Grace Covenant Church of Vista
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    • Sermons 2019 (Click for Teasers) >
      • THE WORD OF HOPE: GREAT EXPECTATIONS Selected Verses >
        • Hope, Advent Children's Talk
      • "Household Rules" Philemon 1:1-25 >
        • Philemon 1:1-25 Children's Talk
      • THE FRUIT OF SELF-CONTROL Galatians 5:22-23 >
        • Galatians 5:22-23 Children's Talk
      • Loving Leadership & Obedience in the Church Philemon 1:1-25 >
        • Philemon 1:1-25 Children's Talk
      • THE GENTLENESS OF REFORMATION Galatians 5:23
      • "It's not just business, it's personal!" Philemon 1:1-3 >
        • Philemon 1:1-3 Children's Talk
      • The Sign of Jonah Matthew 12:38-42 >
        • Matthew 12:38-42 Children's Talk
      • THE FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESS Galatians 5:22
      • Should I Not Pity? Jonah 4 >
        • Jonah 4 Children's Talk
      • THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: GOODNESS GALATIANS 5:22 >
        • September 29, 2019 Notes
      • THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: KINDNESS Galatians 5:22
      • The Message of the Gospel Romans 10:1-17 >
        • Brad Jones Installation 9-15-2019 Grace Covenant Church >
          • Brad's Installation at Grace Covenant Church
      • Repentance and Mercy Jonah Chapter 3
      • THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE Galatians 5:22 >
        • September 1, 2019 Notes
      • Deep Sea Rescue Jonah 2
      • THE FRUIT OF PEACE Galatians 5:22 >
        • August 18, 2019 Notes
      • The One Who Didn't Get Away Jonah 1:1-17
      • THE FRUIT OF JOY Galatians 5:22 >
        • August 4, 2019 Notes
      • THE CENTRALITY OF LOVE Galatians 5:22 >
        • July 28, 2019 Notes
      • FOLLOWING THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM Galatians 5:16-26
      • LIVING IN THE FREEDOM OF THE GOSPEL Galatians 5:13-18 >
        • July 14, 2019 Notes
      • THE GOSPEL OF FREEDOM John 8:31-37 >
        • July 7, 2019 Notes
      • RECONCILIATION: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Ephesians 2:14-22
      • HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS Ephesians 2:11-22
      • THE PRACTICE OF SERVICE Selected Scripture Verses Pastor Dennis Bone 6-16-19 >
        • June 16, 2019 Notes
      • RESURRECTION REALITIES 1 Corinthians 16:1-24 >
        • June 9, 2019 Notes
      • THE VICTORY OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 >
        • June 2, 2019 Notes
      • THE HOW AND WHY OF THE RESURRECTION 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 >
        • May 26, 2019 Notes
      • THE ABSURDITY OF NO RESURRECTION 1 Corinthians 15:29-34 >
        • May 19, 2019 Notes
      • RAISED TO REIGN 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 >
        • May 12, 2019 Notes
      • TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20 >
        • May 5, 2019 Notes
      • THE CLARITY OF THE GOSPEL I Corinthians 15:1-1 Pastor Dennis Bone 4-28-19 >
        • April 28, 2019 Notes
      • THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE: THE VICTORY OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION >
        • April 21, 2019 Notes
      • THE PRACTICE OF FELLOWSHIP Selected Scripture Verses >
        • March 31, 2019 Notes
      • THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER Selected Scripture Verses >
        • March 24, 2019 Notes
      • THE PRACTICE OF STUDYING GOD’S WORD Selected Verses >
        • March 17, 2019 Notes
      • THE DISCIPLINE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE Selected Scripture Verses >
        • March 10, 2019 Notes
      • LENT: ASHES AND FISHSTICKS? >
        • March 3, 2019 Notes
      • PROACTIVE PRAYER Ephesians 6:18
      • THINK BEFORE YOU FIGHT Ephesians 6:17 Pastor Dennis Bone 2-17-19 >
        • February 17, 2019 Notes
      • FAITH: GOD’S SHIELD AROUND US Ephesians 6:16 >
        • February 10, 2019 Notes
      • THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR FIGHTING Ephesians 6:15 >
        • February 3, 2019 Notes
      • DRESS FOR SUCCESS Ephesians 6:13-19 >
        • January 27, 2019 Notes
      • The Mystery of our Religion 1 Timothy 3:14-16
      • ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE? Ephesians 6:10-12 >
        • January 13, 2019 Notes
      • THE WAR AGAINST THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE Selected Verses >
        • January 6, 2019 Notes
    • Sermons 2018 (Click for Teasers) >
      • THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE: POST ADVENT Titus 2:11-14 >
        • December 30, 2018 Notes
      • Christmas Eve Message 12/24/2018
      • THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE: ANGEL’S PEACE Selected Verses >
        • December 23, 2018 Notes
      • THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE: SHEPHERDS’ JOY Luke 2:8-17 >
        • December 16, 2018 Notes
      • THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE: BETHLEHEM’S FAITH Selected Verses >
        • December 9, 2018 Notes
      • THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE: PROPHECY’S HOPE Selected Verses >
        • December 2, 2018 Notes
      • A Proper Perspective on Thanksgiving Eph 5:19,20; 1 Thess 5:18
      • THE PATH TO MATURITY AND GLORY 2 Peter 3:14-18 >
        • November 18, 2018 Notes
      • GOD’S PERSPECTIVE ON JUDGMENT 2 Peter 3:8-13 Pastor Dennis Bone 11-11-18 >
        • November 11, 2018 Notes
      • PROMISES, PROMISES 2 Peter 3:1-8 >
        • November 4, 2018 Notes
      • The Images of False Teachers 2 Peter 2:10-22 >
        • October 28, 2018 Notes
      • SPIRITUAL TERRORISM 2 Peter 2:1-10 >
        • October 21, 2018 Notes
      • REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER! 2 Peter 1:12-21 >
        • October 14, 2018 Notes
      • THE FRUIT OF ELECTION 2 Peter 1:5-11
      • THE POWER OF FAITH 2 Peter 1:3-9 >
        • September 30, 2018 Notes
      • OUR PRECIOUS FAITH 2 PETER 1:1, 2 >
        • September 16, 2018 Notes
      • The Staying Power of God's Grace 1 Peter 5:12-14 >
        • September 2, 2018 Notes
      • Do Not Feed the Lion 1 Peter 5:8-11 >
        • August 26, 2018 Notes
      • Humility Breeds Accountability 1 Peter 5:5-9 >
        • August 19, 2018 Notes
      • Accountability Partners 1 Peter 5:1-7 >
        • August 12, 2018 Notes
      • THE BEGINNING AND END OF JUDGEMENT 1 Peter 4:12-19 >
        • August 5, 2018 Notes
      • WHAT ARE WE SUFFERING FOR? 1 Peter 4:12-19
      • Live With The End In Mind 1 Peter 4:7-11 >
        • July 22, 2018 Notes
      • Living In the Light of the Gospel 1 Peter 4:1-6 >
        • July 15, 2018 Notes
      • The Victory of Christ 1 Peter 3:18-22 >
        • July 8, 2018 Notes
      • Sharing Our Hope In Christ 1 Peter 3:13-17 >
        • July 1, 2018 Notes
      • The Motive For Christ-like Character 1 Peter 3:10-12 >
