Sermon Notes 12/7 – The Holy Spirit

1. The Holy Spirit is all in when it comes to Christmas – Matthew 1:18-25

-the virgin birth of Jesus Christ came through the miraculous power of the Spirit

2. The Holy Spirit is a person and God – Psalm 139:7-10

-The trinity – coequal…co-eternal and God

-The Holy Spirit is our stand by – He is always present and ready for action

3. The Holy Spirit Produces Great Joy – Matthew 2:10 & Luke 2:10

-the star represents the Holy Spirit

-The Holy Spirit will produce GREAT JOY

                a. Great Joy is a fruit and not a feeling and emotion

Phil 2:12-13 – work out your salvation – abiding is work

Gal 5:16 – spend time with Jesus daily

-it is the responsibility of each believer to develop & grow great joy

-nothing can take this joy away unless we stop abiding

                b. Great Joy is not always felt – Nehemiah 8:10

-joy is strength to help us through difficult times

                c. Pursue great joy & not happiness – Psalm 43:4

-Great Joy is Jesus

-Jesus is the only thing that satisfies

  4. JOY IS ATTRACTIVE  – John 15:11

-Jesus drew large crowds because of His joy

-Throw a party – Luke 5:29-39

-a joyless Christianity is unattractive

-Jesus also attended weddings – John 2:1-7

-weddings at this time were a week long & filled with joy & activities

-wine represents joy – running out of wine represents running out of joy

5. Great Joy Is A Choice

-Romans 14:17 – God’s kingdom is a kingdom filled with joy

-Rev 5:12-14 – heaven is filled with joy

-we have a free will to choose joy or be miserable

-it is time for a divine exchange – exchange mourning for joy – Jere 31:13