Embracing Joy: A Journey to Mount Zion

This morning, gratitude fills our hearts as we reflect on God’s faithfulness—sustaining us through another year, another season, and another week. We pause to thank God for the gift of life, for the gift of eternal life, and for the privilege of journeying together as a church family. We remember those in need: our nation, the world, and especially those suffering from recent storms in Texas. We pray for comfort, peace, and wisdom for all who lead and serve, and for God’s Spirit to fill our gathering, transforming it from a mere social event into a true encounter with the living God.

Today marks a special anniversary for our church, a year since we began this journey together. We recognize that God, not we ourselves, chooses our shepherds, and we give thanks for the ministry and faithfulness we share. Ministry is not always easy, but God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and together we press on, supporting one another in love and service.

We continue our journey “to the mountain,” a spiritual metaphor for drawing closer to God. Scripture reminds us that while there are many “mountains” in the world—institutions, powers, and distractions—the mountain of the Lord stands above them all. We are invited not to a mountain of fear, like Sinai, but to Mount Zion, the city of the living God—a mountain of joy. Unlike Sinai, which was marked by trembling and terror, Zion is marked by joy, welcome, and the presence of innumerable angels. Our relationship with God is not based on fear, but on the joy and freedom found in Christ.

Yet, life’s demands and distractions can choke out our joy and distance us from God. We are reminded that true, lasting fulfillment does not come from obligation or achievement, but from the joy that flows from God’s presence. This joy is not automatic; it must be chosen, sought, and protected. We are not alone on this journey—God surrounds us with a great company of angels and the faithful who have gone before us. We are refreshed and renewed as we serve others, following the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. As we gather at the Lord’s table, we remember the new covenant of joy, and we are sent out to be people of joy in the world, trading fear for the fullness of God’s joy.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Mountain of Joy, Not Fear: God invites us to ascend not the mountain of trembling and terror, but Mount Zion—the city of the living God, where joy, not fear, is the defining atmosphere. Our relationship with God is no longer mediated by fear of judgment, but by the joy and freedom found in Christ’s finished work. This shift from Sinai to Zion is foundational for how we approach God and live out our faith. [29:40]
• 2. Guarding and Choosing Joy: Joy is not a passive feeling that simply happens to us; it is a spiritual discipline that must be chosen, sought, and protected. The pressures and distractions of life can easily choke out our joy, but we are called to return again and again to the source—God’s presence—where true joy is found. Lasting impact and endurance in life flow from this wellspring of joy, not from mere obligation or routine. [35:29]
• 3. Welcoming the Great Company: We are never alone on our journey. God surrounds us with a “great company”—the angels, the saints who have gone before, and the faithful community around us. This divine support system is a source of strength and encouragement, reminding us that even in moments of loneliness or discouragement, we are upheld by God’s presence and the prayers of others. [43:50]
• 4. Serving as a Pathway to Joy: True joy is found not in self-absorption, but in serving others. Jesus modeled this for us, teaching that refreshment and fulfillment come as we pour ourselves out for the sake of God’s kingdom. When we serve—whether in the church, our families, or our communities—we are renewed and our hearts are filled with the joy of the Lord. [48:30]
• 5. Living as People of Joy in the World: As we go out from worship, we are called to carry the joy of the Lord into every sphere of life—our homes, workplaces, and communities. We trade the fear and heaviness of the world for the fullness of God’s joy, becoming “kings of joy” who reflect God’s presence wherever we go. This is both our calling and our witness in a world that desperately needs hope and light. [82:12]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:10] - Opening Prayer and Thanksgiving
• [04:30] - Prayers for the Nation and the World
• [07:45] - Prayers for Storm Victims and Responders
• [10:50] - Prayers for Church Family and Travelers
• [14:00] - Anniversary Reflections and Gratitude
• [18:52] - The Gift and Challenge of Ministry
• [24:28] - Journey to the Mountain: Series Recap
• [29:40] - From Sinai to Zion: The Mountain of Joy
• [35:29] - The Challenge of Sustaining Joy
• [43:50] - Welcoming the Great Company
• [48:30] - Refreshment Through Serving
• [58:03] - Communion: The New Covenant of Joy
• [67:08] - Announcements and Fellowship
• [77:18] - Offering and Prayer
• [82:12] - Benediction: Sent as People of Joy
• [83:47] - Closing and Fellowship Time

Bible Reading

Hebrews 12:18-24 (ESV) — > For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”
> But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Isaiah 61:3 (ESV) — > ...to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

Mark 10:45 (ESV) — > For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 12:18-24, what are the main differences between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion? What is the atmosphere or feeling described at each mountain?
2. In Isaiah 61:3, what does God promise to give to those who mourn in Zion? What do these images (oil of gladness, garment of praise) suggest about God’s heart for his people?
3. In Mark 10:45, what does Jesus say about his own purpose in coming to earth? How does this connect to the idea of joy through serving? [48:30]
4. The sermon describes the “mountain of the Lord” as being above all other “mountains” or institutions in the world. What are some of these other “mountains” mentioned? [24:28]

Interpretation Questions

1. The writer of Hebrews says we have not come to a mountain of fear, but to a mountain of joy. What does it mean for our relationship with God to be based on joy and freedom rather than fear? How might this change the way we approach God? [29:40]
2. The sermon says that joy is not automatic, but must be chosen, sought, and protected. Why do you think joy can be so easily choked out by life’s pressures and distractions? What does it look like to “guard” your joy? [35:29]
3. The “great company” mentioned in Hebrews 12 and the sermon includes angels, saints, and the faithful community. How does knowing you are surrounded by this “support system” affect your sense of belonging or encouragement in your faith journey? [43:50]
4. Jesus models joy through serving others (Mark 10:45). Why do you think serving others can actually refresh and renew us, rather than just drain us? [48:30]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to “trade fear for the fullness of God’s joy.” Is there a specific area in your life where fear or anxiety is holding you back from experiencing God’s joy? What would it look like to bring that area to God this week? [01:22:12]
2. Joy is described as a spiritual discipline that must be chosen and protected. What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally seek or guard your joy, especially when life feels overwhelming? [35:29]
3. The “mountain of the Lord” stands above all other “mountains” (like work, family, entertainment, etc.). Is there a “mountain” in your life that is competing for your attention or devotion? How can you re-center your focus on God’s presence? [24:28]
4. The sermon says we are never alone, but surrounded by a “great company.” When have you felt alone in your faith journey? How can you remind yourself of God’s presence and the support of others when you feel isolated? [43:50]
5. Serving others is described as a pathway to joy. Is there a specific way you can serve someone in your church, family, or community this week? How might this act of service refresh your own heart? [48:30]
6. As people of joy, we are sent out to bring hope and light into the world. What is one place (work, home, neighborhood) where you feel called to bring God’s joy this week? What might that look like in action? [01:22:12]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of gratitude and remembering God’s faithfulness. What is one thing you are grateful for from the past year, and how can you express that gratitude to God or others this week? [14:00]