Called to Community: A Joyful Community

Above all kingdoms, above all thrones, above all wonders the world has ever known as treasures of the earth.

There's no way to measure what you're worth.

Crucified, laid behind the stone, you live to die, rejected and alone, like a rose trampled on the ground.

Took the fall and thought of me.

Above all, above all powers, above all kings, above all nature and all created things, above all wisdom and all the ways of man.

You were here before the world began, were here before the world began, above all kingdoms, above all thrones, above all wealth and treasures of the earth.

There's no way to measure what you're worth.

Crucified, laid behind the stone, you lived to die, rejected and alone, like a rose, trampled on the ground.

You took the fall and thought of me Above all, crucified.

Laid behind a stone.

You lived to die, rejected and alone.

Like a rose trampled on the ground, you took the fall and thought of me above all.

Like a rose trampled on the ground, you took the fall and thought of me above all, softly and tenderly.

Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me.

See on the portals, he's waiting and watching, watching for you and for me.

Come home, come home, come home, ye who are weary.

Come home, hurtlessly, tenderly.

Jesus is calling, calling O sinner, come home.

Oh, for the wonderful love he has promised, promised for you and for me, though we have sinned.

He has mercy and pardon.

Pardon for you and for me.

Come home, come home, come home, come home, ye, who are weary, come home Earnestly, tenderly.

Jesus is calling, calling us to the earth come home All right.

Today's scripture reading will be from Philippians 4, verses 1 through 7.

Philippians 4:1–7

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for my joy and crown, stand firm.

Thus in the Lord, my beloved, I entreat Odia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord, yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women who have labored side by side with me in the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers who names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord.

Always.

Again, I will say rejoice.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

The Lord is at hand.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds.

In Christ Jesus, father we thank you so much for your goodness.

We thank you so much for your grace and mercy.

We thank you so much for the joy that you give us in Jesus' name and all God's people said.

For a lot of people, when we talk about joy, they think about happiness, and while joy and happiness is similar, it's different, and so we're going to talk a little bit about today, about having a joyful community, how we can be more joyful.

We're finishing up a series on called to community and we've talked about community of love and the community of service and and just different types of ways.

God has called us to be together as a community, and one way he calls us to be together is to be a community of joy.

See, happiness depends on what happens.

Happiness depends on things or people and, like I said, we often confuse happiness with joy.

Happiness depends on whether the weather is what I like it or not.

Happiness depends on whether my team wins or not.

Happiness depends on whether I get my own way or not.

But joy is totally, completely different.

I'll show you.

You know happiness.

We get something new.

A lot of times we're happy.

How many of you know what that is, steeler?

You know what that is.

It's a stereo.

What's the green thing?

How many of you have never used a rotary telephone?

Raise your hand, look at that.

Never used one.

I would love to just give you one to see if you could figure out how it works, maybe.

But you know, we used to have this thing where your phone hooked to the wall.

Then you never lost it, it was just right there.

And I remember when we bought our first stereo and this was a fancy one, it's a stereo with a radio in it and you put the record on there and you had to put the needle in it and we did the peppermint twist and all those things, and sometimes you had to tape a nickel or something on it to keep it down.

And then and we were happy with that until the next new thing came out oh, you even can buy one with a TV in it.

You remember those things weighed 10 tons.

Yeah, the stereo radio TV.

And you know who the remote control was?

Yeah, me, yeah, I was the remote control.

But then soon you had this thing.

What is this Eight track?

You ever had an eight track.

Manny Never had what.

You don't know how to.

I mean you would stick it in your car because you'd have an eight-track player and you could skip to the song you wanted.

Now sometimes you had to fold up a piece of paper and stick under it and sort of lift it up Remember that To get it to play.

Or if you pulled it out, the tape was still in there.

What a mess, but I loved it.

You would cruise around, your back seat would be full of these 8-track tapes and I was happy with it.

Until the next new thing came out, which was the Sony Walkman.

And you know what you put in that your cassette.

Because you'd get your cassette tape and you'd put it in there and you see the same thing happen, right, dave?

The tape would pull out.

