Finding Joy Part 4: Joy in the Trial - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

You might not always feel happy, but you can always be full of joy. In Part 4 of the sermon series, Finding Joy, Dr. Brian Keesler brings an insightful message on how to have joy in the trial. Dr. Keesler begins his sermon by pressing in on the fact that the tests and trials we encounter are not from God. God is not evil nor will He ever employ evil to bring humility or strength to His children. Dr. Keesler also reminds believers of their ability to either lose their peace during a test or to count it all as joy. If you’re a follower of Christ, you always have cause for joy because the outcome for a Christian is always victory. If you’re not winning now, you’re just getting ready to win. The problems that we face will eventually fade away but our inheritance in Christ will always stand. We will always have our salvation and the hope of an eternity in heaven. As we ponder upon God’s promises we build up our ability to rejoice through every situation. God can and will pull you out of a storm even better than you were when you walked in to it. As you watch this sermon, anchor yourself in the ability to weather any storm when you learn the power of patience and the consistency of a victorious outcome for those who are in Christ. 

Scripture References

• James 1:2-4 (NKJV, TPT)

• 1 Peter 1:3-9 (NKJV, TPT)

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Finding Joy Part 3: Joy in Giving - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

You might not always feel happy, but you can always be full of joy. In Part 3 of the sermon series, Finding Joy, Dr. Brian Keesler continues to share ways believers can remain joyful, even amidst adverse circumstances. In this message, Dr. Keesler focuses on how to find joy in giving. Dr. Keesler begins his sermon by differentiating between the two types of emotions that motivate someone to give—fear and love. People either give to God because they love Him or because they fear Him. Many Christians view God as a “cosmic mafia boss” that is going to come to collect if they don’t pay up. If a person gives just to fill an obligation or to avoid punishment their motive is wrong. Giving that is based on this mentality rarely ever results in joy. On the contrary, when a person gives out of their love for God and the brethren they are able to experience true joy. The very nature of God is to give and as born-again believers we should share in His desire to freely give. As you watch this sermon prepare to see giving in a whole new light and experience the overwhelming joy that comes from having a generous heart.

Scripture References

• 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (TPT)

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (TPT)

• Romans 15:13 (TPT)

Finding Joy Part 2: Joy in God's House - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

You might not always feel happy, but you can always be full of joy. In the continuation of the sermon series, Finding Joy, Dr. Brian Keesler shares how attending church can increase your joy, if you have the right perspective. You can either view church as a chore on your checklist or as participation in heaven’s agenda here on earth. King David discovered this truth and proclaimed his gladness about going to the House of the Lord in Psalms 122:1. When was the last time you were this exuberant to go to church? Have you ever found yourself rejoicing in the car on your way to church because you were so enthusiastic? If you think church is boring, it’s time to remind yourself of what actually happens inside those four walls: the very presence of God is manifested, souls are rescued from an eternity in hell, bodies are healed, and callings are revealed. As you watch this sermon, prepare for a perspective shift as you begin to see church attendance in a new light. Never again will you view church as a chore.

Scripture Reference

“I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Psalms 122:1 (NKJV)

Finding Joy Part 1: Full of Joy - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

You might not always feel happy, but you can always be full of joy. In the first part of the sermon series, Finding Joy, Dr. Brian Keesler explains the difference between the emotion of happiness and the spiritual fruit of joy. Joy is a supernatural fruit and comes from the Holy Spirit, while happiness is a basic human emotion that results from circumstances/happenings. Joy does not result from what is happening around you; joy results from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within a born-again believer. Dr. Keesler then shares biblical practices that believers can employ to remain joyful despite their circumstances. Those practices include walking in close relationship with Jesus and believing upon the Word of God. As you learn more about the benefits of maintaining an intimate walk with the Lord, prepare for an infilling of joy.

Scripture References

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13