“What’s There to Rejoice In?”

Dec.11, 2011 Is.61:6-11/various   Play AUDIO (32 kbps mp3)

WHO LET THE JOY-AIR OUT OF THE CHURCH’S BALLOON?

•    joy a mark of Christian faith
•    yet some seem to have forgotten

JOY - IN GOD

•    God “my joy and my delight”
•    His character
•    rejoice in God’s name, goodness, love, faithfulness
•    In His Presence
•    joy in seeing God’s face / in His dwelling place
•    glad only when & as we see the Lord
•    tell King is at home because castle is lit up
•    Immanent in the Messiah
•    God coming to ‘live among you’
•    In communion / connection
•    Jesus ‘lives in me’
•    joy in God’s house of prayer
•    Holy Spirit’s fruit
•    J-0-Y: nothing in between

REJOICING IN SALVATION - DELIVERANCE - PROTECTION

•    deliverance from barrenness; from enemies; from sins
•    On a Personal level
•    Protection
•    Provides
•    Restores
•    Comforts
•    Redeemed

DELIGHT IN GOD’S TEACHING

•    exiles rejoiced that nation being restored based on God’s laws
•    amputee: happiness from Bible’s ‘medicine’

GLAD IN OUR PORTION

•    names written in heaven: hope despite confiscation of property
•    seaside holiday far better than making mud pies
•    Answered prayer

REJOICE IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

•    be joyful always - even when agriculture fails
•    ‘pure joy’ when face trials?
•    Even When Suffering
•    Thessalonians generous and joyful despite severe suffering
•    James Guthrie - able to rejoice even on day of execution

SING AND SHOUT IT!

•    joy finds expression vocally: ‘make music in your heart to the Lord’
•    Haydn’s ‘allegro’ Miserere result of a cheerful heart
•    Expression important
•    expression completes one’s joy
•    holy joy beautifies, gives influence