'd still be a little overwhelmed 00:11:35.879 --> 00:11:38.639 with the presence of an angel here. 00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:40.759 So the angel, a messenger from God 00:11:40.759 --> 00:11:44.279 is saying to the shepherds who are watching their flock, 00:11:44.279 --> 00:11:46.480 saying the famous words. 00:11:46.480 --> 00:11:51.120 And so often in scripture, do not be afraid, fear not. 00:11:51.120 --> 00:11:54.000 It's self-explanatory here. 00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:56.960 And sometimes it's not easy for us 00:11:56.960 --> 00:12:00.120 when we're told to not be afraid. 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:02.439 Think of the times I mentioned last week 00:12:02.440 --> 00:12:05.280 of the when Peter was out on the water 00:12:05.280 --> 00:12:09.120 and he was sinking because he was walking on water. 00:12:09.120 --> 00:12:11.600 He saw Jesus walk on water, 00:12:11.600 --> 00:12:14.400 but he had that doubt and he was afraid. 00:12:14.400 --> 00:12:17.200 And how often do we get afraid 00:12:17.200 --> 00:12:19.360 when the Lord works in our life? 00:12:19.360 --> 00:12:21.240 How often are we afraid? 00:12:21.240 --> 00:12:23.040 And for those of us who have seen angels, 00:12:23.040 --> 00:12:26.240 if you have gotten afraid, I can understand. 00:12:28.680 --> 00:12:31.000 So it goes on, fear not for behold. 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:32.679 The angel is saying behold, right? 00:12:32.679 --> 00:12:34.039 Listen up here. 00:12:34.039 --> 00:12:36.120 I've got something to say. 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:37.519 The angel is going further. 00:12:37.519 --> 00:12:40.120 I bring good news. 00:12:41.159 --> 00:12:43.919 What's significant about this particular wording 00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:46.440 is that the announcing of good news 00:12:46.440 --> 00:12:49.679 is similar to the word evangelize. 00:12:49.679 --> 00:12:53.879 The Greek word that is being used, very similar, right? 00:12:53.879 --> 00:12:55.960 When we think of evangelism, 00:12:55.960 --> 00:12:59.740 we think of proclaiming the good news of the gospel, 00:12:59.740 --> 00:13:02.720 that Jesus Christ is providing salvation 00:13:02.720 --> 00:13:04.360 and that by believing in him, 00:13:04.360 --> 00:13:07.039 believe in the Lord and you shall be saved. 00:13:07.039 --> 00:13:09.000 So it's very similar language here. 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:11.360 I'm bringing forth good news. 00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:12.680 I am evangelizing. 00:13:12.680 --> 00:13:14.840 That's what the angel is doing to the shepherds. 00:13:14.840 --> 00:13:17.279 I am evangelizing to you. 00:13:17.279 --> 00:13:18.360 It's a proclamation. 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:21.799 It's the announcement of Jesus Christ coming. 00:13:21.799 --> 00:13:26.240 It's similar in the language to evangelize. 00:13:26.240 --> 00:13:28.120 Like I'm saying, when we evangelize, 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:30.600 we are proclaiming, we are preaching 00:13:30.600 --> 00:13:32.279 the good news of the gospel. 00:13:32.279 --> 00:13:35.019 So the angel is announcing the good news. 00:13:35.019 --> 00:13:38.440 The angel is evangelizing, so to speak, 00:13:38.440 --> 00:13:41.159 to the shepherds of the coming of Jesus Christ. 00:13:41.159 --> 00:13:43.159 And I don't know about you if I was a shepherd 00:13:43.159 --> 00:13:45.480 and an angel came to me and was saying, 00:13:45.480 --> 00:13:47.500 I bring good news to you. 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:49.019 You should listen up. 00:13:49.019 --> 00:13:53.799 Certainly it's a very kind of shocking moment in your life, 00:13:53.799 --> 00:13:57.720 but listen, what is this good news? 00:13:57.720 --> 00:13:59.320 Well, it goes on saying in the verse, 00:13:59.320 --> 00:14:02.399 good news of great joy, right? 00:14:02.399 --> 00:14:03.320 Let's say that together. 00:14:03.320 --> 00:14:05.940 Good news of great joy. 00:14:05.940 --> 00:14:08.519 The angel is saying, I'm bringing good news of what? 00:14:08.519 --> 00:14:10.860 I'm bringing good news of great joy. 00:14:10.860 --> 00:14:13.240 This joy is great joy. 00:14:13.240 --> 00:14:14.879 It's describing cheerfulness. 00:14:14.879 --> 00:14:16.360 It is describing delight. 00:14:16.360 --> 00:14:18.560 It is describing gladness. 