JOY

A. “I bring you Good News”

B. Thus si the word we get our word Evangelize from.

—  Even though the gospel us the best of news,  it may be the news we share the least.

—  It is our responsibility to share this news that they need the most.

—  John 3:16 is really all you need to share the good news.

A. Good news of GREAT JOY. Joy brings happiness,  but they aren’t the same thing.  Happiness comes a d goes with circumstances,  but joy is constant.

—  Lk 1:41-44. This was significant.  Infants move during gestation all the time,  but thus was different.

—  Lk 1:15.

—  Acts 1:8.

—  Ephesians 5:18-19. 

B. Do you have joy,  or happiness. Joy is an attitude.

A. Philippians 4:4. 

—  It’s the word always that trips us up. There are few perfect 10 days. Life can be harsh,  can’t it?

—  Understand it:  Happiness is an emotion,  but Joy is a choice. It’s predicated on our attitude. We must cultivate it.

A. 1 Thessalonians 5:18. 

—  We don’t have to give thanks FOR everything,  but we do need to give thanks IN everything.

—  Psychologists and Nerologists say this attitude of gratitude is the most powerful thing for healthy living and contentment.

—  The Scriptures tell us to LEAD our hearts,  not to FOLLOW our heart. We hear that all the time,  but it’s wrong.

B. Psalm 28:7. 

2. Attitude of giving.

A. 2 Corinthians 9:7.

—  We are most like God when we cheerfully give.

—  Christmas is a reflection of God’s cheerful and loving gift to us.

B.  Acts 20:35. 

—  Cheerful giving just set God on fire in our lives.

—  Our problem is the word SELF.  We are never satisfied,  no matter what toys we’ve got.

—  Rick Warren,  author of “The purpose drive life”  gives 92% of his income. He could have bought a literal island,  but his joy is giving….  And God blesses Rick Warren with joy.

C. Mark 8:35.

3. Attitude of gospel sharing.

A. Lk 2:11. 

B. Lk 15:10. 

A. Lk 2:10c. 

— ” which will be for all people.”