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Enter the Joy of Your Lord!
Article by StaffMany joys of this life are fleeting, bringing only momentary pleasures that fade quickly. What might make a person happy at a particular moment often loses its allure, leading to a endless cycle of seeking new entertainments for happiness. Yet, human experience shows that what we pursue so diligently for happiness vanishes after a cruelly short time. Even in the midst of sustained trials, we may doubt the attainability of real, lasting joy in this life, echoing King David's plea, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation." Jesus claims that He came to bring a more abundant life, a quality of life from which pleasure and joy overflow. In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Those who embark on this way of life find joy in His presence, even without physically seeing Him, knowing that we are in Him and He in us. Our Father not only wants to share His joy, it is His primary desire. He expressed His wish early on that we live the abundant life with joy and gladness of heart. As Paul writes, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy." Jesus speaks to ensure that His joy remains in us, and that our joy may be full, reflecting the shared happiness between Him and the Father. The Father, like a vine dresser, prunes every branch that bears fruit to produce more, finding joy in those who abide in Him and bear much fruit. As we produce fruit through overcoming, keeping commandments, practicing faithfulness, and loving one another, we remain a joy to Him and experience His joy ourselves. Our Lord rejoices in sharing what He has, in bringing blessings to those who desire His company, and over every person who repents, causing joy in heaven. Bonding with us means so much to Him that He submitted to the ultimate sacrifice, and joining others to His Family supplies Him with immense joy, greater now than when the foundations of the earth were laid. To enter the joy of our Lord means participating in His happiness. When what makes Him happy also brings us happiness, we truly enter His joy. God's joy becomes our joy when we start doing what He does, finding lasting happiness through sharing. True joy comes from Him, and real happiness is achieved through sharing. By developing our God-given talents and allowing Him to prune us to produce fruit, we have something worthwhile to share, producing happiness in others. Jesus affirms that His joy remains in us so that our joy may be full, creating the ultimate win-win relationship. As we work on increasing our talents, character, and personality for sharing with the Family, the Invisible God participates in our preparation, promising that to those who hear, more will be given. Through effective Christian fellowship and enjoying each other's company, we grow quickly in His way of life, learning how to increase His happiness and share in it. Enter the joy of your Lord!
On The Value of Joy
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Joy holds a significant place among the fruits of the Spirit, listed second after love in Galatians 5:22, suggesting its high value in the virtues God cherishes. Despite the troubling state of the world, which often dampens our spirits and fills us with depression, the lack of joy we experience is largely emotional, stemming from life's inherent difficulties rather than immediate physical dangers. The constant barrage of distressing news through modern media further encroaches upon our joy, unlike in times past when news traveled slowly and worries were more localized. Biblical joy, appearing 205 times in the Scriptures, is distinct from happiness and pleasure, as it is a God-given sense of satisfaction and well-being that persists despite life's challenges. Unlike the fleeting pleasures Solomon pursued in Ecclesiastes 2, which he found to be meaningless, biblical joy does not arise from earthly or material sources but from a deep relationship with God. It is characterized as a calm cheerfulness and a positive, hope-filled attitude, inseparable from godly love. This joy enables us to bear the difficulties of living God's way amidst the adversities of satan's world, especially as we approach the return of Christ. God assures us that with His help, we can maintain our cheerful confidence and overcome the trials He permits.
Journey for Joy
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOnly when we are united with God can we find true joy. If we consistently use His Spirit as a resource, we will have joy as we navigate through trials.
Joy in Our Time?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are undergoing the worst of times, but coming into the best of times because the Kingdom of God is in the ascendancy.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJoy is more than happiness. God gives a superior kind of joy through the action of His Spirit in us that far exceeds mere human cheer and well-being.
Joy
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsTrue joy is based neither on material accumulation, nor in extraordinary physical accomplishments, but in the hope of salvation and the promises of God.
Fortress of Joy
Sermonette by Bill OnisickHuman happiness is perishable, dependent as it is on positive life-experiences. Spiritual joy is infinitely more enduring than happiness based in the world.
Joy: What Is It?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWithout God's Spirit, the fruit of joy is unattainable. Godly joy buoys people in the midst of grave trials, providing hope for a glorious future.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Three): Cultivating Joy
Sermon by David F. MaasStrategies for cultivating joy include developing contentment and gratitude, giving rather than getting, finding pleasure in work, and valuing God's law.