00:14:18.560 --> 00:14:21.480 And it is experiencing that great joy. 00:14:21.480 --> 00:14:24.200 And in the context of these verses, 00:14:24.200 --> 00:14:27.279 the great joy is speaking of God's fulfillment 00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:30.480 of prophecy, God's fulfillment of the promises 00:14:30.480 --> 00:14:33.360 that are made, the coming forth of Jesus Christ. 00:14:33.360 --> 00:14:36.120 Do you realize that in the Old Testament, 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:41.120 it is slowly revealing what is to come in Jesus Christ? 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:44.839 The fact in Micah 5-2 that there would be a savior 00:14:44.839 --> 00:14:47.039 that would be born in the city of Bethlehem. 00:14:47.039 --> 00:14:49.559 When we look at the Gospel of Luke, 00:14:49.559 --> 00:14:52.019 it's talking about the city of David. 00:14:52.019 --> 00:14:54.279 All of these prophecies are being lined up 00:14:54.279 --> 00:14:57.399 and they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ's birth. 00:14:57.399 --> 00:15:00.799 And also there's other prophecies fulfilled in his ministry. 00:15:01.799 --> 00:15:04.199 That's so significant about our savior 00:15:04.199 --> 00:15:07.559 to see that in the Bible, you have a collection 00:15:07.559 --> 00:15:09.839 of so many books written throughout time 00:15:09.839 --> 00:15:13.000 and throughout history that point to Jesus. 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:15.419 They point to Jesus, the Messiah. 00:15:17.480 --> 00:15:19.279 And this is how people back then, 00:15:19.279 --> 00:15:21.600 and people now can have joy in the Lord. 00:15:21.600 --> 00:15:25.000 It is through realizing and it is through acknowledging 00:15:25.000 --> 00:15:28.920 that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of many prophecies 00:15:28.920 --> 00:15:31.399 of God's promises and that salvation 00:15:31.399 --> 00:15:33.680 is through belief in Jesus Christ. 00:15:33.680 --> 00:15:35.399 Can I get an amen? 00:15:35.399 --> 00:15:37.639 Right, salvation comes from the Lord. 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:41.759 And it goes on to say, good news of great joy for what? 00:15:41.759 --> 00:15:42.600 What does the verse say? 00:15:42.600 --> 00:15:47.600 For some people, does it say only for young people, 00:15:47.600 --> 00:15:50.440 only for young people, only for old people, 00:15:50.440 --> 00:15:52.200 only for the rich, right? 00:15:52.200 --> 00:15:54.879 No, it says it's for all people. 00:15:54.879 --> 00:15:56.879 We end this verse with the angel saying 00:15:56.879 --> 00:16:00.360 that the good news of great joy is for all people. 00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:01.840 And what a great parallel, 00:16:01.840 --> 00:16:03.720 what a great connection we can see 00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:07.399 with us spreading the news of the gospel, 00:16:07.399 --> 00:16:10.200 the good news of the gospel to other people. 00:16:10.200 --> 00:16:14.320 Is the gospel only for some or is it for everyone? 00:16:14.320 --> 00:16:16.420 Is this good news of great joy? 00:16:16.419 --> 00:16:19.799 Is it for all people or is it for some people? 00:16:19.799 --> 00:16:23.479 It is for everyone, just like in John 3.16, 00:16:23.479 --> 00:16:27.839 whoever, whosoever believes, everyone, all, 00:16:27.839 --> 00:16:31.639 not some, not the rich, not the poor, not the tall, 00:16:31.639 --> 00:16:35.319 not the short, it's for everybody. 00:16:35.319 --> 00:16:36.599 And you know what, that's one of the reasons 00:16:36.599 --> 00:16:38.839 why I'm Christian is that salvation is available 00:16:38.839 --> 00:16:39.679 for everyone. 00:16:39.679 --> 00:16:43.120 Can you imagine if heaven was filled with the rich? 00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:45.559 I gave more money than you, I gave 10 million, 00:16:45.559 --> 00:16:48.799 well I gave 15 million, well I gave 20 million. 00:16:48.799 --> 00:16:50.359 That's not what we're talking about. 00:16:50.359 --> 00:16:52.879 That's not the salvation that we're talking about. 00:16:52.879 --> 00:16:55.359 We're talking about salvation that is made available 00:16:55.359 --> 00:17:00.359 for everyone by believing in Jesus Christ, for all people. 00:17:00.799 --> 00:17:02.939 The good news of Jesus' arrival, 00:17:02.939 --> 00:17:04.759 it was announced to the shepherds. 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:09.599 And Christ later on in the gospel accounts, 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:13.480 commands us to share the good news of the gospel 00:17:13.480 --> 00:17:18.480 to all people, go out into all the world, right? 