Introduction

Welcome, beloved family of faith. It is indeed a privilege and a joy to gather in the house of the Lord, united in our pursuit to know Him better and to make Him known. Our hearts are brimming with anticipation as we prepare to delve into the richness of God's word today. Let's take a moment to pause, to still our hearts, and to prepare ourselves to receive the divine wisdom that the Lord is ready to impart to us.

Today, we have the honor of unpacking some of the most profound passages of Scripture. We'll be looking at John 1:6-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalms 126, and Isaiah 61:1-11. These passages, in their unique ways, illuminate the joy, the jubilation, and the divine light that is available to us in Jesus Christ.

In the Gospel of John, we encounter John the Baptist, a humble and faithful servant of God, testifying about the divine light that is Jesus Christ. In 1 Thessalonians, we are reminded of the joy-filled life that is possible when we are in Christ. Psalms 126 paints a vivid picture of the joyous return of the captives of Zion, a joy that is available to us today. And in Isaiah 61, we see the heart of our Savior, His mission, and the good news that He brings.

As Charles Spurgeon, the renowned preacher once said, "It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness." This statement rings true in our Christian walk. It is not about how much we have in terms of material wealth, but it is about how much we enjoy, how much we savor, the spiritual riches that are available to us in Christ Jesus.

Now, let's read our Scripture passages.

Jubilation in Jesus

The joy that we find in Jesus is not just a fleeting emotion. It's a deep, abiding joy that sustains us in every season of life. It's a joy that is not dependent on our circumstances, but is anchored in the unchanging nature of our Savior. This joy is not just for us to keep, but to share with others. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it is this joy that enables us to live victoriously, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.

In the Gospel of John, we see John the Baptist testifying about Jesus. He was not the light, but he came to bear witness about the light. This light is Jesus, the true light, which enlightens everyone. John's purpose was to point others to Jesus, to make Him known. And this is our purpose too. We are called to be witnesses of Jesus, to share the joy that we have found in Him with others.

John the Baptist was a man who lived in the wilderness, away from the comforts and conveniences of city life. Yet, he was a man filled with joy. His joy was not derived from material possessions or worldly success, but from his relationship with Jesus. He found joy in fulfilling his God-given purpose, in being a voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord.

In the same way, our joy is not dependent on our external circumstances, but on our relationship with Jesus. The world may offer temporary happiness, but only Jesus offers lasting joy. The world's happiness is contingent on what we have, but Jesus' joy is based on who we are in Him. The world's happiness is fleeting, but Jesus' joy is eternal.

John's Declaration of the Divine Light

Moving forward, let's turn our attention to John's declaration of the divine light ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO