Keeping the Joy Alive

(Pastor Harlan preached this in the afternoon and evening of September 6, 2009, during JTKR Christian Church's anniversary.)

Joy - mentioned 165 times in the Bible (King James Version). Its alternative term, "gladness", was mentioned 47 times.
- Greek "chara" (joy); "chairo (rejoice)

1. Joy Thrives in Clear Conscience (Psalm 32:1)
2. Joy Thrives in Positive Thinking (Philippians 1:25; Philippians 4:8)
3. Joy Thrives in Good Name (Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1)
4. Joy Thrives in Forgiving Others (Matthew 6:15; Acts 8:23; Hebrews 12:15)
5. Joy Thrives in Peaceful Harmony (Philippians 2:1-2)
6. Joy Thrives in Purposeful Living (Philippians 2:17; James 1:2-3)
7. Joy Thrives in Generous Sharing (Acts 20:35)

Christian joy is more than an emotional experience or physical expression. It is a spiritual state that one acquires when he receives Christ as Lord and Savior, and a condition one should maintain as he travels the road of life. Life is not always a bed of roses. But it is always our choice if we allow the thorns to bruise us.

Enjoy life. No one else will do on your behalf.

Characteristics of Satan

(Pastor Harlan preached this in the morning of September 6, 2009)

He Is a Murderer (John 8:44)

• He introduced death by deceiving Adam and Eve.
• He continues to work as a "murderer" nowadays.
• He tempts people to live unhealthy lives.
• He tempts people to eat unhealthy food.
• He distracts people and attract accident.
• He deceives people to keep them spiritually dead.
• He keeps people ignorant of the truth. (Hosea 4:6)

He Is a Liar (John 8:44; Revelations 12:9)

• He twists the truth.
• He deceives.
• He disguises. (II Corinthians 11:14)

He Is a Thief (John 10:10)

• He may steal our time.
• He may steal our health.
• He may steal our learning. (Matthew 13:19)
• He may steal our opportunities.
• He may steal our happiness.

He Is a Busy Worker (I Peter 5:8)

• He looks at all possibilities to let Christians down.
• He doesn't grow weary.
• He doesn't easily give up.
• He is not omnipresent, but he roams around.
• He has a team that works for and with him (the demons).
• I John 4:4 - BUT GREATER IS HE (GOD) WHO IS IN US!

He Is a Loser (Ephesians 1:21-23; James 2:19)

• Christ has triumphed at the cross!
• We must exercise His victory in our lives!
• Avoid negative thoughts and confessions!
• Focus on the positive!
• Count your blessings!

The Christian and His Tongue

James 3:3-12

The Need to Understand the Tongue (verses 3-6)

• Speech Has Tremendous Power
• Speech Has Destructive Power

The Need to Control the Tongue (verses 7-8)

• James was not declaring an impossibility.
• James was leaving a challenge to put the tongue under control

The Need to Sanctify the Tongue (verses 9-12)

• Good and evil from one source
• Effect of inconsistency on credibility
• Bearing the right fruit through speech