Joy to the world!
A.Introduction:
Joy to the World, The Lord is come, let earth recieve her King. Let
Every heart prepare him room. And Heaven and Nature Sing, And Heaven
and nature sing, And heaven and heaven and nature Sing!
Joy is such a wonderful emotion- a wonderful thing to feel in our
hearts- Joy! Let's really examine that Joy to the world! Really take
it in and know what it means, this season.
B. Two Questions to ask yourself.
Question 1: What gives us joy this day? For some, the joy of money-
or things it may buy. For others, take joy in power. For some,
career. It seems in today's modern society. So many things may
appear to make us joyful. But, it is a pale imitation.
Question 2: What gives you personally, joy? Material items like
mentioned above. Or something else, something greater, perhaps even
hard to describe or define.
C. The Scriptures say
Paul's words here are encouraging and help us find what real Joy is!
1 Thess 3:9 Thanking God for JOY! We know as much as us Humans fall
Short. Can we thank God enough. I think of the song enter his gates
with thanksgiving in his hearts and his courts with praise. Do we
want to just stop at the gates? yes, we're in...But Full praise and
joy gets us into the courts. I want to experience the fullness that
god has to offer... Not doing it halfway! Not stopping until
fullness experienced. I want to be fully restored as verse 10 says-
my faith has been lacking- fill me O God with JOY! restore me O God!
Search me o God- Direct me- I submit this time to you fully! Any
Blessings that you give , increases and to your glory and your glory
alone!
As I begin this advent season, reflecting on the gifts you give me
so freely and in love. Strengthen me- I want to be Holy, Help me to
understanding and recieve the redemption given. (verse 13)
Conclusion:
As I Look forward to your coming, your return!
He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness. And wonder of his Love, and
wonders of his Love, and Wonders, and wonders, of His Love.
Go al you people, that really hear this- Go thank God for your Joy-
go spread joy to the world! Clerically Blonde in West Ohio
From Timothy, Paul hears about the faithful congregation in
Thessalonica and is moved to express his thanks to God. He prays
that the congregation may grow in love and holiness until "the
coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints."
Paul, the writer of this letter, is anxiously waiting to visit the
church in Thessalonica. He would love to see the faces of the people
intended to be encouraged by his words. In the meantime, Paul
commends their faith, praying that their love will increase and that
they will be strengthened. Paul commends to the Thessalonians the
very things all of us need to travel towards the future, offering
encouragement, gratitude, and a deep love rooted in Christ.
Paul rejoices in the Thessalonian church. Jesus rejoices in His
church.
Paul prays for the Thessalonian church and seeks to restore whatever
may be lacking. Jesus prays for all His people (Hebrews 7:25) and
seeks to restore whatever may be lacking.
Paul wants to come see them. Jesus wants to come join them to Him
and to "all his saints."
As ministers of the Gospel, and as partakers in the Gospel, we are
called to be like Jesus.
JG in WI
In this season many are shopping for presents even though their
hearts' longings will only be fulfilled with the Presence. Notice in
this passage how Paul wants to see the Thessalonians face to face.
Paul wants God to direct his way to these precious people- he
desires their presence! The passage concludes as he reminds everyone
to live holy lives as they await the advent of Christ's presence and
the saints' presence. What do you all make of this?
Tim in Ephrata, PA (as in "And you of Bethlehem of Ephrata are by no
means the least..."
I am in my third Sunday at a new church, and I find myself among a
people who show many outward signs of love. Before the usual
offering, they offer a love offering to one another. Most exchange
warm embraces. (I can only imagine what someone might feel that
experiences this for the first time if that person has a problem
with being held.) Also, I wonder about their ignoring any
deep-seeded hostilities masking them with signs of love. It does not
take long to pick up on strained relationships that exist in most
church families. Laying some of that apprehension aside, I do want
to focus upon their attempt at being a loving people. Sermon title:
"Today's Manger, a Loving Heart." The challenge is to get my flock
to define for themselves the type of love they have for one another.
Is is philia or agape? The loving heart must be more than a
sentimental or feel good moment. It is a heart that sacrifices self
for the other. What better time to offer the challenge? Tennessee
Mack
My sermon title is "Company is coming." When we expect guests we
clean house. Our house is not that dirty but we still go into a
cleaning frenzy. Paul says he is planning to visit this church and
suggests they can improve in three areas: increase in faith, love,
and holiness. After all, Jesus is also coming and most of our lives
could do with a little cleaning up particularly in these three
areas. -- Fred in NC
