Celebrating Life: Finding Jesus in Our Joys
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the theme of finding Jesus in the celebrations of life, particularly in the context of parties and festivities. We began by reflecting on the joy and upliftment that parties bring, recognizing that while our lives are not made up of constant celebrations, these moments do mark us. However, we also acknowledged the everyday struggles we face, such as work, school, and health issues, which can sometimes overshadow our ability to enjoy these festive moments.
We delved into the idea that Jesus is present with us not only in our times of need but also in our times of joy and celebration. I shared personal anecdotes about how I've shifted from listening to music to listening to sermons and podcasts during my daily commute, transforming what could be mundane drives into enriching spiritual experiences.
We discussed the importance of inviting Jesus into our celebrations and ensuring that He is at the center of our gatherings. I emphasized that our gratitude and thanksgiving should be the foundation of our celebrations, as we recognize the blessings we have received. We also touched on the concept of stewardship, understanding that all we have comes from God and that we are called to use our resources to help those around us.
I shared the story of our church's involvement in drilling a well in Africa and our food bank program, highlighting our commitment to helping others as an expression of our stewardship. We then moved on to the importance of living with integrity, especially during times of prosperity, ensuring that our actions and decisions reflect our faith in God.
We revisited the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, as recorded in John 2:1-12, to illustrate how Jesus transformed a potential social disaster into a moment of celebration. This miracle was not just about the wine but about Jesus revealing His glory and His disciples believing in Him.
Finally, we looked forward to the ultimate celebration in heaven, where we will be united with our Maker in eternal joy. I concluded with a reminder that Jesus has overcome death, and because of His resurrection, we have a reason to celebrate every day.
Key Takeaways:
- Gratitude is the gateway to experiencing Jesus in our celebrations. When we cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, we open ourselves to the joy that Christ brings into our lives, even in the simplest of moments. This gratitude is not just for the blessings we can see but also for the unseen ways in which God sustains us daily. [14:20]
- Stewardship is a reflection of our understanding that all we have is from God. When we view our resources as tools for serving others, we align ourselves with God's purposes. Our church's history of helping others, from drilling wells to providing food cards, is a testament to this principle in action. [20:53]
- Integrity in times of abundance is as crucial as faithfulness in times of need. Living with integrity means that our relationship with God is consistent, regardless of our circumstances. It's about being true to our faith and values, not just when we need something from God, but also when we are experiencing blessings. [21:41]
- Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana was a sign of His glory and a reminder that He is present in our moments of celebration. By inviting Jesus into our parties and festivities, we acknowledge His role in our lives and the joy He brings to every occasion. [11:31]
- The ultimate celebration awaits us in heaven, where we will be in perfect communion with God. This hope should inspire us to live joyfully and expectantly, knowing that every moment on earth can be a reflection of the eternal party that is to come. [29:30]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 2:1-12 (NIV)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the setting of Jesus' first miracle, and what did He do? (John 2:1-12)
2. How did Jesus' mother, Mary, respond to the situation when the wine ran out? (John 2:3-5)
3. What was the reaction of the master of the banquet after tasting the water turned into wine? (John 2:9-10)
4. According to the sermon, how often was Jesus invited to parties and gatherings in the Gospels? [04:56]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose a wedding celebration for His first miracle? What significance does this setting have? (John 2:1-12)
2. How does the miracle of turning water into wine reveal Jesus' glory and lead His disciples to believe in Him? (John 2:11)
3. The sermon mentioned that Jesus is present in our celebrations. How does this understanding change the way we view our own gatherings and festivities? [02:11]
4. What does the story of Jesus turning water into wine teach us about His concern for our everyday joys and needs? [10:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent celebration or gathering you attended. How did you or could you have invited Jesus into that moment? [12:11]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of gratitude. What are three specific blessings in your life that you can thank God for today? How can you make gratitude a daily practice? [14:20]
3. Stewardship was highlighted as a key takeaway. How can you use your resources to help those around you this week? Are there specific needs in your community or church that you can address? [20:53]
4. Integrity in times of abundance is crucial. How can you ensure that your actions and decisions reflect your faith, especially when things are going well? [21:41]
5. Think about the ultimate celebration in heaven mentioned in the sermon. How does this hope influence the way you live your life now? What changes can you make to live more joyfully and expectantly? [29:30]
6. The sermon shared personal anecdotes about transforming mundane moments into spiritual experiences. What is one routine activity in your life that you can turn into a time of spiritual enrichment? [02:49]
7. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and stewardship in your family or small group? What practical steps can you take together to live out these principles? [14:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Cultivating a Heart of Thanksgiving
Gratitude is not merely a response to what we can see; it is an acknowledgment of the constant, unseen ways in which we are sustained. It is the recognition that every breath, every moment of joy, and every celebration is a gift. This heart of thanksgiving opens the door to experiencing the fullness of joy that Christ offers, even in the simplest of moments. It is a practice that transforms our perspective, allowing us to see the fingerprints of Jesus in every part of our lives, including our celebrations. By cultivating a grateful heart, we become more aware of the blessings that surround us and are better equipped to share that joy with others. [14:20]
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Reflection: What is one simple blessing you have overlooked recently, and how can you express gratitude for it today?
