• The concept of waiting is explored during Advent, with a focus on holy expectation and the hope that God has for the world.
• Joy is identified as the word of waiting for this morning's message, and its definition is discussed in relation to happiness.
• Popular songs and quotes about joy are shared, highlighting human desires for joy, happiness, and pleasure.
• The Bible is seen as speaking to real humans with real lives, seeking to understand what it means to love, be peaceful, and joyful.
• God's creation of the world and rest on each day is referenced in Genesis 1, emphasizing that He took joy and pleasure in His creation.
• Imago Dei (human beings made in God's image) is discussed as a key doctrine related to finding real joy in creation.
• Psalm 104 is mentioned as an example of the beauty of creation and the psalmist's desire to sing praise to God throughout their life.
• The prophet Isaiah speaks about God's people finding joy and praising Him for His sovereignty and goodness, particularly in Isaiah 55.
• The passage from Isaiah emphasizes that joy is an attitude adopted by God's people due to their hope in God's love and promises.
• Real joy is found in God, who is a trustworthy foundation.
• Repentance and seeking forgiveness are essential steps in finding real joy.
• God's words and promises are reliable and effective.
• Joy is not based on happy circumstances but on trusting in God's will and purposes.
• Repentance definition and meaning
• Turning around 180 degrees to turn to the way of God
• Living in the way of blessing instead of curse and death
• Asking for forgiveness as part of repenting
• Seeking God's forgiveness due to constant living in the way of curse and sin
• The speaker discusses the good news of Jesus Christ coming to forgive all sins
• The importance of understanding who Jesus is and his role in forgiveness
• The concept of atonement, or the sacrifice of Jesus' life on the cross for humanity's sin
• The humility required to trust in God's ways and will, rather than one's own thoughts and opinions
• A poetic illustration from Isaiah comparing God's will to rain and snow that never fails to fall in due time
• God's word will never fail to fall and bear fruit
• God's sovereignty and power in creation and speaking things into being
• Jesus as the living word of God, coming as God Himself in the flesh
• God's loving and good will for the world and for us
• The plan of redemption bringing hope, peace, love, joy, and rejoicing with all creation
• The good news of His new creation, where our waiting and expecting become fully realized.
• The concept of joy and its connection to following God's will
• The idea that Christ-like behavior allows for glimpses of joy
• The distinction between joy as the absence of conflict and joy as the presence of Jesus
• The difficulty of waiting, especially in modern times
• The temptation to find happiness and joy in one's own ways rather than in God's will
• The importance of discerning God's ways and finding joy in Him
• The dangers of devoting too much time to work and seeking satisfaction in non-God things, leading to addiction and destruction
• The irony that people are often searching for happiness and joy through addictions and destructive behaviors
• Blaise Pascal's concept of a "God-shaped vacuum" in the heart, which can only be satisfied by God
• The idea that true joy and happiness come from a foundation in God, even in the face of suffering and brokenness
• Praising God in all circumstances, not just happy ones
• Joy can be found in any circumstance because God is with us
• Jesus teaches about suffering and grief, but also promises joy
• True mourning is with what God mourns for (estranged family members, refugees, sicknesses)
• Jesus' promise that our grief will turn to joy
• The real Christmas message is the birth of Jesus as the unfailing living word of God
• Invitation to seek the Lord and turn to his ways
• Finding joy in God even through struggles and hardships
• Recognizing God as the source of joy
• Giving praise and glory to God
• Trusting in God's promises, including His return