        • June 24, 2018 Notes
      • Christ-Like Character on Display 1 Peter 3:8-12 >
        • June 17, 2018 Notes
      • The Beautiful Principle of Submission 1 Peter 3:1-7 >
        • June 10, 2018 Notes
      • The Cost of Christ-Like Service 1 Peter 2:18-25 >
        • June 3, 2018 Notes
      • Submission in Service to God 1 Peter 2:13-17 >
        • May 27, 2018 Notes
      • Our Identity 1 Peter 2:9-12 >
        • May 20, 2018 Notes
      • God's Building Project 1 Peter 2:1-8 >
        • May 13, 2018 Notes
      • Trials & Troubles: friend or foe James 1:1-4
      • Living In Holy Fear 1 Peter 1:17-25 >
        • April 22, 2018 Notes
      • Hope: Promised, Practiced and Perfected 1 Peter 1:10-16 >
        • April 15, 2018 Notes
      • Living In The Hope Of The Resurrection 1 Peter 1:3-9 >
        • April 8, 2018 Notes
      • There is No Plan B 1 Corinthians 15:17-28 >
        • April 1, 2018 Notes
      • The Procession of the King Psalm 24:1-10 >
        • March 25, 2018 Notes
      • Confronting Little "gods" Acts 17:16-34 >
        • March 18, 2018 Notes
      • As for Me, I will call upon the Lord. Principal scripture Psalm 55:22
      • Turned Of or Turned On Acts 17:1-15 >
        • March 4, 2018 Notes
      • Concessions Without Compromise Acts 15:19-35 >
        • February 25, 2018 Notes
      • The Dilemma of Grace Acts 15:1-18 >
        • February 18, 2018 Notes
      • The Model of God's Church at Work Acts 14:21-28 >
        • February 11, 2018 Notes
      • Election Is For Gentiles Too! Acts 13:38-52 >
        • February 4, 2018 Notes
      • The Spirit-Led Church Acts 13:1-12 >
        • January 28, 2018 Notes
      • What God's Church Should Look Like Acts 11:19-30 >
        • January 21, 2018 Notes
      • God Will Carry Us Through 2018 and Beyond Isaiah 46
      • Victory in Christ Psalm 98:1-9 >
        • January 7, 2018 Notes
    • Sermons 2017 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Yes! It's All Good!!! Psalm 73
      • What Love Is This? Psalm 89:1-4; 19-37 >
        • December 24, 2017 Notes
      • Advent: The Light of Joy Psalm 126:1-6 >
        • December 17, 2017 Notes
      • Christmas Story Psalm 85 and Matt. 1:18-25
      • Advent: The Light of Hope Psalm 80:1-7 >
        • December 3, 2027 Notes
      • Thanksgiving: By Faith Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 26, 2017 Notes
      • To God Be the Glory Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 19, 2017 Notes
      • Christ Alone 1 Timothy 2:5-6 >
        • November 12, 2017 Notes
      • Justification: The Way God Forgives the Guilty Romans 3:21-26 >
        • November 5, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Scriptura - the rallying cry Selected Scripture Verses
      • Confronting Hypocrisy in the Church Galatians 2:1-16 >
        • October 22, 2017 Notes
      • Grace Trumps Race Acts 10:1-23 >
        • October 15, 2017 Notes
      • God's Amazing Transition Plan Acts 9:10-31 >
        • October 8, 2017 Notes
      • God's Strategic Conversion Acts 9:1-9 >
        • October 1, 2017 Notes
      • The Process of Evangelism Acts 8:26-40 >
        • September 24, 2017 Notes
      • Philip: The First Evangelist Acts 8:1-25 >
        • September 17, 2017 Notes
      • Stephen: The First Dead Martyr Acts 7:1-60 >
        • September 10, 2017 Notes
      • Stephen: God's Servant Leader Acts 6:8-7:53 >
        • September 3, 2017 Notes
      • Pride the Greatest Sin and Humility the Greatest Healer Selected Scripture Verses
      • Wednesday Meeting, No Pie
      • The Model for Servant Leadership Acts 6:1-7 >
        • August 13, 2017 Notes
      • Man Proposes But God Disposes Proverbs 16:1-9 >
        • August 6, 2017 Notes
      • Truth or Consequences Acts 4:32-5:11 >
        • July 30, 2017 Notes
      • The Witness of Prayer Acts 4:23-37 >
        • July 23, 2017 Notes
      • The Irrationality of Unbelief Acts 4:1-14 >
        • July 16, 2017 Notes
      • The Healing Power of Jesus Acts 3:1-11 >
        • July 9, 2017 Notes
      • June 18, 2017 Notes
      • The Marks of Christ's Church Acts 2:42-47 >
        • July 2, 2017 Notes
      • No Other Option Acts 2:34-41 >
        • June 25, 2017 Notes
      • Jesus: The Resurrected and Exalted King Acts 2:24-33
      • The Message of Pentecost Acts 2:14-24 >
        • June 11, 2017 Notes
      • What A Feast Acts 2:1-13 >
        • June 4, 2017 Notes
      • The Work and Words of the Spirit John 16:5-15 >
        • May 28, 2017 Notes
      • Our Love/Hate Relationship John 15:18-27 >
        • May 21, 2017 Notes
      • Rooted In Christ's Love John 15,:9-17 >
        • May 14, 2017 Notes
      • The Purpose Driven Spirit John 15:1-8 >
        • Song That the Angels Can't Sing 1 Peter 1:3,4:10-12 >
          • April 16, 2017 Notes
        • May 7, 2017 Notes
      • The Spirit of Promise John 14:23-31 >
        • April 30, 2017 Notes
      • The Spirit of Truth John 14:15-24 >
        • April 23, 2017 Notes
      • Jesus' March to the Cross John 12:12-19 >
        • April 9, 2017 Notes
      • THE IMPACT OF WORSHIPPING JESUS JOHN 12:1-11 >
        • April 2, 2017 Notes
      • The Reactions to Jesus John 11:45-57 >
        • March 26, 2017 Notes
      • The Compassionate Power of Jesus John 11:28-44 >
        • March 19, 2017 Notes
      • What kind of Retaliation is Best??? Matthew 5:28-42
      • The Focus of Faith John 11:17-27 >
        • March 5, 2017 Notes
      • The Hope of God's Glory John 11:1-16 >
        • February 26, 2017 Notes
      • Soli Deo Gloria: The Glory of God Alone >
        • February 19, 2017 Notes
      • Solus Christos: Through Christ Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • February 12, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Gratia: By Grace Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • February 5, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Fidi: By Faith Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • January 29, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Scriptura: Why It Matters Selected Scripture Verses >
        • January 22, 2017 Notes
      • Doing What is Good Titus 3:8-15 >
        • January 15, 2017 Notes
      • The Quest for Wisdom Proverbs 4:5-9 >
        • January 8, 2017 Notes
      • REDEEM YOUR TIME Ephesians 5:15-21 >
        • January 1, 2017 Notes
    • Sermons 2016 (Click for Teasers) >
      • THE GLORY OF THE INCARNATION Galatians 4:4-7
      • THE ANGEL’S SONG OF PEACE Luke 2:8-14
      • Good News of Great Joy Luke 2:10 >
        • December 11, 2016 Notes
      • Do We Have Joseph's Faith?
      • A Panoramic View of Hope Romans 15:4-6;13 >
        • November 27, 2016 Notes
      • Who You Say We Are 1 John 3:1-3 >
        • November 20, 2016 Notes
      • Living Water John 4:1-42
      • Spiritual Oxygen in a Political Cesspool Titus 3:1-8 >
        • November 6, 2016 Notes
