Sermon by Pastor Steve Hopkins for the service of December 11, 2016
Sermon Outline: A Reason for Joy
1. John the Baptist – Last Old Testament Prophet
• Surely the Lord God does nothing, without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7, NRSV)
• The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” (John 1:29-31, NIV)
2. Prophets Bring Good News
• “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers.” (Acts 3:24-25, NIV)
• But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. (Luke 2:10, NIV)
• Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away – all who have been called by the Lord our God.” (Acts 2:38-39, NLT)
3. The Good News Brings Joy
• You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord. The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling. (Psalm 21:6-7, NLT)
• For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17, NRSV)
• 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, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:8-9, NIV)
• TQ: How can I live my life as though the Good News were actually good? What can I do to live a life that reflects the goodness of the Gospel?
4. Live with Joy (it’s contagious)
• The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. (Acts 16:34, NIV)
• For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. (Luke 1:44, NASB)
• It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. (John 3:29-30, NLT)
• TQ: Am I a joyful person? Would others describe me this way? What one step can I take to be more aware of God’s presence this week?