00:17:18.559 --> 00:17:20.960 And share in the good news, make disciples 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:24.480 and baptize people, the great commission, 00:17:24.480 --> 00:17:26.360 it's all connected. 00:17:26.360 --> 00:17:29.319 And in this particular sense, the angel is announcing, 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:35.160 look, the angel is making such a radical announcement, 00:17:36.039 --> 00:17:39.360 good news of great joy. 00:17:39.360 --> 00:17:42.240 And think about that, the availability of salvation 00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:47.240 to all people, there's confidence and there is joy 00:17:47.240 --> 00:17:50.680 in knowing that you are saved by grace through faith. 00:17:51.900 --> 00:17:54.000 There's great confidence in that. 00:17:54.000 --> 00:17:57.420 So certainly there is joy in knowing the Lord. 00:17:57.420 --> 00:18:00.480 Let's go to our next passage in scripture. 00:18:00.480 --> 00:18:04.759 It's gonna be in Philippians chapter four, verse four. 00:18:04.759 --> 00:18:06.640 We're gonna put that on the screen here. 00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:13.640 It's gonna be on page 1165. 00:18:26.240 --> 00:18:30.740 Excuse me, it's 1166, it's the next page. 00:18:34.040 --> 00:18:35.720 We all there? 00:18:35.720 --> 00:18:38.039 All right, let's read it together. 00:18:38.039 --> 00:18:41.680 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:18:41.680 --> 00:18:45.640 Again, I will say rejoice. 00:18:45.640 --> 00:18:49.559 The apostle Paul is encouraging the church in Philippi 00:18:49.559 --> 00:18:52.880 to rejoice in the Lord always. 00:18:52.880 --> 00:18:56.160 So much so that he has to repeat himself. 00:18:56.160 --> 00:18:57.960 Now, obviously the word rejoice, 00:18:57.960 --> 00:19:01.799 it's not exactly the word joy, but it's joy in action. 00:19:02.680 --> 00:19:03.600 Think about that. 00:19:03.599 --> 00:19:07.279 It is to be, it's the state of being joyful 00:19:07.279 --> 00:19:10.959 or filled with joy or joy in action. 00:19:10.959 --> 00:19:13.199 And this is the ending of the book of Philippians 00:19:13.199 --> 00:19:17.240 where the apostle Paul is writing about unity and humility 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:19.559 and following the Lord and how important it is 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:22.240 to understand that righteousness comes through faith 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:23.119 and not by works. 00:19:23.119 --> 00:19:26.439 And that's found so much scattered through scripture. 00:19:26.439 --> 00:19:29.000 We're saved by grace through faith, right? 00:19:29.000 --> 00:19:31.759 We're not saved by works, 00:19:31.759 --> 00:19:36.160 but we are saved so that we can do good in the name of God. 00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:37.640 There's a difference there. 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:39.740 And this is one of those times and one of those books 00:19:39.740 --> 00:19:43.839 that talks about how we are saved by grace through faith. 00:19:43.839 --> 00:19:47.240 We receive salvation in believing Jesus Christ. 00:19:47.240 --> 00:19:49.839 We're not saved by what we do. 00:19:49.839 --> 00:19:52.279 We are saved by what is done. 00:19:52.279 --> 00:19:55.359 And this last week I was talking about Philippians chapter four 00:19:55.359 --> 00:19:58.559 verse seven, which was talking about the peace of God 00:19:58.559 --> 00:20:01.119 which surpasses all understanding 00:20:01.119 --> 00:20:04.879 that it will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus 00:20:04.879 --> 00:20:07.859 for the things that we receive from God, 00:20:07.859 --> 00:20:11.779 salvation coming from God, the hope that comes from God, 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:13.439 the peace that comes from God, 00:20:13.439 --> 00:20:16.399 even the love that the Lord has for us 00:20:16.399 --> 00:20:18.719 is beyond the physical. 00:20:18.719 --> 00:20:21.559 It is beyond what us as humans can do. 00:20:21.559 --> 00:20:23.759 And I know that's very contrary to scripture 00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:26.819 because you go in the bookstore or you go online 00:20:26.819 --> 00:20:31.200 and you see these gurus who say you have a limitless life. 00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:32.039 Right? 