• Message: “Question and Answer Sunday” from Pastor Joe

  Question and Answer Sunday Lesson Objective:  To answer various questions using Bible references HOW DID CHRIST TEACH? Method 1 -  Lecture Type Matthew 5: 1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. Matthew 7: 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law Method 2  Experience Lesson Luke 10: 1-2 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field Method 3  Question and Answer Matthew 18: 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Matthew 22: 16-40 And they *sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” ………………… Question `1 Genesis 4: 3-5 And [c]in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. Why did God not accept the sacrifice of Cain? The Bible does not say exactly Hebrews 9: 21-22 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness Question 2 Genesis 2: 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one In marriage many say 1 + 1 but should it say .5+.5?   Question 3 Genesis 12: 7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him Who was speaking? What is the significance of the altar? Who was speaking? God spoke directly to Abraham and sometimes via Angels but this passages suggest God directly Significance of Altar- Altar was built to identify an important event either for sacrifice or celebration and place of worship Altar significance today The altar is our heart The altar can be your prayer closet Altar gives sense of direction when we forget Question 4 Genesis 14: 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God Question- Do we have priest in the new testament other than Christ? Zechariah father of John the Baptist Ananias High Priest that oversaw Paul Role of High Priest Presiding officer of the Sanhedrian Only one allowed to enter Holy of Holies once a year Day of Atonement Led in worship One of the 24 “courses” 1 Chronicles chapter 24 Mediator between God and man  

• Message: “Decision 201” from Pastor Joe

  Decision  201 Scripture :  Matthew 6: 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well Lesson Objective: To continue the discussions on Motives and the effect that motives have on making the proper decision. Steps to make good decisions: Pray James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him Investigate Luke 14: 28 Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? Alternatives Proverbs 18:17: "The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him Always look at pros and cons even when you think you know all that you need to know Make sure to seek out those who may tend to disagree with you 4.      Make a decision  Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him Do It: Romans 8:28:"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." b.      Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand Learn to use for next decision How not to make a decision Samuel makes decision Samuel was charged with choosing a new King to replace Saul Samuel was making the same mistake that we do- 1 Samuel 16:7 Pray Conclusion Scriptures we can use to make good decisions Proverbs 11:14- seek counsel Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety. Proverbs 22:3—look at the consequences before acting The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Proverbs 18:13—Get all of the facts before making a decision . He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him John 7:24- Be careful of appearances and making judgments Know that all decisions are not necessarily right or wrong Acts 5:39 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” The ultimate decision – Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well

• Message: “Why Do I Do What I Do?” from Pastor Joe

  Why Do I Do What I Do? Lesson Objective:  General To look at the various reasons that motivate us to action Personal:  To examine myself to make sure that I have the right motivation Scripture:  James 4: 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions Introduction: What motivated you as a child? Candy or other rewards Spankings or threats Simply you were told ‘do it because I said so” What motivates us as a Christian Rewards from God -- Job 1: 9-11Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. 10“Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face Threat of Hell- Revelation 21: 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Simply because God said it- Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. John 14: 25 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Examples of motivations in the Bible. Eve motivated by wanting to be like God. Motivation can change the way we look at things. Genesis 3:  4-6  “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it Saul motivated by what he and the people  saw as good and wanting to please others.  1 Samuel 15: 7-9  Then Saul attacked the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, near the eastern border of Egypt. 8 He took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and all his people he totally destroyed with the sword. 9 But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves[b] and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed. David motivated by defending the name of God. 1 Samuel 17: 36-37 our servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.37 The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”  David did not see a giant but an adversary of God. Rahab motivated by love of family Joshua 2: 12-13  “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”   Hebrews `11:31  By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient Abraham and Lot Genesis 13: 9-11Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” 10 Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company:  Lot motivated by greed and what he could see..  Abraham motivated  by generosity and faith.   Conclusion What motivates us? Money  -  1 Timothy 6: 10  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Praise of people Praise of men – Mathew 6: 5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.   Ego Luke 18: 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. Glory of God 1 Peter 4: 11  If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.      

• Message: “What to do When the Creek is Rising” from Pastor Joe

  What to do when the creek is rising? Lesson Objective:   To identify reasons why we should not worry when trouble seems to be all around us. Pesonnal Objectives:  Identify 5 reasons  why we should not worry when everyone else says that we should. Scripture:  Psalms 37 Growing up I often heard and used the term “ if God is willing and the creek don’t rise” .  Hindsight being 20--20, this makes no sense as it implies that God does not control the  creek. If God is in control then why worry? Do not worry.. do not fret: (some consider It a sin to worry) Psalms 37: 1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; Psalms 27: 7b and 8 do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil Trust in the Lord Psalms37: 3-4 Trust in the Lord and do good;  dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37: 7a Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; God Cares 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Psalms 55: 22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved Be courageous Psalms 37: 23-24 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand Psalms 31: 24 Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord Psalms 27: 14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord Joshua 1: 9  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. God never will forsake us Psalms 37: 25 I was young and now I am old,yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. Psalms 37: 28 For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Hebrews 13: 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”   FEAR is false evidence appearing real :   Mark Matteson                  .  

• Message: “Balaam Who What and Why” from Pastor Joe

  Balaam - Who and What and Why Lesson Objective: To look at the character Balaam and answer some of the mystery surrounding him. Personal Objective:  To idenitfy at minimum three examples in the story of Balaam that we can apply when we  have temptation in our lives that can separate us from God. Scripture : Numbers  Chapter 22 Story-  A lady had no money and no food so she prayed to God.  So she prayed every day in a very loud voice seeking help from God.  One day her neighbor got tired of hearing the praying and decided to go and buy groceries for the lady.  He knocked on the door to deliver the food and the lady said “Thank you God”.  The neighbor then said that God did not buy the food but he did. The Lady responded “yes but God told you to do it”. Introduction Balaam is a character in the Bible that is found primarily in Numbers Chapter 22 Mostly known for the talking donkey The story leaves us with a couple of questions. Was Balaam an Israelite? Was Balaam a true prophet of God? What does the story of Balaam teach us today? Story Numbers 22: 2-6 Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near [b]the River in the land of [c]the sons of his people, to call him, saying: “Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me! 6 Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Lesson 1- We will be tempted Numbers 22: 7-14 And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are” 13 So Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, “Go back to your land, for the Lord has refused to give me permission to go with you.” Lesson 2 God can say no and we need to hear the no for God knows best   Numbers 22: 15-17 Then Balak again sent princes, more numerous and more [d]honorable than they. 16 And they came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak the son of Zippor: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me; 17 for I will certainly honor you greatly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Therefore please come, curse this people for me.’ ” Lesson 3: Satan will not stop but will look for other ways to entice us Numbers 22: 18-22 Then Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more. 19 Now therefore, please, you also stay here tonight, that I may know what more the Lord will say to me. 20 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men come to call you, rise and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you—that you shall do. So Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab. Then God’s anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him a.Lesson 4: Be careful that we do not continue to ask God for something for the wrong motive Numbers 22; 22-35 Story of the donkey talking and the Angel Lesson 5: God gives us warning signs Numbers Chapter 23 Balaam spoke the words of God 3 times Lesson 6 : God’s will will be done regardless of the vessel   Balaam does tell Balak how to defeat the Israelites by trickery but plan fails Lesson 7—some of us never learn and Balaam paid ultimately with his life Conclusion Question: Was Balaam an Israelite? Answer: No he was probably Aramaic Question: Was Balaam a true prophet of God? Answer No God talked thru him just as he spoke thru the donkey. He was known as a prophet of curses (seer).  Some may suggest that he was a good prophet gone bad but he never was a prophet of God which is why the King summoned him to curse the Isrealites. Question: Is the story true? Answer ‘Alla tablets found in 1967 in Jordan tell the story of the same person with some differences written on tablets dated 1100 BCE There is a book of Balaam Other scriptures 1.   Deuteronomy 23:5 Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee. , 2.   Peter-2 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness 3.   Revelations 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. We must be careful when we see someone who is called a prophet.

• Message: “Excellence Series July 18th”

  Excellence Series on Relationships.

• Message: “Hearing the Voice of God” from Pastor Joe

  Hearing the Voice of God Gift of Prophesy Lesson Objective: General : To understand how best to understand and hear the voice of God- First step in the gift of prophesy Specific: Each will be able to name four steps in the process of learning to hear from God Each will identify 2 personal steps that he/she will take to prepare to hear from God Scriptures:  Hebrews 8: 10-11; I Thessalonians 5:19-21; Matthew 18:16 Introduction- Why is it important to hear the word of God 1 Corinthians 14: 1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy 1 Corinthians 14: 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; [a]for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. The definition of prophesy is communicating the words of God and the first step is being able to hear from God 1 Samuel 3: 1-7 Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. 2 And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, 3 and before the lamp of God went out in the [a]tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, 4 that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” 5 So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.”And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down. 6 Then the Lord called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.) Understanding that God speaks through the Holy Spirit in many forms. Does God really talk to us Job 33:14 For God may speak in one way, or in another, Yet man does not perceive it. There is no one way.. The key is for each of us to identify the way that God speaks to us Some say that they actually hear the voice of God but that is not true of all.. It can be a feeling, emotion or conversation with others. Hearing with the Heart Begin with prayer and taking the time to listen and feel I like to think that there are four steps in hearing the voice of God. They are Preparation, Hearing, Confirmation and Action. This is a circle that must be followed each time as we get closer to God. Preparation- Believing in God and seeking the gift of Prophesy Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [a]direct your paths. John 10: 4-5 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 8: 47 Proverbs 16:3 Hearing God talking directly to some Moses and Paul Joshua and Jeremiah Talking through others David and Nathan Dreams and visions- Interpretation Peter and Cornelius Acts 11 Through the scripture- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Through circumstances- Paul and Barnabus Confirmation Samuel receiving confirmation from Eli Examine if it is Biblical I Thessalonians 5:19-21 Confirmation thru signs or other things Questions that need to be answered Who does this benefit Am I doing it to compete with another What would Christ Do Action David ran toward Goliath- 1 Samuel 17:48 What happens when we fall short but out intentions are correct? Psalms 37: 23-24 What Happens when we do not act Know that your inaction will not stop God’s plan and you will miss out on the blessing Ester 4:12-16 Conclusion- I would like to challenge each of us to not just long to hear the word of God but long to have our will be his will so that we cease to have to hear from him but to be so close to him that our thoughts are his. We can be as close as the old couple who can finish each other’s sentences.