      • The Fruit of Justifying Faith Romans 5:1-11 >
        • October 30, 2016 Notes
      • Waiting for the Son Titus 2:11-15 >
        • October 23, 2016 Notes
      • Applying Sound Doctrine: Discipleship Titus 2:1-10 >
        • October 16, 2016 Notes
      • The Beauty of the Church Titus 2:1-10 >
        • October 9, 2016 Notes
      • Zero Tolerance: The Way of Sanctification Titus 1:9-2:1 >
        • October 2, 2016 Notes
      • BE FOR TRUTH AND AGAINST FALSEHOOD TITUS 1:5-16 >
        • September 25, 2016 Notes
      • The Way of Faith Titus 1:1-4 >
        • September 18, 2016 Notes
      • September 11, 2016 Notes
      • Remember What is Always Important 2 Timothy 4:9-22
      • Finishing Well 2 Timothy 4:5-8 >
        • September 4, 2016 Notes
      • THE PREACHING OF GOD’S WORD 2 Timothy 4:1-5 >
        • August 28, 2016 Notes
      • The Work of God's Word 2 Timothy 3:14-17 >
        • August 21, 2016 Notes
      • THE LOVE OF GOD’S WORD 2 Timothy 3:10-17 >
        • August 14, 2016 Notes
      • How long must the faithful live by sight? Habakkuk 2:4
      • RIVAL ATTRACTIONS 2 Timothy 3:6-17
      • Confronting Reality 2 Timothy 3:1-17 >
        • July 24, 2016 Notes
      • The Useful Christian 2 Timothy 2:20-26 >
        • July 17, 2016 Notes
      • Should I Stay or Should I Go Selected Scripture Verses
      • Resurrection Perspective 2 Timothy 2:10-19 >
        • July 3, 2015 Notes
      • Our Strong Stand for the Gospel 2 Timothy 2:1-10 >
        • June 26, 2016 Notes
      • Our Confidence in the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:13-18 >
        • June 19, 2016 Notes
      • Our Courage From the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:8-12 >
        • June 12, 2016 Notes
      • Use What God Gives You 2 Timothy 1:1-7 >
        • June 2, 2016 Notes
      • The Way of Godliness 1 Timothy 6:1-10 >
        • May 8, 2016 Notes
      • Be Good Stewards 1 Timothy 6:17-21 >
        • The Courage of Our Confession 1 Timothy 6:11-16 >
          • May 22, 2016 Notes
        • May 29, 2016 Notes
      • The Fight of Faith 1 Timothy 6:6-11 >
        • May 15, 2016 Notes
      • The Accountability to and of Elders 1 Timothy 5:17-25 >
        • May 1, 2016 Notes
      • Principles of Mercy Ministry - Part. 2 1 Timothy 5:1-8 >
        • April 24, 2016 Notes
      • Principles of Mercy Ministry 1 Timothy 5:1-8 >
        • Know Your Mission; Keep the Faith 1 Timothy 1:18-20 >
          • January 31, 2016 Notes
        • April 17, 2016 Notes
      • Spiritual Diligence 1 Timothy 4:9-16 >
        • April 10, 2016 Notes
      • THE EXERCISE OF TRUTH 1 Timothy 4:1-8 >
        • April 3, 2016, Notes
      • The Glory of the Cross Selected Scripture Verses >
        • March 27, 2016 Notes
      • The Triumphant Entry
      • The Conduct and Confession of the Church 1 Timothy 3:14-16 >
        • March 13, 2016 Notes
      • Qualifications for Leaders in God's Church 1 Timothy 3:1-13 >
        • March 6, 2016 Notes
      • Qualifications for Leaders in God's Church 1 Timothy 3:1-7 >
        • February 28, 2016 Notes
      • The Principle of Authority and Submissions 1 Timothy 2:11-15 >
        • February 21, 2016 Notes
      • The Worship Service: Regulative or Relative? 1 Timothy 2:7-15 >
        • February 14, 2016 Notes
      • The Worship of Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-8 >
        • February 7, 2016 Notes
      • Know Yourself 1 Timothy 1:8-17 >
        • January 24, 2016 Notes
      • Contend For the Faith 1 Timothy 1:3-11 >
        • January 17, 2016 Notes
      • SPIRITUAL LEGACY 1 Timothy 1:1-2 >
        • January 10, 2016 Notes
      • God's Church: Old Truths for a New Year Selected Scripture Verses >
        • Audio - God's Church: Old Truths for a New Year
        • January 3, 2016 Notes
    • Sermons 2015 (Click for Teasers) >
      • For Christmas God wants…you! Selected Scripture Verses
      • PROMISES KEPT: LOVE 1 Corinthians 13:13
      • PROMISES KEPT: JOY Matthew 1:21 >
        • December 13, 2015 Notes
      • PROMISES KEPT: FAITH Romans 10:13-17 >
        • December 6, 2015 Notes
      • PROMISES KEPT: HOPE Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 29, 2015 Notes
      • Change: Proactive or Reactive? Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 22, 2015 Notes
      • REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS! Psalm 33 >
        • November 15, 2015 Notes
      • THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS Psalm 32 >
        • November 8, 2015 Notes
      • THE “C’S” OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE 2 Cor. 5:17 >
        • November 1, 2015 Notes
      • SOLA FIDE: BY FAITH ALONE Romans 1:16-17 >
        • October 25, 2015 Notes
      • OUR GOD REIGNS Psalm 24 >
        • October 18, 2015 Notes
      • THE GLORY OF GOD REVEALED Psalm 19 >
        • October 11, 2015 Notes
      • A LIFE OF FAITHFULNESS Psalm 16 >
        • October 4, 2015 Notes
      • RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER: A LIFE OF INTEGRITY Psalm 15 >
        • September 27, 2015 Notes
      • PERSUASIVE SANCTIFICATION 2 Timothy 2:20-26 >
        • September 20, 2015 Notes
      • WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO? Psalm 11 >
        • September 13, 2015 Notes
      • A PRAYER FOR DIRECTION Psalm 5 >
        • September 6, 2015 Notes
      • THE RIGHTEOUS ONE: LIVING IN CHRIST Psalm 1 >
        • August 30, 2015 Notes
      • GOD’S FOREIGN POLICY Psalm 2 >
        • August 23, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN LIFE EVERLASTING Selected Scripture Verses >
        • August 16, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY Selected Scripture Verses >
        • August 9, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • August 2, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • July 26, 2015 Notes
      • THE COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • July 19, 2015 Notes
      • Does God watch the 5 o’clock news? Habakkuk 1:1-11
      • Still Trusting Selected Scripture Verses
      • I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 28, 2915 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 21, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: HE WILL COME TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 14, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN AND SITS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 7, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 31, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 24, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE; CRUCIFIED, DIED AND WAS BURIED Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 17, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT; BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 10, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: GOD’S SON AND OUR LORD Romans 1:1-6 >
        • May 3, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN GOD: THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH Selected Scripture Verses >
        • April 26, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN GOD: THE FATHER ALMIGHTY Selected Scripture Verses >
        • April 19. 2015 Notes
      • WE BELIEVE AND WE KNOW: THE APOSTLES CREED Selected Scripture Verses >
        • April 12, 2015 Notes
      • THE PUPROSE AND GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION Hebrews 13:20-21 >
        • April 5, 2015 Notes
      • THE ANGER OF PALM SUNDAY Matthew 21:1-13 >
        • March 29, 2015 Notes
      • THE BOOK OF HEBREWS REVISITED >
        • March 22, 2015 Notes
      • THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE Hebrews 13:15-19 >
        • March 8, 2015 Notes
      • OUR UNCHANGEABLE SAVIOR Hebrews 13:7-14 >
        • March 1, 2015 Notes
      • THE PRACTICE OF TRUE WORSHIP Hebrews 13:1-6 >
        • February 22, 2015 Notes
      • THE WAY OF TRUE WORSHIP Hebrews 12:22-29 >
        • February 15, 2015 Notes
      • THE TALE OF TWO MOUNTAINS Hebrews 12:18-24 >
        • February 8. 2015 Notes
      • OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN THE RACE Hebrews 12:12-17 >
        • February 1, 2015 Notes
      • THE JOURNEY OF FAITH HEBREWS 12:1-11 >
        • January 25, 2015 Notes
      • Tolerance or is it Intolerance: the word(s) for our age
      • THE DISCIPLINE OF FAITH Hebrews 11:39-12:3 >
        • January 11, 2015 Notes
      • THE DIVINE CONTENTMENT OF GODLY ACTION Phil 4:11-14 >
        • January 4, 2015 Notes
    • Sermons 2014 (Click for Teasers) >
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: GOD’S GOSPEL Romans 1:1-6; 16-17 >
        • December 28, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: CHRIST Selected Scripture Verses
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: ANGELS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • December 21, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: SHEPHERDS Luke 2:8-20 >
        • December 14, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: BETHLEHEM Selected Verses >
        • December 7, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: PROPHECY Luke 2:25-35 >
        • November 30, 2014 Notes
      • FAITH TAKES A VISION Hebrews 11:32-39 >
        • November 23, 2014 Notes
      • THE CHOICES OF FAITH - Hebrews 11:17-31 >
        • November 16, 2014 Notes
      • THE UNCERTAIN CERTAINTY OF FAITH Hebrews 11:8-19 >
        • November 9, 2014 Notes
      • FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD Hebrews 11:1-7 >
        • November 2, 2014 Notes
      • DON’T STOP BELIEVING Hebrews 10:32-39 >
        • October 26, 2014 Notes
      • APPROACHING JUDGMENT Hebrews 10:25-31 >
        • October 19, 2014 Notes
      • “HOW TO” LIVE HOLY Hebrews 10:19-25 >
        • October 12, 2014 Notes
      • THE NEED FOR FORGIVENESS Hebrews 10:11-18 >
        • October 5, 2014 Notes
      • THE BODY OF CHRIST Hebrews 10:1-10 >
        • September 28, 2014 Notes
      • NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS Hebrews 9:15-28 >
        • September 21, 2014 Notes
      • THE REAL THING Hebrews 9:1-14 >
        • June 2,2019 Notes
        • September 14, 2014 Notes
      • GOD’S COMMITMENT TO SAVE SINNERS Hebrews 8:1-13 >
        • September 7, 2014 Notes
      • Me and My Pain Selected Scripture Verses
      • ACCESS TO GOD Hebrews 7:20-8:6 >
        • August 24, 2014 Notes
      • THE PERFECT PRIEST MAKES US PERFECT Hebrews 7;11-22 >
        • August 17, 2014 Notes
      • THE NEW PRIESTHOOD Hebrews 7:1-11 >
        • August 10, 2014 Notes
      • THE CERTAINTY OF GOD'S PROMISE - Hebrews 6:13-20 >
        • August 3, 2014 Notes
      • DON’T STAY A BABY Hebrews 5:11-6:12 >
        • July 27, 2014 Notes
      • THE WAY TO ASSURANCE Hebrews 5:11 - 6:3 >
        • July 20, 2014 Notes
      • OUR EFFECTIVE HIGH PRIEST Hebrews 5:1-10 >
        • July 13, 2014 Notes
      • THE CONFIDENCE OF TRUE COMPASSION Hebrews 4:14-16 >
        • July 6,2014 Notes
      • OBEY GOD’S WORD Hebrews 4:12-16 >
        • June 29, 2014 Notes
      • RESTING IN CHRIST Hebrews 4:1-11 >
        • June 22, 2014 Notes
      • THE UNREST OF UNBELIEF Hebrews 3:7-19 >
        • June 15, 2014 Notes
      • OUR FAITHFUL AND PERFECT SERVANT Hebrews 3:1-6 >
        • June 8, 2014 Notes
      • JESUS STANDS FOR US AND WITH US Hebrews 2:14-18 >
        • June 1, 2014 Notes
      • THE PERFECT PERFECTS THE IMPERFECT Hebrews 2;10-18 >
        • May 25, 2014 Notes
      • THE DESTINY OF REDEMPTION - HEBREWS 2:5-9 >
        • May 18, 2014 Notes
      • LISTEN TO THE SON - Hebrews 1:10-2:4 >
        • May 11, 2014 Notes
      • JESUS: BEGOTTEN, NOT CREATED - Hebrews 1:1-9 >
        • May 4, 2014 Notes
      • THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST - Hebrews 1:1-4
      • HE IS RISEN - Matthew 28:1-20
      • Jesus Washes the Disciples's Feet - John 13:1-15
      • THE PURSUIT OF GREATNESS - Matthew 20:17-28
      • THE EQUALITY OF GOD’S GRACE - Matthew 20:1-15
      • Childlike Humility - Matthew 18:1-14
      • Job : A Man for our Times and all Times - Selected Verses from Job
      • A Hard but Happy Chain of Events - Romans 5:3-5
      • The Divine Confession - Matthew 17:1-13
      • The Reason for Discipleship - Matthew 16:13-28
      • The Blessed Confession - Matthew 16:13-20
      • The Food of Faith - John 6:22-29
      • Our Divine Focus - Matthew 14:22-33
      • Kingdom Patience - Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
      • A Sure Comfort - Psalm 91
      • Purpose Driven Parables - Matthew 13:10-17
      • Relevant Resolutions -- Philippians 3:12-14
    • Sermons 2013 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Our Savior Speaks At Advent - Hebrews 10:5-10
      • The Praise of Advent - Luke Chapter 2
      • The Peace of Advent - Micah 5:2-5
      • The Proclamation of Advent - Isaiah 12:1-6
      • The Preparation for Advent - Malachi 3:1-4
      • The Promise of Advent - Jeremiah 33:14 – 16
      • Jesus: The Servant Who Saves - Matthew 12:15-21
      • Kingdom Authority - Matthew 8:23-27
      • Jesus: Lord of the Sabbath - Matthew 12:1-14
      • Resting in the Truth - Matthew 11:28-30
      • Rest for the Repentant - Matthew 11:20-30
      • Standing Upon Grace Romans 5:1-2
      • Prospecting For Sinners - Matthew 9:1-13
      • It’s easier to Covet than be Content - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Moved by Compassion - Matthew 9:35-38
      • Feasting Not Fasting - Matthew 9:14-17
      • Testimony to God's Grace - 1 Timothy 1:12-17
      • The Case for Following Jesus - Mathew 8:14-22
      • Two Foundations - Matthew 7:21-29
      • The Danger of Deception - Matthew 7:15-23
      • Jesus' Call to Enter the Kingdom - Mathew 7:13-14
      • Influence or Influenced? - Matthew 5:13-16
      • The Golden Rule - Matthew 7:12