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:33.639 They say you can do anything. 00:20:33.639 --> 00:20:34.500 Can you though? 00:20:36.079 --> 00:20:39.000 I mean, let's be honest here. 00:20:39.000 --> 00:20:42.919 It is God who is beyond us, right? 00:20:42.919 --> 00:20:46.159 And it is us that trust in God. 00:20:46.159 --> 00:20:49.000 God supplies us this very life 00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:50.679 and gives us all that we need. 00:20:50.679 --> 00:20:55.159 The love that God has for you is beyond the love 00:20:55.160 --> 00:20:58.880 that even we can love for each other. 00:20:58.880 --> 00:21:01.560 Think of God's forgiveness, for example. 00:21:01.560 --> 00:21:05.160 Now I know for all of us, we don't have tempers here, right? 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:07.640 We don't get angry, right? 00:21:07.640 --> 00:21:11.200 We don't get frustrated, you know? 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:12.880 We're not like that. 00:21:12.880 --> 00:21:14.840 Well, let's think about this. 00:21:16.600 --> 00:21:19.500 When someone does you wrong, are you quick to forgive? 00:21:20.880 --> 00:21:22.660 For some of us, maybe. 00:21:22.660 --> 00:21:26.340 For others, it might be really hard to forgive someone. 00:21:26.340 --> 00:21:29.360 Or when we get angry, but think of how the Lord 00:21:29.360 --> 00:21:31.200 is slow to anger. 00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:32.440 I love those kind of verses. 00:21:32.440 --> 00:21:34.400 I'm like, what do you mean slow to anger? 00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:37.240 So the peace that comes from the Lord, 00:21:37.240 --> 00:21:39.440 the love that comes from the Lord 00:21:39.440 --> 00:21:41.680 is something that is far greater than us. 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:45.600 And I know that's a very humbling concept for us, 00:21:45.600 --> 00:21:50.040 but it just goes to show us that is why we trust in the Lord 00:21:50.040 --> 00:21:52.519 because he is the supplier. 00:21:52.519 --> 00:21:55.420 He is the source of life and salvation. 00:21:57.559 --> 00:22:01.759 The hope that comes from Christ is greater than human hope. 00:22:01.759 --> 00:22:05.720 The peace that comes from Christ is beyond understanding. 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:09.720 And the joy of our salvation is beyond 00:22:09.720 --> 00:22:14.720 what the common everyday person, what they exhibit joy. 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:17.680 So it goes on to say rejoiced, right? 00:22:17.680 --> 00:22:20.879 Similar to joy, being joyful in the Lord. 00:22:20.880 --> 00:22:24.960 The verse goes on saying that we are to be actively joyful, 00:22:24.960 --> 00:22:29.720 joy in action or rejoicing because of the Lord. 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:31.840 And of course we rejoice because the Lord 00:22:31.840 --> 00:22:33.420 has given us Jesus Christ. 00:22:33.420 --> 00:22:35.280 That is a reason for us to rejoice. 00:22:35.280 --> 00:22:37.380 That is a reason for us to be joyful. 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:41.080 That the Lord has given us Jesus Christ 00:22:41.080 --> 00:22:44.360 and through Jesus Christ, God has given us salvation. 00:22:44.360 --> 00:22:46.080 So it says rejoice always. 00:22:46.080 --> 00:22:49.240 The Greek that is being used, it's pretty common, right? 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:50.080 Always, right? 00:22:50.079 --> 00:22:52.559 There's nothing really hidden there. 00:22:52.559 --> 00:22:56.299 And then it says, again, I will say rejoice. 00:22:56.299 --> 00:22:59.319 It's repetition, the apostle Paul is having this emphasis 00:22:59.319 --> 00:23:02.839 again, showing how important it is for us 00:23:02.839 --> 00:23:05.419 to be joyful in the Lord. 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:09.279 So the question in this specific verse may come of, 00:23:09.279 --> 00:23:11.079 well, what are they rejoicing in? 00:23:11.079 --> 00:23:12.519 Right, they're rejoicing in the Lord. 00:23:12.519 --> 00:23:14.579 Can you get a little more specific? 00:23:14.579 --> 00:23:16.839 Well, certainly rejoicing in the salvation 00:23:16.839 --> 00:23:18.519 that we receive from the Lord. 