Bodie Sanders - December 11, 2022
Joy in the midst of sorrow
Advent: Joy “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11 ESV Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship, it is a consequence. It is not what we have to acquire in order to experience life in Christ; it is what comes to us when we are walking in the way of faith and obedience. Eugene Peterson “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,” 1 Peter 1:3-8 ESV “The joy that Jesus came to bring is from outside this world. It is the very joy that Jesus himself has in God the Father—which he has had from all eternity and will have forever… This is “Great Joy” and it cannot be taken away. It is indestructible. Ah, but it can go to sleep...” John Piper: The Dawning of Indestructible Joy Great Joy goes to… Great Heights Great Lengths Great Depths
From Series: "Longing"
Deep inside each of us there is a longing for things to be made right. A longing in our hearts to experience true peace, unconditional love, and deep, residing joy. In the season of Advent, we join with the Old Testament prophets and the people of God who are waiting with anticipation for God to act and make things right. In a season where many are asking "what do you want," instead, we are asking "what do you long for?" During this time of Advent, what is it you long for that only God can fill?