So I've spent many hours taking my pencil rewrapping the cassette tape of the turtles singing happy together or whatever it is.

You know because it is.

But that was great.

You were cool with your Walkman and everything.

That big old thing clipped to you and you were happy with that.

Until the next thing came out Boombox Smith.

You ever own a boombox, why not?

I mean, you walk down with that thing on and everybody was happy.

And then now, whatever you do there, live stream.

And now you're streaming live.

It's just crazy.

But the point is I was happy with those things until the next new thing came out, and that's happiness.

I'm happy as long as you know, and then, if something else comes out then or if the circumstances change or whatever, I'm not happy.

Joy is different.

It's hard to define joy, but joy doesn't depend on circumstances.

Happiness depends on me getting my own way or on circumstances.

Joy is something that I can have even when the circumstance don't work, and it's a contentment that you have.

It's something that the Holy Spirit develops in you.

In fact, it's part of the fruit of the Spirit.

In Galatians 5, it says the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and it lists all those other ones.

And joy is something that the Holy Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit, is like the fruit of an apple tree.

The fruit of the Spirit is what he develops within you, and one of the things he develops in a Christian is this joy that I can have, this sense of contentment and peace I can have even if my world is falling apart, and God calls us to live that life of joy.

To look a little bit to help understand joy, I want us to look at the life of David, an incident in King David's life.

Joy is not happiness.

It's a sense of contentment despite the circumstances, and you can live with joy even with your worlds falling apart.

It's a sense of contentment despite the circumstances.

Here's what's going on in 1 Chronicles.

David comes up with this idea that he wants to build the temple for God.

He says, god, I got this great idea.

I want to build this building so people can gather to worship you.

I want to build this building so that when people walk by, everybody will know that you're the God of Israel.

God says okay, david, we can build the temple, but you're not building it.

You're not building it because you are a warrior, you've killed too many people, you shed too much blood, and so so you're not going to build it.

You've killed too many people, you've shed too much blood, and so you're not going to build it.

You're not the one to build the temple to honor my name.

And so he says but you have a son and I will let him build the temple to honor my name.

That son's name was Solomon.

And then the Bible says that when David came up with this plan to honor God by building a temple, and God said no.

Then the Bible says that David started pouting and whining and he got mad at God and said, fine, I won't build it then.

And he stomped away.

I won't build it then and he stomped away.

You think that's what David did?

My idea, god.

I just wanted to do something for you and you told me no.

Hmm, and so you know David didn't do that.

David's response was one of joy, even if it wasn't the way he wanted it to be.

David, when God told him, no, it's not going to happen that way.

No, I'm not going to answer the prayer that way.

No, david's response was one of joy, even if it didn't happen that way.

Response was one of joy, even if it didn't happen that way.

David, even though it didn't go the way he wanted to, it says the people rejoiced over the offerings.

Because here's what happened David said, fine, I won't build the temple, but I'll get everything ready for Solomon to build the temple.

So he made the plans and he had a big fundraising campaign and he raised a bunch of money and even though he didn't get his way, it says the people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord, and King David was filled with joy.

He didn't get his way.

Things didn't go the way he wanted to.

He didn't get credit.

They don't call it David's temple.

Everybody called it Solomon's temple.

But even though things didn't go the way he wanted to and even though the circumstances weren't what he wanted it to be, he developed this attitude of joy.

He went ahead and did what he could do and he was happy.

David shows us that an attitude of joy is developed when my heart wants to please God.

He just wanted to please God.

Joy is found when I fulfill God's purpose.

David okay, god, you didn't answer it that way, but I'll do it this way.

He was full of joy because people were glorifying the Father.

He just wanted to please God.

When all we want to do is please God, it's easy to live a life of joy.

It really is.

It amazes me.

I've taken I don't know how many mission trips with teenagers.

It amazes me what teenagers will do on a mission trip that they won't do at home, and they do it joyfully.

I remember taking some people to the Bahamas and my beautiful daughter, brittany, needed to mow the yard around the church building, but they didn't have anything to mow the yard with and I walk out there and she's on her hands and knees, I think, with scissors, joyfully cutting the yard.

