Category: Joy

John had an important and urgent message to share with the elect lady and her children. As such, he wrote this short epistle to warn of the deceivers who would lead them to forfeit their reward.

However, in the final few lines of his letter, he wrote of a preference to communicate with them “face to face.” Letters could not adequately express either his love for them, or the urgency of his warnings.

Each of us know the truth of Paul’s words. We read fondly the letters of love and devotion sent my family and friends. However, our “joy” is full when we see them in the flesh.

Too, the electronic correspondence of our generation is a pale facsimile of personal communication. “LOL” is an inadequate imitation of the laughter and love we share when we are together. Speaking “face to face” is the better way.

In John’s opening words, he affirmed himself to be an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ, and that His resurrection is the basis of his readers’ standing with God. As Paul wrote, the gospel is “the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16).

In verse 4 he states, “And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” Actually, manuscript authorities differ on whether the word is “our” or “your.”

If “our”, the apostle would have reference either to himself (as he used the editorial “we” to begin the epistle (cf. vs. 1), or to the common joy both he and the readers would experience through the reality of their fellowship in Christ. If “your”, the meaning would be the same, but directed to his readers alone.

Regardless, our contemplation of the redemptive acts of Jesus brings great joy to our lives as Christians. Because we believe in Him, we have fellowship together, and the hope of heaven. There is no greater source of joy available to us!

Here’s a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don’t worry … be happy.
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don’t worry … be happy.

Bobby McFerrin

The song has a catchy tune, and with certain caveats, properly expresses the attitude that Christians should exhibit toward their lives here on earth. Notice the following passages:

Continue reading “Don’t Worry … Be Happy!” →

The last several weeks have been pretty hectic in our congregation. May is the month for graduations, and we have had our share with graduations from high school, college, law school, etc. both members, and family members of those who are members at West Side.

In this same period some have been grieving the loss of loved ones, and others are feeling the ravages of disease and sickness. Weddings, funerals, moves, trips, pregnancies, the list is long and the effect is a bit unsettling. Even good times can be a bit disruptive or at least distracting.

Two things to remember:

1. The importance of empathy among the brethren. Among other admonitions to the Christians in Rome, Paul wrote, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another” (Romans 12:15-16a).
2. The importance of keeping our priorities in the right place. As we live day by day we can become distracted with the common events of a busy life. Let us remember why we are here! “Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Invitation delivered by: Josh Jackson

Josh expresses the importance of having and showing a correct attitude in the Christian life. We are to rejoice, even amid tribulation. The point is made that such an attitude is a matter of choice or will.

Audio

Speaker: Dennis Craig

Certain responsibilites and privileges follow one who becomes a Christian. The sermon discusses these things that follow becoming a child of God:

• Rejoice for Salvation
• Be Holy
• Study God’s Word
• Pray to God
• Assemble with the Saints
• Pepare for the Future

Audio

While the world can offer a momentary happiness, true and lasting joy comes only to one who has the hope of eternal life. It is dependent upon a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

The Apostle Paul in dire conditions or in times of abundance, depended upon Jesus Christ, his Savior, for comfort and fulfillment. This is evident from a textual study of Philippians 4, and gives us a wonderful lesson as application.

Audio

The wise man of the book of Ecclesiastes describes the despair of a life lived without God, the best way to be content while living upon the earth, and his final conclusion concerning the best way to live your life, for God (Ecclesiastes 12:9-13).

Audio

Walking in the light of God’s will reaps great benefits, including: Fellowship with other Christians, access to the cleansing blood of Christ, joy and exaltation and the assurance we will never stumble (cf. 1 John 1:7).

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Using the example of the Philippian Jailor’s conversion, Stan points out the joy that we obtain when we are obedient to the gospel (cf. Acts 16:30-33)

Audio

The following is a poem written by Tracy Gallman. Sister Gallman prepared the children’s curriculum for our recent Family Bible Study Week. The poem appeared in that material. I commend it to you!

The Path
“Walking in Sunlight”

There is a Path we are called to walk on;
By faith and not by sight.
A path where Jesus is
A Path that reveals His light.

His light will guide you and teach you
About His love and care,
The Path will never be lonely
As long as Jesus is there.

The Path may at times become rocky
And full of weeds, but…
Don’t lean on your own understanding –
Look to Jesus – Trust Him –
And with new eyes you will see
The path that Jesus sees.

Jesus calls all who hear
To follow Him along their way,
He promises to guide, guard and Save you
If in His Path you will stay.

Tracy Gallman

My family had a wonderful day yesterday (and the Davis family did as well, I trust). I am so proud for Josh and Rachel, and I sincerely believe that they will have a long and happy life together.

I am thankful for my children, and for my family, and for my brethren in Christ. Things were very hectic at the wedding, and the reception following, and I didn’t get an opportunity to thank those who were able to come.

The apostle Paul wrote, “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26).

We certainly had cause to rejoice yesterday. And, we are so grateful that our brethren were there to rejoice with us!

I am going to include in this post all of the sermons preached by brother Keith Greer in our recent meeting, November 7-12, 2009.

The Perils of Postponement (Saturday)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Rise Above Minimal Service (Sunday Class)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Prayerlessness (Sunday AM)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Uncompromising Faith (Sunday PM)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Will God Bless America? (Monday)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Sorry, did not record.

Same Principles in Every Age (Tuesday)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Keys to Joy (Wednesday AM)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Gratitude (Wednesday PM)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

God Said, But… (Thursday)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Brother Greer did a fine job this past week, and I commend each of these lessons to you!

The Christian should have joy in his life. Not the type of happiness that is dependent upon outward circumstances, but the true joy that comes from a right relationship with the Lord.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .