Great News! Great Joy
Pastor Jim Miller
September 22, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Reflect on the concept of church being about gaining knowledge versus understanding the mission of the church.
Personal story: Mrs. Johnson's Sunday school – a strict, information-focused approach with little engagement or joy.
The Misconception of Faith
Many grow up with a "Mrs. Johnson faith," which focuses on rules and appearances rather than relationship and joy.
Common misconception: Faith is about not doing certain things ("don't drink, don't chew, don't go with girls who do").
True faith involves joy and connection with God.
Introducing the Concept of Great Joy in the Gospels
Transition to the sermon series theme: "Great News."
Today’s focus: the great joy promised in the Gospels.
The central message of Jesus is about rescuing us from sin and brokenness and inviting us into a life of joy.
The Gospel of Luke's Emphasis on Joy
Luke's unique emphasis on joy, using the word more frequently than any other book in the New Testament.
The concept of "parentheses" in scripture: Repeated themes or words drawing attention to a central idea.
Example: The Sermon on the Mount – central message focuses on the Kingdom of God.
The 'Parentheses' of Joy in Luke's Gospel
Opening of Luke (Luke 2:8-12)
The angel announces to the shepherds the "good news that will cause great joy for all people."
Closing of Luke (Luke 24:50-53)
The disciples experience "great joy" as Jesus ascends into heaven.
The Center of Luke: Luke 15 – Three Parables of Joy
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
The Parable of the Lost Coin
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Central theme: Something is lost, then found, and there's a celebration.
The Mission of the Church: To Bring Joy
Highlighting that the purpose of the church is to "give the angels a reason to party."
The true mission is not to follow rigid rules but to live in joy and bring others into a joyful relationship with Jesus.
Differentiating Worldly Joy from Jesus’ Joy
Worldly joy is fleeting and temporary, but Jesus offers joy that is deep-rooted and resilient.
Apostle Paul's transformation of the common Jewish blessing "joy and peace" into "grace and peace" emphasizes that our joy stems from God's grace.
The Mission of Real Life Church
Leading People to Jesus
We were once lost sheep, and our role is to help others be found.
We are apprentices of the Good Shepherd, extending God’s joy to others.
Being a Community of Grace
We are not perfect; we're a community of people who have been rescued by God’s grace.
We're here to grow, forgive, and extend grace to others.
Having a God-Sized Vision
The journey of Real Life Church, from humble beginnings to where it stands today, illustrates a vision larger than ourselves.
Example: Expanding sanctuary space to create a "bigger lifeboat" for more people.
For Every Generation
Real Life Church is a multi-generational community, committed to nurturing believers from the youngest to the oldest.
The Role of the Church in the World
Metaphor comparison: Church as a "circle of wagons" vs. the "rescue boat."
The church’s mission isn't to protect ourselves but to reach out and save the lost, just like the Carpathia did during the Titanic disaster.
The Call to Action
Challenge to the congregation: Go make hell afraid of you. Be an active force for the Kingdom of God.
Embrace a life where you seek to love and bless others in Jesus' name.
Practical Application
Utilize "Blessing Cards" to identify and pray for individuals you want to bring to Jesus.
Encourage everyone to intentionally bless and connect with someone in Jesus' name.
Conclusion and Prayer
Reflect on how the joy offered by Jesus is unlike any other joy in the world.
Closing prayer: Invite Jesus into our hearts, seek the joy that comes from God's grace, and be committed to sharing this joy with others.
Final Blessing
Encouragement to live out the mission: “Go be the church.”
Biblical References
Luke 2:8-11: The angel announces to shepherds, "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
Luke 24:50-53: After blessing his disciples, Jesus is taken up into heaven, and they return to Jerusalem "with great joy."
Luke 15:1-7: The Parable of the Lost Sheep – A shepherd rejoices after finding his lost sheep, symbolizing heaven's joy over one repentant sinner.
Luke 15:8-10: The Parable of the Lost Coin – A woman rejoices after finding her lost coin, reflecting the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
Genesis 22: The story of Abraham taking Isaac up Mount Moriah to offer him as a sacrifice.
Genesis 6-9: The story of Noah building the ark.
Matthew 5:3, 7:24-27: The beginning ("Blessed are the poor in spirit...") and ending ("A wise man who built his house on rock") of the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 6:9-13: The Lord’s Prayer, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
Matthew 26:29: Jesus says, "I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."
Matthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission: "Go and make disciples of all nations..."
John 15:11: Jesus’ words on joy, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
Galatians 5:22-23: The Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Reflection Questions
How has your understanding of faith been influenced by a "Mrs. Johnson faith" that focuses on rules and appearances? In what ways can you shift your focus to experience a deeper relationship and joy with God?
What areas of your life feel "lost" right now, and how can you invite God's grace and joy to help you rediscover what’s been lost, just as in the parables from Luke 15?
In what ways have you experienced worldly joy versus the deep, resilient joy that Jesus offers? How can you intentionally seek out and nurture this deeper joy in your daily life?
How can you actively participate in the church's mission to "give the angels a reason to party" by helping others experience God's joy and grace? Who in your life might need to be invited into this joyful relationship with Jesus?
What steps can you take to transition from seeing the church as a "circle of wagons" meant for protection to a "rescue boat" that reaches out to the lost? How can you be part of expanding God’s kingdom with a vision that goes beyond your comfort zone?
Daily Activities
1. Identify and Rejoice in Your Own Lost and Found Moments
Activity: Reflect on moments in your life where you felt lost or disconnected and how you found your way back to a place of joy and connection with God.
Application: Write these experiences in a journal, focusing on how God's grace brought you back. Share one of these stories with a friend or small group to encourage them, just as the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son were shared.
2. Create a "Joy List" for Daily Gratitude
Activity: Each day, write down three things that brought you joy. Include both big moments and small blessings to remind yourself of God's presence in your life.
Application: At the end of the week, review your list and thank God in prayer for the joy He brings. This exercise will help you develop a habit of recognizing deep-rooted joy, rather than focusing on temporary, worldly happiness.
3. Practice Intentional Acts of Kindness
Activity: Choose one person each week to bless in a meaningful way, whether through a kind word, a handwritten note, or a small gift.
Application: As you bless others, reflect on how this aligns with Jesus’ mission of spreading joy and love. Pray for the person you chose, asking God to reveal how you can share His grace and joy with them.
4. Study the Parables of Joy with a Friend or Group
Activity: Organize a Bible study focusing on Luke 15, discussing the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and prodigal son.
Application: Discuss how these stories relate to your experiences and explore ways to bring others who feel "lost" into God’s joy. Commit to being a "rescue boat," reaching out to someone who might feel isolated or disconnected.
5. Embrace a New Perspective on Church as a "Rescue Boat"
Activity: Volunteer for a ministry or outreach program in your church that helps those who are struggling or disconnected.
Application: As you serve, remind yourself that you’re not just protecting a circle of wagons but actively seeking out those in need. This approach will deepen your understanding of what it means to live out a joyful, mission-focused faith.