And I'm thinking that's my daughter.

I remember going to Nashville and Bryce isn't here, is he?

Bryce is sitting somewhere.

And I remember us going to a homeless shelter and walking into the kitchen of the homeless shelter and we were cleaning the kitchen and there was this stove, a big stove that Bryce pulled out, and there was this stove, a big stove that Bryce pulled out, and it had science projects from years.

There's stuff bubbling, there's toxic, there's no telling what's on this stove.

You'd have to have to take a chisel to chisel off the crud that was on this stove.

And he's whistling and singing as he's cleaning that stove and I'm thinking I bet if Sharon asked him to clean that stove at home it'd be World War IV.

It amazes me, when we just want to go somewhere and please God, that we can do it with joy, and that's what happened there.

So I want us to look at I think I spelled develop wrong.

Is there an E on develop?

No, my bad.

How to develop a joyful community or develop a a joyful community, all right.

So how do we do that?

Well, here's some things we can do.

Number one always celebrate God's presence.

David knew he said man, this is a big deal.

The work ahead of him is enormous.

All of a sudden he had to plan building this temple and he had to raise a bunch of money.

And so he starts raising money and he gives a bunch of his own money and you can read it.

But all the gold, silver I read one book that said it was probably about $15 billion worth of supplies.

He got the people to give and so he had to do all of that.

As much as we desire a life of no pain, as much as we want a life that always goes smoothly, as much as we want a life of no struggles and no sacrifice, it's not going to happen.

Everyone we know has problems, right.

Everyone we know goes through difficult times, everyone in this room.

Things don't always go the way we want them to.

This was a tough job David had.

All of a sudden he had the plan to build the temple.

Paul didn't have it easy.

Paul says in all our troubles, my joy knows no bounds.

Paul was shipwrecked.

Paul was stoned.

Paul was lied to.

Paul was lied about.

Paul was put in prison.

Paul was shipwrecked.

Paul was stoned.

Paul was lied to.

Paul was lied about.

Paul was put in prison.

Paul was beaten.

Paul had contracts put on his life.

Paul had people disown him.

And yet he says you know what?

My joy knows no bounds.

They're trying to kill me, shazam.

My joy knows no bounds.

Now.

Paul had his low moments.

He did say one time I wish I could die.

But Paul also said while in prison, in Philippians 4, 4, that Philip read to us rejoice in the Lord, always.

Rejoice in the Lord, always.

Rejoice in the Lord when the doctor says I have good news, rejoice in the Lord.

When the doctor says I got bad news, rejoice in the Lord when you get your way.

Rejoice in the Lord when you get your way.

Rejoice in the Lord.

When you don't get your way, rejoice in the Lord always, no matter how bad it gets.

I can always rejoice on one thing I can rejoice in the Lord, that he's gracious and that he's merciful and that he will be with me.

The beginning of living a life of joy where I can have this sense of contentment and peace even when life's not good, begins with me recognizing that God is there.

Jesus, in the toughest time in his life.

He's getting ready to be crucified.

He's getting ready to be spit on and beaten and whipped and betrayed.

He says I've told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have.

What joy.

You're getting ready to be nailed to a cross.

What do you mean joy?

I want you to have the same joy I have, as I'm going to go let people spit on me, beat me and whip me until my back is nothing but raw hamburger meat.

I want you to have the same joy I have.

How did he have that joy?

How did he have that?

It's because he lived with the presence of God.

This isn't on the outline, but you need to write it down.

It's good.

Here's how I can live a life of joy.

Number one I live a life of joy when I live fulfilling God's purpose, when I know that, even though I'm in a bad situation right now and it's really hard, I can fulfill God's purpose.

God's purpose can be fulfilled.

That will help me be joyful because I'm doing what God wants me to do.

Secondly, I can live that life of joy by knowing God's promise when Jesus was going to the cross.

He says I have joy.

Why?

Because I'm doing what God wants me to do and I have joy.

Why?

Because God's promised to raise me from the dead and I know God keeps his promises.

