Joy in Christ: Embracing Salvation and Worship

 

Summary

The sermon delivered on Sunday, 12.17.2023, at 11:00 AM Live, focused on the theme of joy and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. The pastor began by welcoming the congregation and highlighting the significance of joy that comes from the Lord, as expressed in Psalm 96. The sermon then transitioned to the topic of God's redemptive work, emphasizing that salvation was accomplished through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. The congregation was invited to partake in communion, reflecting on the symbolism of the bread and cup as Jesus' body and God's wrath, respectively.

The pastor reiterated the joy and trust found in Jesus as the Savior, encouraging believers to live for God's glory and to anticipate the joy of salvation and meeting the King face to face. The sermon also touched on the prophets of God, the 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments, and the role of John the Baptist in preparing the way for Jesus. The pastor explained that John's baptism was symbolic, preparing people for the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

The pastor discussed how Christians can be radically different from the world by viewing authority as a responsibility, seeing everything as a grace gift from God, and maintaining a positive attitude without complaining or arguing. The sermon highlighted the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3, which foretold the coming of a rescuer, and emphasized Jesus' first coming as a crucified lamb and the promise of His second coming in glory and judgment.

The pastor assured believers that their sins are forgiven through Jesus, the lamb of God, and encouraged them to prepare their hearts for His arrival. The sermon also addressed the pressure to define oneself and the freedom found in pointing to Jesus rather than seeking personal glory. The pastor used the analogy of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" to illustrate the hope that Jesus brings, comparing it to the hope the children brought to Narnia.

The sermon concluded with a celebration of joy in the house of the Lord, inviting the congregation to sing and rejoice in God's presence. The pastor emphasized the role of music in worship, its ability to connect people with God, and the importance of engaging in worship through music with authenticity and unity.

Key Takeaways:

- True joy is found exclusively in the relationship with Jesus Christ, as it is a profound and lasting joy that transcends circumstances. This joy is rooted in the salvation and eternal life that Jesus offers, and it is a central theme of the Christian faith. The pastor's emphasis on joy serves as a reminder that believers should cultivate a heart of worship and gratitude, regardless of life's challenges. [09:22]

- The significance of communion lies in the profound symbolism of the bread and cup, representing Jesus' body given for us and the wrath of God that He bore on our behalf. This sacrament is a powerful reminder of the cost of our redemption and the depth of God's love for humanity. As believers partake in communion, they are called to remember the sacrifice of Jesus and the grace that flows from His act of atonement. [01:09:39]

- The life and ministry of John the Baptist serve as a model of humility and purpose. His focus on repentance, belief in Jesus, and turning away from sin sets an example for believers to follow. John's identity was not in his actions but in his relationship with Jesus, teaching us that our worth is found in Christ alone, not in our achievements or status. [43:48]

- The transformative power of Jesus' first coming and the anticipation of His second coming shape the Christian worldview. The first coming brought forgiveness and reconciliation, while the second coming promises justice and the restoration of all things. This dual aspect of Jesus' mission offers both comfort and a sobering reminder of the future judgment, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. [01:01:08]

- Music plays a vital role in worship, serving as a conduit for expressing adoration and unity among believers. The pastor's focus on the importance of music in worship challenges the congregation to engage wholeheartedly in praising God, selecting songs that reflect biblical truths, and fostering an atmosphere of genuine encounter with the Divine. Music is not just an accessory to worship but a powerful medium that can touch hearts and transform lives. [01:19:49]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 96:11-13 - "Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness."
2. John 1:29-34 - "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, "After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me." I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.' And John bore witness: 'I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, "He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit." And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.'"
3. Isaiah 40:3-5 - "A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 96:11-13 say about the response of creation to the coming of the Lord?
2. In John 1:29-34, what does John the Baptist declare about Jesus when he sees Him approaching?
3. According to Isaiah 40:3-5, what is the role of the voice crying in the wilderness, and what will be revealed?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the joy described in Psalm 96 relate to the joy found in Jesus Christ as discussed in the sermon? [08:42]
2. What is the significance of John the Baptist referring to Jesus as "the Lamb of God" in John 1:29-34? How does this title connect to the theme of sacrifice and redemption? [48:43]
3. How does Isaiah 40:3-5's prophecy about preparing the way for the Lord relate to John the Baptist's ministry and the coming of Jesus? [38:42]