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:20.759 What God has done for you, 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:23.279 that God sent his son for you. 00:23:23.279 --> 00:23:26.240 There are many ways that we can rejoice in the Lord, 00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:29.559 even for the blessings of your own life. 00:23:29.559 --> 00:23:32.819 Every moment and every breath that we receive, 00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:35.079 our own friends and our families, 00:23:35.079 --> 00:23:37.119 they are all but a gift from God. 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:40.720 Every time you wake up in the morning, 00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:43.900 that is another day, another gift from God. 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:47.639 I mean, that's profound and it's really 00:23:47.640 --> 00:23:49.480 definitely hard to think about, 00:23:49.480 --> 00:23:51.480 because sometimes we don't wanna get up, right? 00:23:51.480 --> 00:23:53.440 Sometimes we don't wanna go to work. 00:23:53.440 --> 00:23:56.000 Sometimes we just wanna sleep in a couple more hours. 00:23:56.000 --> 00:23:59.320 Let's be honest here, we've all felt this way before, 00:23:59.320 --> 00:24:01.360 but every day is a gift from God. 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:05.680 There are many ways that we can rejoice in the Lord. 00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:07.160 And so when we think about joy, 00:24:07.160 --> 00:24:09.880 let's think about the joy of our salvation, 00:24:09.880 --> 00:24:13.680 that we have an assurance of forgiveness for our sins, 00:24:13.680 --> 00:24:15.560 that we have reconciliation, 00:24:15.559 --> 00:24:18.879 the promise of eternal security and eternal life 00:24:18.879 --> 00:24:20.759 in Jesus Christ. 00:24:20.759 --> 00:24:23.079 It is important that we should know 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:24.639 that when we celebrate with joy 00:24:24.639 --> 00:24:27.119 for what God has given to us, 00:24:27.119 --> 00:24:29.000 what he continues to do, 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:32.399 there's truth that's found in scripture. 00:24:32.399 --> 00:24:35.039 There's so much that we can learn and grow in. 00:24:35.039 --> 00:24:37.919 And as we've read in the Philippians 4, 4 verse, 00:24:37.919 --> 00:24:41.200 many of us will know Philippians 4, 13, 00:24:41.200 --> 00:24:43.919 which talks about that I can do all things 00:24:43.919 --> 00:24:45.240 through Christ who strengthens me. 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:46.839 Do you guys know that verse before? 00:24:46.839 --> 00:24:47.680 Right? 00:24:47.680 --> 00:24:49.559 Some of you know that verse. 00:24:49.559 --> 00:24:53.319 Well, in the context when we're looking at Philippians 4, 4 00:24:53.319 --> 00:24:57.079 and rejoicing in the Lord always, Paul is going on further. 00:24:57.079 --> 00:25:00.240 He's talking about how he has learned the secret 00:25:00.240 --> 00:25:02.680 that in every circumstance, 00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:05.319 as a result from rejoicing in the Lord, 00:25:05.319 --> 00:25:08.279 he has learned how to be content in his life 00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:10.960 in every circumstance, meaning in the highs 00:25:10.960 --> 00:25:12.680 and in the lows of this life. 00:25:12.680 --> 00:25:16.240 So what that means here and in the context of this, 00:25:17.680 --> 00:25:19.480 when we rejoice in the Lord, 00:25:19.480 --> 00:25:22.279 we are able to learn how to be happy 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:23.840 with what God has given to us, 00:25:23.840 --> 00:25:27.039 to be content with what God has given to us 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:29.640 in the highs and in the lows of life. 00:25:29.640 --> 00:25:31.240 And that's a very powerful verse 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:32.680 because when Paul is saying, 00:25:32.680 --> 00:25:35.960 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, 00:25:35.960 --> 00:25:38.720 he is talking about how he has learned 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:42.799 by rejoicing in the Lord to be happy with what he has. 00:25:42.799 --> 00:25:45.360 That's very powerful and it adds a lot more depth 00:25:45.360 --> 00:25:48.880 into the common verse that's used on cups 00:25:48.880 --> 00:25:52.880 or stickers or t-shirts or whatever and that's fine. 00:25:52.880 --> 00:25:55.160 It's very, there's truth there, 00:25:55.160 --> 00:25:57.279 but there's more depth to it. 00:25:58.440 --> 00:26:01.960 We can rejoice in the Lord in