      • Persistent Prayer - Matthew 7:7-12
      • Right and Wrong Judgmens - Matthew 7:1-6
      • Freedom From Worry - Matthew 6:25-34
      • Choices of the Heart - Matthew 6:19-24
      • Biblical Fasting - Matthew 6:16-18
      • The Responsibility of Forgiveness - Matthew 6:12,14,15
      • The Priorities of Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
      • The Priorities of Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
      • The Content of Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
      • The Approach to Prayer - Matthew 6:5-8
      • Bad Actors - Matthew 6:1-4
      • The Power and Shame of Divine Love - Matthew 5:38-48
      • Speak Truth - Matthew 5:33-37
      • Murdering Marriage - Matthew 5:27-32
      • The Indictment and Restitution of Anger - Matthew 5:21-26
      • Affirming God's Standards - - Matthew 5:17-20
      • The Happyness Quotient - Matthew 5:3-12
      • When Glory Meets Our Suffering - Isaiah 53:10-12
      • The Conundrum of Palm Sunday - Matthew 5:10-12
      • The Call and Challenge of Peacemaking - Matthew 5:9-10
      • Matter of the Heart - Matthew 5:8
      • The Way of Mercy - Matthew 5:7
      • The Pursuit of the Kingdom - Matthew 5:6
      • The Choice is Ours - Philippians 4:1-9
      • Be Meek, not Weak - Matthew 5:5
      • Kingdom Esteem - Matthew 5:3-5
      • A Sermon For the Ages - Matthew 5:1 - 7:29
      • Experiencing God's Kingdom - Matthew 4:12-25
      • You Said Yes, I Said No - Matthew 4:1-11
      • Salvation Through Sorrow - Matthew 2:13-16
    • Sermons 2012 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Standing Orders For A New Year - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
      • When Glory Meets My Suffering: The Glory of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • When Glory Meets My Suffering: The Love of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • When Glory Meets My Suffering: The Joy of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • When Glory Meets My Sufferinng: The Peace of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • When Glory Meets My Suffering: The Hope of Avent - Selected Scpriture Verses
      • Thanksgiving for God's Compassion - Psalm 103:6-19
      • Does God watch the 5 o’clock news? Habakkuk 1:1-11
      • We Proclaim Christ! - Colossians 1:28-29
      • Crazy Days and Crazy Doctrines - 1 Timothy 4:1-10
      • The Good Reaper vs. the Grim Reaper - Galatians 6:7-10
      • Fact of Fiction? - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Tangled up in Blue (or red) - 2 Timothy 2:4
      • Order or Ordo - Salutis - Selected Scripture Verses >
        • sermons 2009 (Click for Teasers) >
          • The Gospel of Peace - Luke 2
          • He is Peace: The Peace of Advent - Various Scripture Verses
          • He is the Lamb of God: The Lamb of Advent - John 1:29-36
          • He is the Purifier: The Purifier of Advent - Malachi 3:1-4
          • He is our Shepherd: The Shepherd of Advent - Various Scripture Verses
          • He is Light: The Light of Advent - Isaiah 9:1-7
          • An Anniversary Charge - 2 Timothy 4:1-8
          • Jars of Joy - John 2:1-11
          • Always Remember God's Word - Psalm 119:169-176
          • Reformation Reflections - Romans 1:16-17
          • A Strong Defense - Psalm 119:153-168
          • Getting Things Right - Psalm 119:137-152
          • Divine Intervention - Psalm 119:121-136
          • Am I a Credible Witness - II Corinthians 13:1-6
          • Our Primary Source - Psalm 119:105-120
          • A Passion for Perfection - Psalm 119:89-96
          • Deliver Us From Evil - Psalm 119:73-80
          • The Discipline of Contentment - Psalm 119:57-64
          • Blessed are the Bold - Psalm 119:41-56
          • Understanding and Accepting God's Ways - Psalm 119:25-40
          • Preparation for Impact - Acts 2:12-26
          • The Strength of My Life - Psalm 119:9-24
          • A Tribute to the Word of God - Psalm 119:1-8
          • The Greatness of Our God - Psalm 48
          • Love One Another (Part. 2) - 1 John 4:7-21
          • Love One Another - 1 John 4:7-21
          • John Calvin: Servant of Christ and His Church - Various Scripture Verses
          • Live Free; Not Fake - Galatians 5:1-11
          • The Trouble With the Truth - Acts 17:1-15
          • The Glory Road - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
          • The Work of the Word - I Thessalonians 2:10-16
          • Model Church: Motive and Manner - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
          • The Impact of Pentecost: Then and Now - I Thessalonians 1:2-10
          • Change You Can Really Believe In - Acts 2:37-41
          • The Accountability to and of Elders 1 Timothy 5:17-25
          • The Testimony of David - Acts 2:25 -36
          • The Explanation of Pentecost - Acts 2:14-24
          • The Spirit of Pentecost - Acts 2:1-13
          • After the Resurrection - Acts 1:1-11
          • Hope That Never Disappoints - Romans 5:1-5
          • Passover: Revisited and Revised - Mark 14:12-26
          • Presence, Power and Persecution - Acts 5:17-41
          • Watch Out! - Mark 13:1-37
          • Close to the Kingdom - Mark 12:28-32
          • Greatness in God's Eyes - Matthew 20:17-27
          • The Wrong Side of Mercy - Mark 11:12-33
          • Making the Impossible Possible - Mark 10:17-22
          • Commitment, Not Convenience - Mark 10:1-16
          • The Sabbaath and the Superbowl - Isaiah 58:13-14
          • The Work of the Shepherd - John 10:1-21
          • Celebrating Life - Psalm 139:13-18
          • Jesus: Friend of Sinners - Mark 2:13-22
          • Pointing People to Christ - Mark 1:1-13
      • The Lord Reigns - Zechariah 14
      • The Lord Reigns - Zechariah 14
      • The Striking Blow For Sinner's Forgiveness - Zechariah 13
      • Two Types of Sorrow - Zechariah 11:12-13:1
      • A Crisis of Leadership - Zechariah 11
      • Sheep, Shepards and a Savior - Zechariah 10
      • War and Peace - Zechariah 9
      • Culture and You Today: How can we live? - Various Scripture Verses
      • You Can Count On God - Zechariah 8
      • A Deadly Substitute - Zechariah 7
      • Access to Peace - Zechariah 6:9-15
      • Vision Alignment - Zechariah 6:1-8
      • The Reality of Sin and Judgment - Zechariah 5
      • The Work of God's Gospel - Zechariah 4:1-13
      • A Cleansed Priesthood - Zechariah 3:1-10
      • Thy Kingdom Come - Zechariah 2:1-13
      • The Fruit of Repentance - Zechariah 1:7-21
      • Restoration Through Repentance - Zechariah 1:1-6
      • Caught In A Trap - John 8:1-11
      • Pentecost: A Feast Like No Other - Acts 2
      • Christ's Ascennsion: What Jesus Left Behind - Acts 1:1-11
      • The Equality of God's Grace - Matthew 20:1-16
      • The Source of Truth and Spiritual Growth - 2 Peter 3:15-18
      • Preparing For Our Future - 2 Peter 3:10-14