And then, thirdly, I can live a life of joy when I live in God's presence, when I live realizing that God is there.

Joy is not found by avoiding tough times, because you can't avoid them.

Joy is found by going through them with the Father at your side.

And how do I live in his presence?

I praise him, I count my blessings, even in trials.

I live in joy by being with other Christians and I see how God has helped them.

My next-to-youngest grandson, a while back, mamaw not to be confused with Mimi, mimi's Amy, mamaw's, lauren's mom, laura, was taking Teddy around showing him the sights of Cumberland.

Yes, here's where the family dollar used to be, here's the covered bridge, that's Cumberland.

Okay, all right.

And he started asking well, who lives here?

And she was telling him who lives here.

Who lives here, ma'am, I hope I say this right who lives here?

And then there was who lives here?

And it was close to our, next to our, where Phil lives, and she said oh, that lady, she passed away.

She lives with Jesus and Teddy.

And he's got these expressive eyes, he goes you mean Jesus is our neighbor and he's got you.

Need to live as if Jesus is your neighbor Because he had all the joy in the world I live by celebrating his presence and when I realize that you know times are tough but you know God's with me.

He's promised to get me through it.

He promises to never leave.

He's promised that everything's going to be all right in the end.

Even though I'm not happy about it, I can have some joy, be thankful, even if life's unfair or even when life's unfair.

You ever got car sick or sea sick?

I've been whale watching Did I say that right?

Because I know I say whale and whale and y'all make fun of my southern accent watching.

Did I say that right?

Because I know I say whale and whale and y'all make fun of my southern accent.

I've been W-H-A-L-E watching twice in my life and I've gotten sick both times.

First time I had a big breakfast before I got on the ship and then there was a sign that says don't eat a big breakfast before you get on the boat.

I mean, I'm green, I'm nauseous.

Phillip and Amy are doing the Titanic thing out front.

It was terrible.

Second time I didn't eat but I still got sick, got seasick, I wanted to die.

I'm down there at the bottom of that ship just Supposedly.

Motion sickness happens when our eyes get focused on something that isn't moving within the vehicle.

You know you're sitting on the ship and things aren't moving, but then it's sort of like when I read in the car.

You get a little sick.

It's because your eyes are focused on the book.

That's not moving, but yet your inner ear senses the motion and before you know it you get nauseous and sick.

You ever done that Because there's conflict between what my eyes are sensing and what's really happening.

Now, as we go through this world, we can get disoriented because we're focusing on something that we think is true, but what really happened is not true.

Does that make sense?

And we get disoriented because I'm focusing on this and I think this is true, but everything that's going by me says it's not true, and we end up with this spiritual motion sickness not true.

And we end up with this spiritual motion sickness.

One of those things we live our life that we think is true and we live our life thinking it's true when it's not true is that life is fair.

And if I live my life thinking life should be fair.

But then all around me I see all this stuff that life isn't fair.

You know what?

You're going to be confused and get sick because life's not fair.

The Bible teaches us that life's not fair.

Peter says you're going to suffer for doing good.

So rejoice when you suffer.

And you're thinking why do I suffer?

Don't we serve a most high God?

Don't we serve an all-powerful God?

Well, why should I suffer?

Well, paul says you're going to.

Jesus says if you're going to be my disciple, you're going to go through a lot of trials in this world.

Paul says everybody who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted.

I mean, the Bible tells us over and over again, in spite of what some of these television preachers tell you.

The Bible tells you over and over again if you're going to be my disciple, you're going to be mistreated.

Life's not fair.

And we think that doesn't seem right.

I'm a Christian, I'm trying to do the best I can.

Why isn't life fair?

A baby's first word is usually mama, daddy or no.

Sometimes, you know, when a kid grows up, one of their first phrases is that's not fair.

And my answer is you're right, it's not fair.

We have to be careful that we leave an impression to our kids that life's supposed to be fair.

You're not going to make the team.

It's not fair.

We have to be careful that we leave an impression to our kids that life's supposed to be fair.

You're not going to make the team.

You may not start and you're not always going to get your way.

Life's not fair.

Deal with it.

