John 15:9-17 & John 16:19-33 - Listen to this message now in Real Audio or download as MP3

Joy in a troubled world....

Are you lacking joy? When was the last time you felt joy? Most often joy seems as elusive as hitting a hole in one on the golf course. Sand bunkers are like magnets to golf balls. Are you frustrated; are you angry that you lack joy?  

Just before Jesus was betrayed he said “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33). Christ was telling his friends they would have a peace and a joy despite the tribulation in the world.

Why? Because Christ has overcome the world!

Christ achieved what we could not. He enables us to have peace with God, peace with people and peace with the world. In Christ we have forgiveness of sin; we are redeemed and set free from our captivity to selfishness. In Christ we can experience the joy that one day Christ will right every wrong and heal every hurt. Joy need not be elusive. Joy is actually a central part of being in Christ. You can hit a spiritual hole in one every time in Christ. “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (Jn 16:24)