      • Time is on God's Side - 2 Peter 3:1-9
      • The Rejection of False Teachers - 2 Peter 3:4-22
      • The Presence, Practice and Punishment of False Teachers - 2 Peter 2:1-40
      • The Worst News Becomes the Best News - Acts 13:26-41
      • The Best and Worst Sunday in History - John 12:12-46
      • It's Not Fair! - Various Scripture Verses
      • The Certainty of the Gospel - 2 Peter: 19-21
      • Remembering God's Truth - 2 Peter 1:12-21
      • Blessed Assurance - 2 Peter 1:10-11
      • Our Faith: Irreplaceable and Active - 2 Peter 1-11
      • The Roar of Satan: Standing Frim in a Noisy World - 1 Peter 5:8-14
      • Living in the Joy of Humility - 1 Peter 5:5-9
      • The Strength of Humility - 1 Peter 5:1-7
      • Surprised by Suffering - 1 Peter 4:12-19
      • Practical Eschatology - 1 Peter 4:7-11
      • Done With Sin? - 1 Peter 4:1-6
      • Christ's Victory March - 1 Peter 3:18-22
      • Immanuel: God With Us - Selected Scripture Verses
    • Sermons 2011 (Click for Teasers) >
      • What Child Is This? - Selected Scripture Verses
      • God's Love Secured - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Joy of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Pieces of Peace - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Advent: The Renewal of Hope - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Celebrating Our Sue Hope in Christ - 1 Peter 3:15-18
      • Loving Life - 1 Peter 3:8-14
      • The Beauty and Strength of Submission - 1 Peter 3:1-7
      • The Sufficiency of Christ's Suffering - 1 Peter 2:24-25
      • The Suffering of Service - 1 Peter 2:21-25
      • The Service of Submission - 1 Peter 2:13-25
      • Significant Strangers - 1 Peter 2:9-12
      • A Stoned Church - 1 Peter 2:4-8
      • The Holiness Diet - 1 Peter 2:1-3
      • Redeemed Living - 1 Peter 1:17-35
      • When Towers Fall - Luke 13:1-5
      • The Focus of Our Hope - 1 Peter 1:10-16
      • The Joy of Hope Refined - 1 Peter 1:3-9
      • Holy Hope - 1 Peter 1:1-5
      • Our Covenent Connection - Hebrews 10:19-25
      • Our Spiritual Debt Crisis - Matthew 18:21-35
      • The Work of God's Word - Hebrews 4:12-16
      • No More Shame - Hebrews 2:10-18
      • We See Jesus - Hebrews 2:5-13
      • The Savior Seeks Sinners - Luke 19:1-10
      • Freedom: Automony or Theonomy - Luke 15:11-24
      • The Right Kind of King - Psalm 110
      • The Greatest Father's Day Ever - Hebrews 1:5-13
      • Jesus Christ: The End of the Story - Hebrews 1:1-6
      • Never Read a Bible Verse -- Selected Scripture Verses
      • A Life of Hope -- Romans 8:18-39
      • The Pride of the Gospel - Galatians 6:12-16
      • Don't Spoil the Fruit - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of the Spirit in Action: Self-control - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Hannah: Obedience and Faithfulness - 1 Samuel 1 & 2
      • The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Surprised by the Obvious - Luke 24:1-8
      • The Fruit of the Spirit in Action: Meekness - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of the Spirit in Action: Kindness and Goodness - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of the Spirit in Action: Patience - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of the Spirit in Action - Joy - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of the Spirit in Action - Love- Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Fruit of Freedom - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Advantage: Holy Spirit - Selected Scripture Verses
      • The Freedom of the Gospel - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Controversy Over the Grace of the Gospel - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Guarding the Gospel of Grace - Galatians 2:1-10
      • The Call of Grace - Galatians 1:11-24
      • Wisdom in Action - Proverbs 2 and James 3
      • Words Matter - Selected Proverbs
      • Wisdom: Found and Applied - Proverbs 3:13-35
      • Old Truths for a New Year - Proverbs 3:1-12
    • Sermons 2010 (Click for Teasers) >
      • The Day After - Matt 2:1-18
      • The Angel's Message to the Shepherds - Luke 2:10-14
      • The Angel's Message to Joseph - Matt 1:18-25
      • The Angel's Message to Mary - Luke 1:26-38
      • The Angelic Message of Preparation - Luke 1:11-21
      • Angels of Advent - Various Scripture Verses
      • Identity Crisis - 1 Peter 2:9-12
      • The Heart of Tradition - Mark 7:1-23
      • Who we are (or should be) as Christians - John 17:13-26
      • THE “TREAT” OF THE REFORMATION - Various Scripture Verses
      • Fatherly Guidance - Various Scripture Verses
      • Children of the Heavenly Father - Various Scripture Verses
      • God Keeps His Promises - Hebrews 6:13-20
      • Signs of God's Covenant Grace - Various Scripture Verses
      • Emotional Rescue - 3 John 2-4
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      • Two Words From God: Law and Gospel - Various Scripture Verses
      • Amazing Grace: Common and Saving - Various Scripture Verses
      • Philemon & Onesimus: What a Pair - Philemon 12-25
      • Philemon & Onesimus: What a Pair - Philemon 1-11
      • Methodology Matters - Various Scripture Verses
      • Pictures of Faithful Service - 2 Timothy 2:2-7
      • A Prayer of Faith - Habakkuk 3:1-19
      • Living by Faith - Habakkuk 2:4-20
      • Lessons on Faith - Habakkuk 2:2-4
      • The Struggle of Faith - Habakkuk 1 - 2:4
      • Battle Accessories - Ephesians 6:16-17
      • The Good News of the Battle - Ephesians 6:14-15
      • The Illusiveness of Truth - Ephesians 6:13-14
      • Prepared for the Battle - Ephesians 6:10-13
      • Authority that Liberates - Ephesians 6:1-9
      • The Model of Marriage - Ephesians 5:21-33
      • God's Design for Marriage - Ephesians 5:21-33
      • The Movement of Love - Ephesians 5:8-21
      • Imitator or Imitation? - Ephesians 5:1-7
      • Kindness in Action - Ephesians 4:29 - 5:2
      • Truth Exchange - Ephesians 4:25-29
      • Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ -- Romans 13
      • The Rejected, Yet Resurrected Savior - Acts 4:8-12
      • The "Off and On" Christian - Ephesians 4:20-24
      • Delivered From Depravity - Ephesians 4:17-24
      • God's Building Project - Ephesians 4:7-16
      • Theology is Practical - Ephesians 4:1-6
      • Prayer and Praise - Ephesians 3:14-21
      • God's Surprise Ending - Ephesians 3:1-13
      • Becoming a Legal Alien - Ephesians 2:14-22
      • Faith That Works - Ephesians 2:8-13
      • Our First Resurrection - Ephesians 2:1-10
      • Eye Opening Prayer - Ephesians 1:15-23
      • Our Inheritance in Christ - Ephesians 1:11-14
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      • God's Eternal Resolution - Ephesians 1:1-6
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The Happyness Quotient - Matthew 5:3-12

