Foothills Christian Church
Weekend Services
Isaiah 40:29-31ab
He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
30 Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
31 Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles.
Romans 14:17 NASB1995
Joy is the primary emotion of the Kingdom of God
Psalm 51:12a
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation…
When we have God’s joy, we have God’s strength.
Nehemiah. 8:10c
“Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Hebrews 12:2ab
“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…”
Philippians 2:17c-18, 3:1, 4:4
I rejoice and share my joy with you all…. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me…. Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
Having joy is a choice because it’s a gift. It’s a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
The Old Testament Jewish religion was built around 7 great festivals.
Deuteronomy 14:26 NASB1995
Proverbs 17:22 NASB1995
Here is God’s prescription
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
6 Places to find God’s lasting joy.
1. From the Presence of God
Psalms 16:11
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
2. From knowing and believing Jesus’ teaching.
John 15:11
These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
3. When a lost person comes to Christ.
Luke 15:7, 10
I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance…. In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
4. From faithfully serving Jesus
Matthew 25:21
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
Secret to life: Realize that you were not created to make yourself happy, but to enter into His joy.
5. From fellowship with God’s people.
Psalms 122:1
I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
6. From understanding and living out your purpose.
Man’s chief purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Westminster Confession
Your Purpose:
1. To enjoy God. To find great joy and delight in Him.
Your Purpose:
2. To bring glory to God in a way that nothing else can.
God’s greatest glory is His mercy, forgiveness and love which was shown in His redeeming sinners.
Foothills Text Line:
Text PRAYER to 619-375-0805
Text DECISION to 619-375-0805