Nowhere does God say life wasn't fair.

David rejoiced over the offering for the temple, but I have to wonder if David sometimes thought you know what this isn't fair?

David rejoiced over the offering for the temple, but I have to wonder if David sometimes thought you know what this isn't fair?

I killed Goliath, I've been king.

Why can't I build the temple?

You have to wonder if he thought that Sometimes we're going to do the right thing and suffer.

Sometimes the bad guy is going to win.

Sometimes we're going to do the right thing and suffer.

Sometimes the bad guy is going to win.

Sometimes we're going to lose our job, our health.

Sometimes the relationship's not going to work out the way we want to, and it may not even be our fault.

Sometimes your kid's not going to get a fair shake because life isn't fair.

Ask the people in Ukraine if life is fair.

Ask the children laying down at children's hospital if life is fair.

Ask the Christians in China if life is fair.

And if I live my life looking for fairness, you're going to be miserable and you're going to be disappointed because life's not fair.

That doesn't mean we accepted justice, that doesn't mean we ignore oppression, but it does mean we don't expect equal outcomes in life, because life's not fair.

So, instead of focusing on the fact that he didn't get to build the temple, david chose to focus on something else.

He focused on making the plans for the temple and in the middle of that he says this he says these things did not really come from me after he gave all this money and didn't come from my people.

Everything comes from you, god.

We've given back to you what you have when David, david could live with joy because he realized that, even though life is fair, god has blessed him.

My joy comes when I realize that every blessing I have is a gift from God, that I own nothing, it's all from Him and that God treats me better than I deserve.

You know what else is not fair?

God's not fair, and I am glad God's not fair, because if God was fair I would be busting hell wide open right now, and so would you.

I'm thankful God's not fair.

I'm thankful that he gives me mercy, even though I don't deserve it.

I'm thankful that he gives me mercy even though I don't deserve it.

I'm thankful that he gives me grace, even though he doesn't deserve it.

I am thankful that he gets me through difficult times, even though I made the stupid decision that got me in that bad place to begin with.

And joy comes when I learn to be thankful even when life's not fair, even when things don't go the way I want to.

I focus on what I have and what I don't have.

Does that make sense?

And then David had joy because he concentrated on helping others.

David never got to set his foot in the temple.

He never saw it.

Everything he did was for the next generation.

All the money he gave, all the time he spent, everything he did was for the future generation.

David could have said well, I'm not going to benefit getting a temple.

Why should I do that?

It ain't going to help me any.

But he was able to live with joy because he focused on helping others.

But he was able to live with joy because he focused on helping others.

His prayer was give my son Solomon a desire to serve you.

Help him always obey your commands, laws and rules.

Help him build the temple for which I prepared.

His focus was on helping others.

Even though he didn't get his way, even though life wasn't fair to him, his focus was on helping others.

His prayer was that his son and future generations would obey the Father.

Have you ever prayed that?

Have you ever prayed that for your kids or grandkids?

I pray for their success in school.

I pray for them on the athletic field.

I pray for their physical health.

I pray that they make the band.

I pray that they get a job.

I pray they go to heaven.

But have I ever prayed God?

Give my kids the desire, or my grandkids the desire, to obey you even if it's tough.

Give them boldness, for when they are mocked for their faith, they're able to stand.

Have you ever prayed that?

We all just get on our knees and pray it right now.

See, david lived with joy because that was his prayer.

My desire as I get older is to help the next generation.

The psalmist says in Psalm 71, 18, lord, don't forsake me when I am old and gray, until I teach the next generation your power, until I teach the next generation how awesome you are.

That should be the prayer of every gray haired person in here.

God, as long as I'm here, my focus is the next generation.

Don't leave me till I show them how awesome you are, till I show them how awesome you are.

And David lived with joy.

David realized he still had a purpose.

That's how we have joy.

I'm thankful that I'm part of a community here of joy.

You know what joy is.

Joy is Paul Fries walking in here, rolling in here in his wheelchair, excited about sharing the gospel with somebody.