Pastor Dennis Bone

4/7/13

THE HAPPINESS QUOTIENT 4-7-13

The Dalai Lama said, “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” Maybe he got this insight from Audrey Hepburn who said, “The most important thing is to be happy and enjoy life, for that’s all that matters.” These less than profound statements summarize the popular, yet superficial view of many people today: As long as you are “happy” (whatever that means to you) you have purpose, and all is fine. I’m surprised that one of them didn’t write a book entitled, “The Happiness driven life.” Had they, I’m quite sure that it would not have included any of Jesus’ beatitudes, where Jesus defines happiness in terms of God’s purpose not our purpose.

We spent the two months prior to Easter Sunday looking at what Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter 5, as He begins His Sermon on the Mount, about happiness. He gives us the “happiness quotient” or in other words the way we should measure and define happiness. Jesus tells us that our purpose is not to be happy but it’s to be holy; it’s not to seek happiness, but it’s to seek God in order to gain true happiness. This view of happiness is counter-culture because it’s really counter intuitive; meaning that it doesn’t come naturally to sinners; it’s a result of God’s grace.

We all know that our Constitution tells us that God gives us the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The most important question, especially for us as Christians is first, “How do you define happiness – what is it? And second, “How do you pursue this happiness?” If happiness is solely a subjective feeling and simply personal, then we will pursue it in a way that only pleases us; and will define it only in ways that give us pleasure. This is the way the world defines happiness, thus it should be no surprise that chief end or main purpose of man – according to the world’s quotient or standard – is to: “Be happy and glorify yourself.”

This then is the human perspective on happiness; and the first main point I want us to consider this morning. We all come into this world with this perspective, and it’s reinforced by most of the world around us. The human perspective, as opposed to or in contrast with the divine perspective, is: Pursue autonomy. Autonomy means self-rule, which simply means that as sinners we want our own way. This is why babies cry, toddlers pout, kids whine, and teenager’s rebel; and then we become adults and do all four.

This may become more sophisticated, refined or subtle, but people innately believe, and then learn, that happiness comes as a result of getting what they want because it is based upon their feelings; and if people don’t get what they want they are unhappy. As Christians we often live by this same quotient, because we too at times define happiness through this prism or perspective of feelings and emotions. In the beatitudes Jesus seeks to change our perspective on happiness and teach us that true happiness, from God’s perspective, is not first of all about one’s feelings, but is a result of one’s attitudes and actions that come from a relationship with God.

