Pastor MarkSchwarzbauer

PhD

Choosing Your

Destiny of Joy got joy?

CONTINUING MISSION DIRECTIVE

Invite Friends over tonight & Watch Part 6A.D. TheBibleContinues

8 PMNBC 26

I Thessalonians 5:12-22

16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I Thessalonians 5:12-22

19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecies. 21Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil.

Part One: The Need

for Joy

The need for joy1.Depression2.Discouragement3.Hardships of life4.Consequences of life5.Realities of loss

Proverbs 15:13A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 17:22

A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Deuteronomy 28:47

“Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48“therefore you shall serve your enemies…”

Deuteronomy 28:48a

“Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything,

48“therefore you shall serve your enemies…”

Focus On Abundance Not Loss

Romans 14:17“17for the kingdom of

God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Nehemiah 8:10b

“…the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Part Two: The

Searchfor Joy

We need joy and

crave joy

The world’s search for joy. • TV sitcoms

• Comedy clubs• Humorous music and videos• Joke books• Funny greeting cards• Practical jokes.

Clean vs. Lewd Humor

Eph. 5:4 “It's not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks [to God].”

We are really

searching for God’s gift of joy

Part Three: The

Choice for Joy

God’s gift of joy in the

fruit of the Holy Spirit

We Develop Joy by Choice

James 1:1-3 “ James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:

We Develop Joy by Choice

James 1:1-3 2My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

(Choose For Yourself)

We Develop Joy by Choice

Isaiah 61:3 “ To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;”

(Give Joy to Others)

We Develop Joy by Connecting with God’s Presence in Prayer and

WorshipRomans 15:1313 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We Develop Joy by Connecting with God’s Presence in Prayer and

WorshipPsalm 16:11 “You will

show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

We Develop Joy by Reading, Meditating and Memorizing the

Word of God.John 15:11 “These

things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

We Develop Joy in Repentance

Psalm 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”

When the bridge is closed