Day 2: Stewardship as Divine Partnership
Stewardship is the profound understanding that everything we possess is a trust from God. It is not about ownership but about partnership with the Divine in managing the resources we have been given. This principle calls us to use our blessings, such as time, talents, and treasures, to serve others and advance God's kingdom. The church's history of drilling wells and providing food cards is a practical expression of this stewardship. It is a reminder that our celebrations and resources are opportunities to demonstrate God's love and provision to a world in need. [20:53]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10
Reflection: How can you use a personal resource or talent this week to bless someone else in your community?
Day 3: Integrity in Prosperity
Integrity in times of abundance is a testament to a steadfast faith. It is about maintaining a consistent relationship with God, not swayed by the ebb and flow of life's circumstances. This integrity ensures that our actions and decisions align with our faith, reflecting our values in every season of life. Whether in need or in prosperity, our lives should be a continuous reflection of our commitment to God, demonstrating that our trust in Him does not waver. [21:41]
"Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways." - Proverbs 28:6
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you can better demonstrate integrity, especially in a time of blessing or abundance?
Day 4: Jesus in Our Celebrations
Jesus' presence in our celebrations is a reminder of His desire to be involved in every aspect of our lives. The miracle at the wedding in Cana was not just about providing wine; it was a demonstration of Jesus' glory and an invitation to see Him in our moments of joy. By consciously inviting Jesus into our parties and festivities, we acknowledge His role in our lives and the deeper joy He brings to every occasion. This practice helps us to remember that every celebration is an opportunity to experience and share the love of Christ. [11:31]
"And Jesus said to them, 'The wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.'" - Mark 2:19
Reflection: What is one way you can invite Jesus into an upcoming celebration or joyful event in your life?
Day 5: Anticipating the Eternal Celebration
The hope of the ultimate celebration in heaven inspires us to live with joy and expectation. It is a reminder that our time on earth is a prelude to the eternal joy that awaits us in perfect communion with God. This anticipation encourages us to view every moment as an opportunity to reflect the kingdom of heaven, to live in a way that honors God, and to spread the joy of His presence. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of this hope, assuring us that death is overcome and that every day is a reason to celebrate. [29:30]
"But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.'" - 1 Corinthians 2:9
Reflection: How can the hope of heaven shape the way you approach your daily activities and interactions with others?
Quotes
"Parties have a way of making us feel better, right? You enjoy it when you get invited into somebody's place, somebody's house, and you see them and you have other friends, and it's a gathering where everyone is technically happy. These moments many times mark us throughout life. But we also know that our lives are not made of parties, right? Because I haven't spoken to anyone in my entire life that says, 'You know what, I go to one party a week at least.'" [00:42]
"Have you ever thought that Jesus was there at the party with you? Have you ever thought that? Because we know, right, when we're depressed, when we're in a hotel room in a corner dark room, when you're contemplating evil thoughts, you know that Christ is with you and he's saying, 'Don't do this. I love you. I care for you.'" [02:49]
"Jesus was constantly invited to parties and these are the accounts that were written because something extraordinary happened. I'm just thinking of all the other times that he was invited to parties that actually nothing extraordinary happened, but he was there. He was there having a good time with his disciples and with the people that invited him." [05:32]
"Jesus transformed something that would have been completely awful for this couple. They would have been shunned from society, they would have been ridiculed for the rest of their lives... Jesus steps in and John here actually says that this was the first sign... transforming water into wine. So we know that in this setting, Jesus got invited to a party and he changed the outcome of this party." [10:20]
"We get so involved in the political landscape, we get so involved in our work, we get so involved in our finances, we get so involved in school, we get so involved in our families, we get so involved in everyday problems that many times we fail to recognize what Christ has done for you and for me surpasses all of this." [12:54]
"God says, 'I know what's best for you.' But, 'I want this.' 'I know that if you do this, you will be blessed beyond your comprehension.' But, 'I want this.' And we're stuck on that, and we're basically almost wanting to force God to do that which we want him to do. And then when the outcome doesn't turn out the way we expected, guess what, guess who's to blame? Not us, right?" [13:40]
"When we cultivate a heart of gratitude and acknowledging God's blessing in your life... count your blessings, count them one by one... If you were to sit down now with a blank sheet of paper and start writing all the blessings that God has given you, how long would it take?" [14:20]
"Recognize that all you have comes from God... When we recognize that everything we have comes from God, we know that we ought to be good stewards of what he has given us. God did not give you possessions and wealth for you to hoard it away, save it for a rainy day. Who are you trusting, God or your funds?" [18:20]
"Let your actions and decisions reflect your faith in God even when things are going well. As a pastor, I can honestly tell you, 99.9999999% of the time, people reach out to the pastor is because they're having a problem. I need help, pray for me, I need this, I need that. I don't think someone has ever said, 'You know what, my life is going so good, everything is going so well, I just wanted to let you know, thanks Pastor.'" [21:41]
"There will be a celebration in heaven, one that we cannot imagine. Let's start acting like that now. We have the assurance of eternal life, we have the knowledge that he died for all of our sins, he rose again on the third day, he ascended into heaven, and he's sitting at the right hand of God. Because of that, we know that we will be together and we will celebrate." [29:30]
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