Advent Week 3: Three Dimensions of Joy
(Luke 2:10-11; James 1:2; Hebrews 12:2)
(Luke 2:10-11; James 1:2; Hebrews 12:2)
INTRODUCTION:
Today, we will look at THREE DIMENSIONS OF JOY:
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JOY AS A FEELING
JOY AS A FEELING is the Natural Emotional Response To Good News.
Luke 2:10–20 (ESV)
“This joy was not manufactured joy…” – Pastor Billy Johnson
This joy is for all people.
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Joy at the first Christmas:
JOY AS FAITH
JOY AS FAITH IS Joy While the Story Is Still Unfolding
James 1:2–4 (ESV)
2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
“James doesn’t tell the believers to feel joy, he says to count.” – Pastor Billy Johnson
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Joy as Faith Begins with A DECISION in the Trial
You don’t have to respond negatively to whatever is happening to you at the time.
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Joy as Faith Understands the DESIGN FOR the Trial
Have a good attitude today. The circumstances may not necessarily be good.
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Joy as Faith Trust the DESTINY AFTER the Trial –
“Mature, Seasoned and fit for God’s presence.” – Pastor Billy Johnson
God will always outlast you.
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DECLARE IT: I COUNT IT ALL JOY!
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JOY AS FUEL
JOY AS FUEL IS Joy That Carries Us Forward
Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV)
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Joy as fuel moves us to a place of motivation.
JOY
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CONCLUSION
John 15:11 (ESV)
11These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Pastor Kenneth Bryant