Intro \u2013 Kindergarteners’ Skit: \u201cThe Mystery of Joy\u201d<\/strong> Pastor\u2019s Message:<\/strong><\/p>\n The theme for today is Joy that Lasts<\/strong>, which contrasts with fleeting happiness. The skit our Kindergarten students brought today helps us see that joy is different from temporary happiness, just as Jesus explains in today\u2019s Gospel.<\/p>\n 1<\/strong> \u2013 Let\u2019s first clarify what happiness is not<\/em>. Viktor Frankl said, \u201cLack of purpose leads to seeking pleasure.\u201d Good sensations, good moods, and physical pleasure are not good definitions of true happiness, at least not from our Christian perspective.<\/p>\n 2<\/strong> \u2013 In our series this May, we explored the theme \u201cThe Science of Happiness Meets the Omniscience of God.\u201d<\/em> We brought up a speech from a Harvard professor that teaches in the Business school there, who doesn\u2019t highlight money, wellbeing, or success as keys for happiness. Instead, he sets faith, family, friendships, and work as the steady pillars that are predictive of a good, well balanced, happy<\/em> life.<\/p>\n But what if they fail? For example, I know of some situations where people are wavering in their faith; others are navigating broken family relationships; many have a hard time connecting with friends if they have any. And still for some work is not fulfilling\u2014or they are even unemployed. What then?<\/p>\n 3 <\/strong>\u2013 In the Gospel of John, chapter 16, Jesus actually warns us that this may happen: \u201cIn this world you will have trouble.\u201d <\/em>The word \u201ctrouble\u201d here can also be translated as \u201cpressure\u201d. Do you ever feel pressure in those four pillars?… I think I know the answer.<\/p>\n What Jesus promises, then, is joy. The Joy that lasts.<\/p>\n Jesus\u2019 Promise of Joy (John 16:22\u201325):<\/strong><\/p>\n Jesus knows what He\u2019s talking about. What happens right after He says this? His arrest, trial, and crucifixion follow. His family isn\u2019t nearby, His friends flee, and His work appears to be over. If He were only human, we might say His faith was shaken. In other words, happiness may not be the best work to describe what happens later that night.<\/p>\n However, the verse doesn\u2019t end there: \u201cBut take heart\u2014I have overcome the world.\u201d<\/em> 4<\/strong> \u2013 One more thought about joy that lasts: think of something you really enjoy\u2014camping, playing, traveling, watching your favorite show. Now imagine doing it for a long time. Then a little longer. Then more… and more… At some point, you\u2019d likely get tired of it, right? You\u2019d feel great at first, but over time, it wouldn’t bring the same level of joy. We\u2019re not used to things that last forever. Everything in this life comes to an end\u2014and if it doesn\u2019t, it can even become a burden. We often focus on bad moments ending, but good moments end too. In this context, it\u2019s hard to think about a joy that lasts<\/em> and still keeps us joyful about it.<\/p>\n But that is the joy the kids brought to us today. This is the joy Jesus offers. One that is rooted in Scripture, received by faith, lived in love and that produces the Hope of a Joy that will last forever. The Omniscience of God provides us is complete, free and life giving. It is a joy that lasts.<\/p>\n Conclusion: The Difference Between Happiness and Joy<\/strong><\/p>\n We need more than pleasure and happiness. Jesus offers joy for this world\u2014and a joy that will last into eternity.<\/p>\n We find this joy when we are grounded in His love<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Song: <\/strong>GROUNDED IN YOUR LOVE<\/strong><\/p>\n Direct my eyes to you, o Lord From your hand, o Lord O keep us in The Way, o Lord <\/em><\/h6>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Text: John 16:22-25; 33 Theme: Joy that lasts ___________________________ Intro \u2013 Kindergarteners’ Skit: \u201cThe Mystery of Joy\u201d Narrator: \u201cOne day, three friends were talking about what makes them happy.\u201d Kid 1: \u201cI\u2019m happy when I eat ice cream!\u201d (pretends to eat, then frowns) Kid 2: \u201cI\u2019m happy when I win at soccer!\u201d (kicks a ball, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":4021,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4020","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nNarrator:<\/strong> \u201cOne day, three friends were talking about what makes them happy.\u201d
\nKid 1:<\/strong> \u201cI\u2019m happy when I eat ice cream!\u201d (pretends to eat, then frowns)
\nKid 2:<\/strong> \u201cI\u2019m happy when I win at soccer!\u201d (kicks a ball, then sighs)
\nKid 3:<\/strong> \u201cI\u2019m happy when my family is together!\u201d
\nNarrator:<\/strong> \u201cBut what happens when the ice cream melts? When you lose a game? When people have to go home?\u201d
\n(Each kid looks sad and shrugs)
\nKid 1:<\/strong> \u201cHappiness goes away\u2026\u201d
\nKid 2:<\/strong> \u201cThen how can we have joy all the time?\u201d
\nNarrator:<\/strong> \u201cJesus tells us in the Bible: \u2018You will have joy, and no one will take it away!\u2019\u201d
\n(A child holding a cross walks in, or a voice speaks from offstage)
\nJesus:<\/strong> \u201cI give you joy that lasts, even when things change!\u201d
\nKid 3:<\/strong> \u201cSo, when I pray, Jesus helps me feel joy even if I don\u2019t get what I want?\u201d
\nJesus:<\/strong> \u201cYes! Just ask, and you will receive what you truly need!\u201d
\nNarrator:<\/strong> \u201cAnd that\u2019s why we can have real joy\u2014because Jesus loves us, listens to us, and never leaves us!\u201d
\n(All kids smile, jump, and cheer: \u201cThank you, Jesus!\u201d)<\/p>\n\n
\nOn His cross, He defeated sin and brought us forgiveness. When pressure mounts, Jesus offers peace\u2014and joy that lasts. This is why the children told us about joy that lasts. From ice cream to relationships to a job\u2014if they fail, Jesus doesn\u2019t. For joy comes not primarily from getting what we want, but from Jesus giving us what we truly need<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
\nthat they may always see Your light.
\nProtect me from doubt and fear;
\nthings that cloud my sight.
\nFor I know of the stones ahead;
\nI long to stand, and not to fall.
\nI pray that you will guide my steps,
\nin Your strength, I\u2019ll face it all.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\ncomes my hope and peace,
\nfor Your Grace alone
\nbrings my soul release.
\nFather, in Your Word
\nI find all my strength
\n– as my heart remains
\ngrounded in Your Love.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nthat leads to our eternal Home.
\nIn Jesus, Life begins by faith
\nand lasts forevermore.
\nYour House is free of pain and tears;
\na place where joy will know no end.
\nSo today I ask again, o Lord:
\nhold me fast within your Hand!<\/p>\nLucas Andre Albrecht, 2008
\nEnglish Version: 2025<\/p>\n