Rejoice! Part 2: Ecclesiastes 11 by Dr. Rod Mattoon

Scripture

• Ecclesiastes 11

About this sermon

Part Two of this message “Rejoice” continues to address Biblical principles on how to have joy in your life. We talk about what gives you joy and what doesn’t. Joy is not found in all the things that the world turns to for satisfaction. The world has proven that its source does not satisfy. * Joy is not in unbelief. Voltaire was an infidel who wrote, "I wish I had never been born." It doesn't sound like he was very happy, does it? * It is not in pleasure. Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure. He wrote, "The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone." * It is not in money. Jay Gould, the American millionaire had plenty. When he was dying he said, "I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth." * It is not in position and fame. Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed both. He wrote, "Youth is a mistake; manhood, a struggle; old age, a regret." * It is not in military glory. Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his day. Having done so, he wept because he said, "There are no more worlds to conquer." * Joy comes from within. It comes from knowing the Lord as your Savior. * Psalm 16:11—Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. * John 15:11—These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. Billy Sunday said, "If you have no joy in your religion, there's a leak in your Christianity somewhere." The leak is usually broken fellowship with God. Something has come between you and the Lord. If you want to have joy in your life, then have a close walk with God. He will give you joy in the most dire of circumstances. Walking with God and knowing that you will be with Him when you die one day can give you joy in the hour of your death. I think of Herman Lange, a German Christian was to be executed by the Nazis during WWII. In his cell on the night before he was to be killed, Lange wrote a note to his parents. He said two feelings occupied his mind: "I am, first, in a joyous mood, and second filled with great anticipation." Then he made this beautiful affirmation: "In Christ I have put my faith, and precisely today I have faith in Him more firmly than ever." Finally he urged his parents to read the New Testament for comfort: "Look where you will, everywhere you will find jubilation over the grace that makes us children of God. What can befall a child of God? Of what should I be afraid? On the contrary, rejoice!" Wow! What a testimony! This 32-minute message was preached on Wednesday night, November 10, 2021 at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.

Topics

• Joy