#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized finding true joy in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your relationship with Jesus influence your response to that challenge? [08:42]
2. Communion was highlighted as a profound reminder of Jesus' sacrifice. How can you prepare your heart and mind to partake in communion more meaningfully in the future? [01:09:39]
3. John the Baptist's life was marked by humility and purpose. In what ways can you model humility in your daily interactions, especially when faced with criticism or misunderstanding? [43:43]
4. The sermon discussed the transformative power of Jesus' first coming and the anticipation of His second coming. How does this dual aspect of Jesus' mission shape your daily life and decisions? [01:01:08]
5. Music was described as a vital part of worship. How can you engage more authentically in musical worship, both personally and corporately, to connect with God and foster unity among believers? [01:19:49]
6. The sermon mentioned the pressure to define oneself and the freedom found in pointing to Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you feel pressured to seek personal glory? How can you shift your focus to glorify Jesus instead? [46:13]
7. Reflect on the analogy of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" used in the sermon. How can you bring hope to your community, similar to how the children brought hope to Narnia? [22:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Joy Rooted in Divine Salvation
True joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a gift that comes from a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. This joy is anchored in the salvation and eternal life that He provides, and it is a joy that persists through all of life's ups and downs. It is a joy that compels believers to worship and give thanks continually. [09:22]

1 Peter 1:8-9 - "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Reflection: How does the joy of your salvation shape your daily attitude and interactions with others?

Day 2: Communion as a Reflection of Sacrifice
Communion is a sacred act that symbolizes the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The bread and the cup serve as reminders of His body given and the wrath of God that He endured for our redemption. This sacrament calls believers to a place of deep reflection and gratitude for the unmeasurable love and grace bestowed upon humanity. [01:09:39]

1 Corinthians 11:26 - "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
Reflection: When you take communion, what aspects of Christ's sacrifice are most meaningful to you, and how do they influence your life?

Day 3: Identity Found in Christ Alone
John the Baptist exemplified a life of humility and purpose, pointing others to Jesus rather than seeking his own glory. His ministry reminds believers that their true identity and worth are found in their relationship with Christ, not in personal achievements or societal status. This understanding frees individuals from the pressure of self-definition and aligns them with their divine purpose. [43:48]

John 3:30 - "He must become greater; I must become less."
Reflection: In what ways might you be seeking affirmation from the world, and how can you shift your focus to find your identity in Christ?

Day 4: Living in Light of Christ's Return
The first coming of Jesus brought forgiveness and reconciliation, while His promised second coming brings hope for justice and the restoration of all things. This dual aspect of Jesus' mission inspires believers to live lives that reflect the gospel, in anticipation of His return. It is a call to live with purpose, knowing that the future holds both comfort and accountability. [01:01:08]

Titus 2:13 - "While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does the anticipation of Jesus' second coming influence your priorities and actions today?

Day 5: Worship Through Music as a Unifying Force
Music in worship is not merely an addition to the service but a powerful expression of faith that unites believers and connects them to God. It is a medium through which individuals can authentically praise and encounter the Divine. The selection of songs and the heart posture of worshippers are crucial in cultivating a genuine atmosphere of worship. [01:19:49]

Ephesians 5:19 - "Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord."
Reflection: What role does music play in your personal worship, and how can you engage more deeply with God through music?

Quotes

"Every single person has some level of power and if you began to view that authority not as your rights and not as your reward, but instead as a responsibility that you're actually stewarding God's authority and you begin to leverage your power not for the glory but in service to others in laying down your life to help others to love others, people are going to look at you and they're going to say who are you." [37:07] (Download)

"If you reorient all of your life to establish the fact that everything you have is a blood-bought grace gift from God and you begin to use all that you have, all of your resources to bring him glory and to point other people to him and to see the gospel advance in our world, people are going to say who are you." [37:07] (Download)

"Paul says from a jail cell to the Philippians he says do everything without complaining and arguing... and when everyone around you is grumbling about everyone else around you and arguing with everyone else around them and you refuse to participate in that, people are going to say who are you." [38:27] (Download)

"There's actually freedom in realizing that you don't have to be the Savior of the world. There's freedom in recognizing that the world doesn't revolve around you. There is one who is greater and it's not any of us." [46:28] (Download)

"Christians, we're door holders, right? We're door holders probably even number three or four or eight million right. We just get to be door holders; we're not the main character, it's not about us, but we just humbly and patiently and joyfully hold the door so that people might love Jesus." [47:48] (Download)

"And God, you take what even evil men mean for evil and use it for your good, and so at the cross you accomplish salvation for all who would believe." [01:05:09] (Download)

"On the night that Jesus was betrayed, he gathered his disciples in the upper room and he gave them a sign, a tangible way to remember what it is that he was about to do, that we now know he did but also a reminder of what he was going to do." [01:08:14] (Download)

"Jesus took the bread representing his body which was torn for us and he said when he had given thanks, 'This is my body which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.'" [01:09:39] (Download)

"Because of the joy set before him when he endured the cross in the salvation of believers being brought to him, it is amazing to know that we can have joy now found only in Jesus." [07:52] (Download)

"If you start living a radically transformed life according to the gospel of Jesus Christ, people are going to ask you that question: 'Who are you?' When you refuse to be conformed to the pattern of this world and you live in response to Christ and His love and what He's done, people are going to look at you and say, 'Who are you?'" [35:47] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?