• Message: “Forgive Forget Love” from Pastor Joe

  Forgive and Forget- Love   Lesson Objective-  To understand how true love can be affected by true forgetting Specific Objectives: All will be able to explain what the Bible teaches about being able to forget and forgive All will be able to identify at least three methods that can be used that will help to forget and forgive All will be able to explain that all love characteristics identified in 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 work  collectively for the development of love.  Similar to Fruit of the Spirit, it is one love that exhibits all of the traits identified.   Scriptures:  1 Corinthians 13: 4-7; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; Matthew 18: 21 Review and Discussion   1 Corinthians 13: 4-7  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Defining Forgiveness Ephesians 4: 32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Colossians 3: 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. How many times should I forgive:? Matthew 18: 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. The Greek word for “forgive” in the New Testament is the word “aphes”, which also means to dismiss or free. So God’s forgiveness is not just about being pardoned from doing something wrong, but also about being released and freed from it. It is a truly life changing experience.Things that get in the way of forgiveness Pride or EGO. Judging others Matthew 7: 1-2 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you Holding non-Christians to Christian standards 1 Corinthians 6: 1-2 When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers Unwillingness to reconcile Matthew 5: 23-24 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Wanting revenge Reasons to forgive Luke 17: 3-4 So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister[a] sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us Reasons not to forgive Hebrews 10: 26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins Lack of true remorse Forget What does forget mean? So God’s forgiveness is not just about being pardoned from doing something wrong, but also about being released and freed from it to disregard intentionally : overlook Not the literal to remove from memory but understanding that one does not remind Ways to help to forget and forgive 1 Corinthians 13: 5 ( means do not seek revenge by keeping score) it keeps no record of wrongs NIV thinketh no evil; KJV it does not take into account a wrong endured. Amplified Try to understand why the person did what they did. Not necessarily agreeing but understanding Analyze the situation to ascertain if you contributed to the situation To be able to be thankful for the experience Isaiah 43.25 I, even I, am he that blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and will not remember your sins Summary There is not such a mandate that we forgive and forget as many misinterpret and cause us ongoing grief. Forgiving does not mean that you continue to put yourself in harms way Forgiving is a requirement for Love True love is defined by all of the characteristics listed in 1 Corinthians 13. Forgiveness is an essential component as are each of the others.    

• Message: “Garden of Love” from Pastor Joe

  Garden of Love Objectives: General---To understand the importance of love as the most important factor in the Christian life Specific:   All will be able to identify at minimum 6 of the characteristics of love as described in 1 Corinthians  Chapter 13 Explain the importance of fertile ground for the planting of love Explain the importance of “curb appeal” as it relates to love Explain why garden needs continuous weeding Identify plan of action to weed your personal garden   Scriptures:  1 Corinthian 13; Matthew 13: 18-23 Galatians 5: 22-23 Introduction: Love is the most importance factor in the life of a Christian If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing 1Corinthians 13: 1-4 Matthew 22: 35-40 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”                                                                 7 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Let all that you do be done in love 1 Corinthians 16: 14 Characteristics of true love Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. How to obtain these characteristics is by preparing our hearts to receive God’s love Plow the ground in our heart- and make it fertile Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Ephesians 4:23 - And be renewed in the spirit of your mind How do others see you (curb appeal) John 13: 35  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Galatians 5: 22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Matthew 5: 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven Gardens need continuous weeding Weeds take away nourishment from the flowers and plants Weeds grow unintentionally Growing flowers must be intentional What weeds need to be removed to enhance your garden?    

• Message: “Why are you not full of Joy” from Pastor Joe

  Why Aren’t You Joyful Lesson Objective:  To understand the pursuit of happiness is not necessary. Scripture:  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Galatians 5: 22-23 Introduction: One of the greatest tragedies in this world is the number of people who go throughout life without knowing (feeling) the thrill of joy. Happiness Definition-  external, materialistic, fleeting, worldly pleasures-  can  be easily defined Joy Definition- internal, cannot be easily explained, an extension of happiness. Romans 15: 13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit 1 Peter 1: 8 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 Analyze scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18  16 Rejoice evermore. JOY - CHARA. Joy (chara) (and rejoice) is Greek noun which describes a feeling of inner gladness, delight or rejoicing 17 Pray without ceasing. Luke 18: 1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. John 16: 24  Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Phil 4:12  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Hebrews 13: 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Psalm 107:1 "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Summary Suggest that we stop looking for happiness and seek joy Pursuit of Happiness by definition means that one has to actively do something to find happiness Steps to seeking Joy Stop looking at what others have Stop comparing ourselves with others Stop seeking instant gratification Stop using the world’s definition of success to measure what we think of ourself Stop allowing others to get in the way of your joy Vacation Bible School School Song I got the Joy Joy Joy Joy down in my heart Where!!! Down in my heart to stay Old Spiritual This JOY I have the world didn’t give it to me The world did’t give it the world can’t take it away       , “If you can’t be happy where you are, it’s a cinch you can’t be happy where you ain’t”…  Charlie Tremendous