this Advent season 00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:04.960 for the coming fourth of the birth of Jesus Christ 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:07.600 in the manger in Bethlehem, 00:26:07.599 --> 00:26:11.719 but also the coming fourth of salvation in him. 00:26:11.719 --> 00:26:14.399 We should have great joy in our God 00:26:14.399 --> 00:26:16.719 and we should rejoice in the Lord. 00:26:16.719 --> 00:26:20.799 The kind of joy that we receive is an indescribable joy 00:26:20.799 --> 00:26:22.919 and I'd like for us to turn to our final verse 00:26:22.919 --> 00:26:24.079 in 1 Peter, 00:26:25.959 --> 00:26:29.000 1 Peter chapter one verse eight through nine. 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:30.799 Did I just put eight through nine? 00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:33.839 It's supposed to be chapter one eight through nine, 00:26:33.839 --> 00:26:38.459 but it's on page 1200 three. 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:56.839 All right, 1 Peter chapter one verses eight through nine. 00:26:56.839 --> 00:26:57.759 Are we all there? 00:26:58.599 --> 00:27:00.559 It's our final verse. 00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:04.919 Though you have not seen him, you what? 00:27:04.919 --> 00:27:06.319 You love him. 00:27:06.319 --> 00:27:10.639 Though you do not see him, you what? 00:27:10.639 --> 00:27:15.639 Believe in him and rejoice with joy that is what? 00:27:16.960 --> 00:27:20.879 Inexpressible and filled with glory, 00:27:20.879 --> 00:27:24.099 obtaining the outcome of your faith, 00:27:24.099 --> 00:27:27.319 the salvation of your souls. 00:27:27.319 --> 00:27:28.599 And in reading this verse, 00:27:28.599 --> 00:27:31.719 there's some key things that we keep in mind. 00:27:31.719 --> 00:27:35.639 First, it has to do with the fact that these Christians 00:27:35.639 --> 00:27:37.559 who are in Asia Minor, 00:27:37.559 --> 00:27:41.240 they have not physically seen the Lord Jesus, 00:27:41.240 --> 00:27:44.919 but despite not seeing Jesus Christ in the flesh, 00:27:44.919 --> 00:27:47.799 they love Jesus and they believe in him. 00:27:49.599 --> 00:27:51.919 How many of us have not seen Jesus, 00:27:51.919 --> 00:27:55.740 but yet we love him and we believe in him, right? 00:27:55.740 --> 00:27:59.220 That's what it's talking about. 00:27:59.220 --> 00:28:01.299 You have not seen him yet, you love him, right? 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:03.500 He's talking specifically to these Christians. 00:28:03.500 --> 00:28:05.900 And because of this love and because of this belief, 00:28:05.900 --> 00:28:08.620 listen up, because of the love and the belief 00:28:08.620 --> 00:28:10.980 that these Christians have in Jesus, 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:15.460 they rejoice with joy that is inexpressible. 00:28:15.460 --> 00:28:17.019 It is basically saying here 00:28:17.019 --> 00:28:20.180 that they are actively being joyful. 00:28:20.180 --> 00:28:23.819 They are glad, they are filled with gladness 00:28:23.819 --> 00:28:26.179 and that this joy that they are experiencing, 00:28:26.179 --> 00:28:30.339 it is so powerful, it is overwhelming. 00:28:30.339 --> 00:28:31.579 It is inexpressible. 00:28:31.579 --> 00:28:35.460 And as some translations say, it is unspeakable. 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:38.539 To receive that joy that is so powerful 00:28:38.539 --> 00:28:39.939 that it is overwhelming. 00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:43.339 Just think about that, having that joy in the Lord, 00:28:43.339 --> 00:28:45.139 that confidence in the Lord. 00:28:46.419 --> 00:28:49.500 What is so powerful about this joy is the fact that 00:28:49.500 --> 00:28:52.939 it is a result of having faith and trust 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:57.940 and love in the Lord, despite not seeing him. 00:28:58.019 --> 00:28:59.740 And that is very powerful. 00:29:01.660 --> 00:29:04.460 Just as Paul discovered the secret of being content 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:09.460 in every season of life, so too can we receive this joy. 00:29:09.620 --> 00:29:12.740 It is even said in Galatians chapter five 00:29:12.740 --> 00:29:16.019 verses 22 through 23, which talks about 00:29:16.019 --> 00:29:18.500 the fruit of the Holy Spirit. 00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:19.900 Because when you believe in the Lord 00:29:19.900 --> 00:29:23.060 and you receive salvation, you're gonna wanna grow 00:29:23.060 --> 00:29:24.580 in the Lord. 00:29:24.580 --> 00:29:27.380 And all of us will produce fruit. 