THE WONDERFUL LIFE | JOY Sunday Experience November 28

We love that you've joined us this morning for our live Sunday experience with pastor, Josiah Schwartz.

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Message notes by Josiah Schwartz, November 28 2021

’THE WONDERFUL LIFE: JOY’

“The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

WHAT ULTIMATELY MATTERS IS THIS: WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF OUR JOY THIS SEASON?

When we look for joy in our traditions rather through our traditions, joy short circuits. Looking for joy in the Christmas trappings and traditions is like opening a beautifully wrapped package with a tag that says “joy inside”, only to find the box empty. That’s because our Christmas traditions shouldn’t house joy as much as they should point to joy. If we want our joy voids filled, we must look less at Christmas and more through Christmas to where indestructible, unspeakable joy really is. - John Piper
JOY REVEALED
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.” Luke 2:8-20

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Price of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity.” Isaiah 9:6-7

GREAT JOY FOR ALL PEOPLE! THAT’S WHAT THE GOSPEL IS…

JOY OF FORGIVENESS
CHRISTMAS MEANS NOTHING WITHOUT GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER.
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty. When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” Psalm 32:1-5

THE JOY OF REMAINING
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:9-11

TRUE JOY IS FOUND IN ONE PLACE IN THE MESSIAH WHO FORGIVES AND SAVES AND IN RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.