This week Joy is hugging Sharon Leidner, whose heart is breaking because Bob's going to heaven, but yet she's rejoicing and she's joyful because she knows Bob is better off.

Joy is seeing James in Lyric singing how great is our God, while holding a baby they rescued from hell the night before, holding a baby they rescued from hell the night before.

Joy is Connie Coulter making me a pie while she's fighting cancer.

That's joy.

Every one of those people wishes their circumstances were different.

Every stinking one of them would tell you I wish my circumstances were different.

But they're living with joy, an inner joy that God has given them, because they know that things are going to be alright someday.

They know that it's all going to work out.

They know that you know what I don't like the fact I'm dealing with this situation, but I can glorify God in this situation, and so I have this inner peace and this contentment that no circumstance can change, because God, in His Spirit, has developed in me this joy of knowing.

You know what life's not fair.

Life is tough.

I didn't get things I wanted.

It didn't work out this way, but I can be joyful, even if I'm not happy, because I'm with God.

He's going to make it all right someday and I can glorify him even in that tough situation.

Let's pray together, god.

Life doesn't always go the way I want.

Life's not fair and life sometimes it's just hard.

So help us to live with joy, because we know you're in control, because you know you are with us and because my purpose never changes, no matter what life circumstances are.

Father, help us to remember we're here today only because Jesus considered it joy to come and die for our sins.

Help us to develop joy in our hearts.

Help me to celebrate your presence and goodness every day.

Help me to be thankful even when life's not fair, and help me focus on modeling and showing the next generation God, and through doing those things your spirit will develop joy in our hearts.

Forgive me when I whine and complain and grumble and help me to live a life of joy even when life doesn't go the way I want to.

In Jesus' name, amen your homework.

Every day this week.

Get up in the morning and say God you are, and you can do it, one of two ways.

I did it.

I took Monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday, saturday and I took Monday God you are.

And I thought of an attribute of God.

I could praise him for it.

Begin with him.

God you are marvelous, god you are.

Or you could take the word praise, god you are powerful.

But every morning this week, and I want you to write it down and then say and I thank you for, and again, you can take Monday, tuesday, take the first letter of the day of the week.

Or you can take the word thanks and I guarantee you if you just focus on that, by the end of the week you'll have more joy.

Does everybody understand the homework Now?

I know about two of you would do it and you two that do it will be blessed.

The rest of you will be grouches, but the two that do it will find joy.

By just focusing on his presence and focusing on what you have, you can have joy, experience the joy of having your sins washed away.

If you believe he's God's son, you'd like to be baptized into Christ.

Have those sins washed away.

We can do that.

Or if you have a prayer request, just God, help me.

Maybe it's the prayer God help me.

Have joy in this difficult situation you're going through we can pray for and with you.

Let's, together, we stand and sing.

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.

What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer.

Oh, what peace we often forfeit.

Oh, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Prayer have we trials and temptations.

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged.

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness.

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden?

Come burn with a load of care, precious Savior, fill our refuge.

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise?

Forsake thee.

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

In his arms he'll take and shield thee.

Thou wilt find a solace there.

Thou wilt find us all is there.

Thank you, woody, for that awesome sermon.

Boy, if we could live that, we will be different people.

Thank you everyone for coming.

We appreciate you being here today.

Spend this week doing something good for God the joy of the Lord will be my strength.

I will not falter.

I will not faint.

He is my shepherd.

I am not afraid.

The joy of the Lord is my strength.

The joy of the Lord.

The joy of the Lord.

The joy of the Lord.

The joy of the Lord is my strength.

The joy of the Lord the joy of the Lord, the joy of the.

Lord is my strength.

The joy of the Lord will be my strength.

He will uphold me all of my days I am surrounded by mercy and grace.

The joy of the.

Lord is my strength.

The joy of the Lord, the joy of the.

Lord the joy of the Lord is my strength.

The joy of the Lord.

The joy of the Lord the joy of the Lord is my strength.

The joy of the Lord will be my strength.

I will not waver, walking by faith.

He will be strong to deliver me safe, the joy of the Lord is my strength.

The joy of the Lord.

The joy of the Lord is my strength.