00:29:27.380 --> 00:29:30.740 Well, one of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. 00:29:31.660 --> 00:29:34.860 These things are produced in the life of a believer. 00:29:34.860 --> 00:29:38.740 And it is allowing for God to work in your life 00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:40.460 and through your life, right? 00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:44.019 It works internally in your mind and in your heart 00:29:44.019 --> 00:29:49.019 and through you, the interactions that you have with people. 00:29:49.019 --> 00:29:51.639 We will all produce fruits. 00:29:51.639 --> 00:29:53.960 And the wonderful thing about this first Peter passage 00:29:53.960 --> 00:29:57.279 is the fact that it is a result of their faith. 00:29:57.279 --> 00:30:00.139 It is a result of believing in the Lord. 00:30:01.119 --> 00:30:04.119 You will receive salvation for your soul. 00:30:05.160 --> 00:30:06.819 What beautiful language. 00:30:08.079 --> 00:30:10.240 In believing in the Lord, you will receive peace 00:30:10.240 --> 00:30:12.299 that is beyond understanding. 00:30:12.299 --> 00:30:14.879 And in believing in the Lord, you will receive joy 00:30:14.879 --> 00:30:17.160 from the Lord that is unexplainable, 00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:21.440 that is inexpressible and it is beyond human understanding. 00:30:21.440 --> 00:30:23.480 The ability to still be able to have joy, 00:30:23.480 --> 00:30:27.759 even when bad things happen, is unexplainable to many people. 00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:30.160 Just consider the book of Job. 00:30:31.320 --> 00:30:33.960 A man that lost pretty much everything 00:30:34.960 --> 00:30:36.759 and was still faithful to the Lord. 00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:40.640 That is the joy I'm speaking of. 00:30:40.640 --> 00:30:43.480 It's also, well, the peace as well. 00:30:43.480 --> 00:30:46.880 The peace that Job probably had at that time, 00:30:46.880 --> 00:30:48.280 despite losing everything. 00:30:49.440 --> 00:30:51.960 Sometimes when you hear of a Christian 00:30:51.960 --> 00:30:53.400 who's gone through a bad event, 00:30:53.400 --> 00:30:56.080 someone from the world or sometimes even other Christians 00:30:56.080 --> 00:30:59.120 may say, you lost everything. 00:30:59.120 --> 00:31:00.920 How are you so calm? 00:31:00.920 --> 00:31:02.880 How do you still have this joy? 00:31:05.400 --> 00:31:07.100 Well, the world may not understand, 00:31:07.100 --> 00:31:10.000 but we can learn from scripture. 00:31:10.000 --> 00:31:12.320 The peace that surpasses all understanding 00:31:12.320 --> 00:31:15.920 and the inexpressible, the unspeakable joy 00:31:15.920 --> 00:31:17.800 that comes from the Lord. 00:31:18.940 --> 00:31:21.980 Just like how God loves us so much. 00:31:23.160 --> 00:31:28.160 I mean, how easy is it for us to love like the Lord? 00:31:30.680 --> 00:31:34.000 Is it easy for us or is it difficult? 00:31:34.980 --> 00:31:36.759 Maybe not the easiest thing to do, 00:31:36.759 --> 00:31:40.560 but just think of, that's how the Lord loves us, though. 00:31:40.560 --> 00:31:43.720 Something that may be difficult for us is easy for the Lord. 00:31:43.720 --> 00:31:46.640 That the Lord loves us and forgives us. 00:31:46.640 --> 00:31:49.160 It's just, it's wonderful. 00:31:51.960 --> 00:31:54.559 We must take to heart that we should not be afraid 00:31:54.559 --> 00:31:56.600 and that the good news of great joy 00:31:56.600 --> 00:32:00.400 is the gospel message that is found in Jesus Christ. 00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:02.960 And we get to experience the peace 00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:04.920 that surpasses all understanding 00:32:04.920 --> 00:32:08.440 and the emphasis for today is the unspeakable joy, 00:32:08.440 --> 00:32:11.120 the great joy and rejoicing in the fact 00:32:11.119 --> 00:32:14.079 that God sent his only son to the manger. 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:17.719 That's the beautiful thing. 00:32:17.719 --> 00:32:21.559 God sent his son to Bethlehem, the city of David, 00:32:21.559 --> 00:32:25.359 who is Christ the Lord, who would perform such miracles 00:32:25.359 --> 00:32:29.039 as turning water into wine, healing the sick, 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:33.199 raising the dead, teaching many parables, 00:32:33.199 --> 00:32:35.919 the suffering servant who would live and die 00:32:35.919 --> 00:32:38.439 and on the third day rise again. 