Bethel Baptist Church of St. Johns

3 safeguards against fleshly confidence--3-1- Biblical joy promotes God-centered living--3-2-4a- False teachers proclaim self-righteousness-- False teachers are vicious and dangerous-- False teachers promote heinous sin-- False teachers spread demonic doctrine--3-4b-6- Religious ritual does not earn favor with God

What is the nature of true religion---True religion, in great part, consists in holy affections-1. Love to Christ-2. Joy in Christ

The character of biblical joy--- The Lord rejoices in the faithfulness of His people -Deuteronomy 28-63--- Joy is an essential component of true virtue -Psalm 40-16--- There is a malicious and sinful joy that must be avoided -Lamentations 1-21--- The absence of joy indicates divine judgment -Isaiah 24-11--- Delighting in God strengthens our Christian walk -Nehemiah 8-10-

Biblical truths about joy--- What opposes joy--- What does joy include--- What causes joy-

3 character traits of a faithful church representative--A. Strategically engaged in ministry -25--B. Deeply connected to the church -26-28--C. Willing to give up everything to fulfill God's will -29-30-

4 characteristics of a faithful partner in the ministry---A. Genuinely concerned for the well-being of others -20---B. Seeks the things of Christ -21---C. Has the reputation as a true servant of the gospel -22---D. Willing to travel when and where he is needed -23-

3 truths about ministry to produce joy--A. After a faithful life, not even death deprives us of joy--B. Ministry is sacrificial service--C. Mutual service produces mutual joy

How to shine like a star--- Shine like stars by proclaiming the gospel-- Gospel ministry is worthwhile

3 reasons not to complain--1. When treated unjustly, complaining rebels against God's good and wise providence -Genesis 50-20--2. When treated fairly, do not complain-3. Complaining diminishes your testimony--Two metaphors describe the contrast between Christians and non-Christians--1. Like a ruler, Christians provide a straight model for distorted lives-2. Christians shine like stars in the dark universe

The Sin the Church Loves the Most- Part 2-Philippians 2-14-3 reasons not to complain--Phil. 2-14 -Do all things without grumbling or disputing--1. When treated unjustly, complaining rebels against God's good and wise providence -Genesis 50-20--2. When treated fairly, do not complain because--a. God is holy and righteous in all He does---b. We are not always able to make a right judgment about what is good for us---c. It is less than you deserve -Lamentations 3-39-