Joy No One Will Take From You!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMaterialism has never led to anything but increased sorrow. True lasting joy is based neither on material accumulation nor in physical accomplishments.
Joy in Our Time
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Attainment of calm joy does not come from anything earthly, but it comes from God, and is dependent upon inculcating godly love.
The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe true source of joy does not consist on any worldly commodity, or any self-centered, hedonistic pursuit, but instead a spiritual gift, bestowed by God.
Joy in the Lord
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGodly joy is a fruit of the Spirit that does not come naturally. It takes a while to mature, but it is infinitely more intense than human pleasure.
Happiness is Circumstantial, but Joy is Not!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHappiness is a by-product of our response to God's calling, coupled with our determination to connect with the Father, the Son, and the whole spiritual family.
Joy and Trial
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordWhat does the Bible mean when it says we should count it all joy when you fall into various trials? What is this joy we must experience, and how do we come by it?
Be Happy (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryAs we age, the pressures of life, work, and experience all contribute to wearing us down. Only a few seem to have learned to remain happy despite hardship.
Faith and Contentment (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by John ReissBecause we have the faith that God is in charge, has chosen us for His plan, and carefully provides whatever we need, we can be satisfied with our lot.
The Joyful Advantage
Sermonette by Bill OnisickBecause a brain with a positive attitude has higher levels of dopamine and serotonin, it is more successful and productive.
Are Your Feelings Fighting Your Faith?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsToday's Christianity is more theatrics than theological; feelings have become the replacement for faith, eroding spiritual growth and character.
The End
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNoah's flood was an end, the temple's destruction was an end, Christ's second coming will be an end, and the Last Great Day will be an end and a beginning.
The Quest for Happiness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHappiness is the result of faithfully keeping God's Covenant, ensuring peace, prosperity, and an abundant life. The world's joy only disappoints in the end.
A Memorial of Our Joyful Future
Sermonette by Bill OnisickTo the reprobate world, the sound of teruw'ah represents terror and war, but to God's called-out ones it is a time to render praises of happiness and great joy.
A Root of Bitterness (2016)
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOnly by letting go of the poisonous root of bitterness can we become like our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Three)
Sermon by David F. MaasCreating a sense of humor will make it easier to escape the satanic lies of Babylon, or at least make it more endurable.
Godly Sorrow
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsPeople may feel grieved about loss of friendship, property, feel shame, disgrace, and even guilt, but if the behavior doesn't change, it is unproductive.
Christian Optimism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.
Wisdom for the Young (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe young often lack the wisdom to distinguish mere fun from real joy. Sometimes such wisdom has to come from the hard knocks that result from bad decisions.
Facing Times of Stress: Contentment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we trust God, we do not have to worry about the future. Having abundance and having need both have their unique problems and difficulties.
Blessed Are: Summary
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, Jesus exposes the depths of His own heart, while demonstrating the deficit of our own carnal hearts.
A Man of Sorrows
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughJesus anticipated what was coming on the nation, prepared for it as well as He could, and persevered through it along with the rest of His fellow citizens.
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod emphasizes Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Tabernacles to show the result of doing whatever our human heart leads us to do. The physical cannot satisfy.
Matthew (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughMatthew's encapsulation of the Beatitudes, the essence of Jesus Christ's teaching, contains the foundation of His teaching through the entirety of His ministry.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Nine): Ecclesiastes 11:9-10
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe fleeting time of youth is a time of strength, exploration, and boundless opportunities, offering the freedom to try new things as well as make mistakes.
Facing Times of Stress: Faithfulness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPrayers often become difficult because we fail to add thanksgiving, praise or adoration toward God. Thankfulness is an obligation to which we are bound.
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod, as our true Shepherd, provides total protection of His called out-ones forever. Being kept in God's name refers to assimilating the attributes of God.
God's Tools
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaSpiritual maturity does not come about without difficulty, and suffering is one of God's tools to perfect us. Suffering refines endurance and character.
Fellowship With God
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOnly those who have fellowship with God can have any hope, understanding, peace, or rest. The world remains under the sway of Satan, unable to live righteously.