00:32:38.440 --> 00:32:43.039 God sent his son, that whoever, that all, 00:32:43.039 --> 00:32:45.480 whosoever, whatever translation you're using, 00:32:45.480 --> 00:32:48.279 it's everybody that everybody who believes 00:32:48.279 --> 00:32:51.000 shall not perish but have eternal life. 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:52.759 And if you are seeking for joy 00:32:52.759 --> 00:32:54.840 that is beyond what the world has to offer, 00:32:54.840 --> 00:32:57.240 believe in the Lord and be saved 00:32:57.240 --> 00:32:59.680 and be on a path of sanctification, 00:32:59.680 --> 00:33:02.080 be on a path of becoming more like Jesus 00:33:02.080 --> 00:33:05.519 because let me tell you, being saved is the beginning 00:33:05.519 --> 00:33:07.559 of your spiritual walk with the Lord 00:33:07.559 --> 00:33:09.960 because God will mold you into the men 00:33:09.960 --> 00:33:13.039 and into the women that God wants you to be. 00:33:13.039 --> 00:33:16.079 Walk with the Lord, be more Christ-like. 00:33:16.079 --> 00:33:19.559 I am reminded of John chapter six, verse 47, 00:33:19.559 --> 00:33:23.359 where Jesus is saying, truly I say to you, 00:33:23.359 --> 00:33:27.000 whoever believes has eternal life. 00:33:27.000 --> 00:33:30.319 And as we close, I want you to remember those moments 00:33:30.319 --> 00:33:33.240 of joy that you shared with your neighbor today. 00:33:33.240 --> 00:33:35.759 Just as these moments, these small moments, 00:33:35.759 --> 00:33:40.160 they brighten our lives, they put a smile on our face. 00:33:40.160 --> 00:33:45.160 So too does the joy of our salvation illuminate our souls. 00:33:46.039 --> 00:33:50.599 This advent, let the joy of Christ's coming 00:33:50.599 --> 00:33:55.599 fill you with a spirit of joy, with a spirit of gladness 00:33:55.640 --> 00:33:59.079 and that it overflows to those around you 00:33:59.079 --> 00:34:02.879 so that we can share in the good news 00:34:02.880 --> 00:34:06.160 just as the angels evangelized, right? 00:34:06.160 --> 00:34:09.160 They proclaimed the good news of great joy. 00:34:09.160 --> 00:34:13.039 Let us be encouraged to share in our faith, 00:34:13.039 --> 00:34:17.960 to share in the gospel message to our friends, 00:34:17.960 --> 00:34:20.920 to our family and to our neighbor. 00:34:20.920 --> 00:34:23.640 Let us rejoice in the Lord. 00:34:23.640 --> 00:34:24.640 Let's pray together. 00:34:26.240 --> 00:34:29.280 And Father, we thank you for the indescribable joy 00:34:29.280 --> 00:34:31.480 that comes from believing in your son, 00:34:31.480 --> 00:34:35.519 Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Messiah. 00:34:35.519 --> 00:34:38.960 Fill our hearts with the joy of your presence. 00:34:38.960 --> 00:34:41.679 May we be content and may we be joyful 00:34:41.679 --> 00:34:46.280 in every season of life knowing that you are here for us. 00:34:48.199 --> 00:34:50.760 For in believing in you, we are saved 00:34:50.760 --> 00:34:55.000 and we reminded how you will never abandon us 00:34:55.000 --> 00:34:56.840 and you will never forsake us 00:34:56.840 --> 00:34:58.960 and you're always there for us. 00:34:58.960 --> 00:35:02.079 May we follow in your footsteps. 00:35:02.079 --> 00:35:05.840 Lord, we ask for the strength to share this joy with others, 00:35:05.840 --> 00:35:09.639 to be lights in a world that is full of the lost 00:35:09.639 --> 00:35:11.639 and of the broken. 00:35:11.639 --> 00:35:15.079 May our lives, may it reflect the hope, the peace, 00:35:15.079 --> 00:35:20.079 the joy and the love that you have generously given to us. 00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:25.440 I pray that everyone here may know you, 00:35:25.440 --> 00:35:29.840 that may believe in you, they may grow in faith in you 00:35:29.840 --> 00:35:34.079 and go out and do good in your name. 00:35:34.079 --> 00:35:36.960 It is in the name of Jesus Christ, 00:35:36.960 --> 00:35:39.079 our Lord and Savior that we pray 00:35:39.079 --> 00:35:41.440 and we all say together, amen. 00:35:41.440 --> 00:35:42.480 Thank you for tuning in 00:35:42.480 --> 00:35:45.480 to the Ontario Community Church sermon podcast. 00:35:45.480 --> 00:35:47.000 For more about our church 00:35:47.000 --> 00:35:49.679 and how you can get involved or support our mission, 00:35:49.679 --> 00:35:53.400 please visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:35:53.400 --> 00:35:55.440 May God's blessings be with you.