Sermon on John 20:19-31, for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, "Gladness and Joy"
Outline: 1. Christian joy: do we have it, or is it missing? “You Christians lost the world when you lost your joy.” True or false? a. magnet and mystery b. difference from happiness--emotion, dependent largely on external circumstances vs. deep and abiding joy. relation of happiness to joy c. finding joy in unexpected places: why were the disciples joyful in Acts 5:41, that they had suffered dishonor for the name of Jesus? d. 1 Peter 1:6-8, In this (your salvation) you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 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. 8 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, 2. Discovering joy can’t be forced, faked, or manufactured--the qu...