The world around us not only wants to cling to the human perspective but wants to promote it, and do all it can to make people believe that happiness is attainable apart from God, because “you have it in you” and you are “free” to do it your way. This is the human desire for autonomy and freedom from God. Thus we see first the desire to find happiness apart from God in creation, instead of in the Creator. People take “things,” even the good gifts from God and make them idols. Instead of worshipping God and finding joy and true happiness in Him, people worship created things – people, possessions, nature, etc. – and try to find happiness in them. This is exactly what Adam and Eve did in the garden. They pursued happiness through autonomy.

Solomon expounds on the foolishness and futility of this perspective in Ecclesiastes. It’s a matter of chasing or pursuing happiness instead of, or in place of pursuing God. Second, we see the desire to find happiness is not an issue of righteousness, but one of convenience. For the world, happiness is the standard, thus how you get there is not that important. If following God’s standard or a moral standard is too hard or not convenient or doesn’t make you happy, then create your own subjective standards around your own happiness quotient. Jesus calls us to hunger and thirst for righteousness; the world only hungers and thirsts for happiness. Daniel, like many other men and women of faith, found happiness in standing upon what was right; and were willing to be happy even if persecuted for it, even as Jesus said may happen.

The world doesn’t view righteousness as a means to happiness, nor does it view God’s Word as an objective standard by which to find happiness; and because of this perspective we see a third point: The desire to find personal happiness is the primary goal, thus it determines behaviors and actions. This is why we hear people say, “If it makes you happy then do it.” The basis or standard for behavior is not whether or not it’s right, it’s whether or not it makes me happy. Isaiah, and the other Old Testament prophets, regularly speak about this perspective of calling “evil” “good” and “darkness” “light,” because it makes you feel good. Paul frequently speaks of hedonistic, sensual, and selfish activities – that are fairly common place and acceptable in our culture today – which point out this truth that people seek to find happiness in the creation instead of their Creator.

Sin is what you do when you are not happy with God; and the things you replace God with to make you happy, could never be sin. If homosexual relations makes you happy, then how can it be wrong? If slandering your neighbor or colleague at work makes you happy than how can it be wrong?

The human perspective is that happiness is determined by what I want, what I like, and what makes me feel good. In contrast to this, I want us to consider a second major point: The divine perspective on happiness. God tells us in His Word that happiness is determined by what God wants; and how we respond to His truths. It affects our emotions and feelings but true happiness is not determined by them. God calls us to pursue theonomy, which means God’s rule, and His way; as opposed to autonomy or our way. The Psalmist says, “Happy are the people whose God is Lord.” In other words, if God is Lord over our lives; and we are submitting to His sovereign rule, they we will be happy. This objective fact is what determines happiness, not our circumstances or feelings.

This makes the definition of happiness simple and straightforward, but as I have just talked about, people don’t always like God’s ways so they “feel” unhappy, and look other places for happiness. People look for artificial happiness so they can “feel happy” instead of truly being happy. God also says through the Psalms, “Happy are the people who keep God’s law.” Psalm 1 says, “Happy is the person who does not walk in the way of sinners – or is not pursuing self-rule – but whose delight is in the law of the Lord.” We read in Proverbs 29, “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraints; but happy are the ones who keep God’s law.” In other words, people who reject or cast off God’s standards will not be the happy ones from God’s perspective.

The divine perspective that we see throughout the Scripture is this: Happy are the people who trust God; and who experience His forgiveness, presence and salvation. David says, “Happy is the person whose transgressions are forgiven and whose sins are covered. Happy is the person who sin the Lord does not count against him.” This is the kind of happiness quotient that God calls us to pursue.

It’s not about pursuing the things of creation; it’s about pursuing our Creator. It’s first of all about seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness and then trusting and knowing that all the other things we need will be given to us. This is what Jesus says to us in the Sermon on the Mount, as He gives us the Christian perspective on happiness, which is the third main point to consider this morning.

Jesus of course supports the divine perspective and says, “Pursue me;” follow me, for “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Pursue Christ because He clearly defines for us the truth about happiness, and shows us the way to happiness, and then teaches us how to get this divine happiness and maintain it. Living in this world as Christians we struggle between the human perspective and the divine perspective. This struggle or conflict is portrayed in the beatitudes where Jesus teaches us that true happiness is an issue of having certain qualities in your life that please God; and living in ways that are in accordance with God’s law. We do not get this perspective from our human nature; and we do not see it commonly practiced in the world around us.

Thus Christ first points the way to divine happiness and gives us the opportunity to experience it. In the beatitudes Jesus tells us that if you want to be happy or “blessed” then this is how you should pursue it as those who first of all are my disciples. Divine happiness is defined by being blessed by God; which is why Jesus uses the word happy. True happiness must first be defined by experiencing the favor or grace of God. This is why the human perspective is so warped; apart from God’s grace and presence in one’s live, happiness must be re-defined as something you can get or feel without the need for God. But Jesus tells us that this is not true if you want divine happiness. You may find artificial happiness in the things of this world, but this kind of happiness doesn’t last; it doesn’t truly satisfy and it can never save your soul.

Christ shows us the way to love God and keep His law in the beatitudes. Happiness is not a result of how you feel; it’s first of all a result of how you act. True happiness is based on one’s character and behavior. We can not love God or keep His law apart from Christ, thus we must first pursue Christ. We must trust Him by faith and follow Him as Lord in order to have access to divine happiness. But Jesus tells us that if we are His disciples, our happiness will not be defined by how we feel; it will be defined by what we do.

“Happy are those who are poor in spirit” – who demonstrate humility; and who mourn over their sin; and happy are those who seek righteousness – who do what is right because of Christ’s righteousness. “Happy are those who show mercy; who are pure in heart and who are peacemakers.” Happy are those who demonstrate and live out Christ-like characteristics in a world of people who look for happiness in themselves – in their pride and casualness about sin; and in expecting people and things to make them happy, and being upset and displeased when they don’t. Jesus teaches us that the kind of happiness God gives no one can take away, because it’s not based on your feelings; it’s not based on what other people do or on circumstances beyond your control; because divine happiness is based on one’s character and relationship with God.

Christ teaches us that the way to true happiness comes from inward joy and Christ-like qualities. Thus the Christian perspective on happiness should be one that rejects the human or natural perspective of the world around us that pursues autonomy; and as such defines happiness in their own personal, subjective, and usually sinful way. Instead it should be to pursue Christ and be happy, because we find true happiness in Him and in living our lives in a Christ-like way as His disciples. Our purpose in life is not to be happy; it’s to glorify God and enjoy Him, thus to be happy now and forever.

©You’re welcome to recycle these resources for your church free of charge. However, if you find them useful, please consider making a donation to the ministry of GCC

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