King’s Church, St Paul’s Cray, Orpington

The joy of the Lord is independent of circumstances in this world.

The joy of the Lord keeps us strong and positive, even in suffering

God gives us the joy of salvation. Our responsibility is to rejoice.

Repentance is key to continuing to experience the joy of salvation.

David was described as a man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22).  David was committed to obedience to God even when it put his life in danger and he suffered a lot when Saul was chasing him with an army, to kill him. When David gave in to idleness, and physical comfort and desires he sinned grievously. Sin was and always is a dangerous “joy robber”. Genuine repentance is key to continuing to experience joyfulness.  If we try to cover up or justify our sin, our experience of mental, emotional well-being will be affected negatively.  Let us learn how to have a contrite and repentant hearts.  Those who do so will continue to experience the benefits of the joy of salvation.

The apostles rejoiced in difficult circumstances and God was pleased with them.

The apostles rejoiced  in difficult circumstances and God was pleased with them.

Assurance of salvation is the true foundation for fullness of joy in a challenging world.

A true church must have community groups as well as a corporate expression

True believers follow Jesus, and also lead others to Him.

Truth and grace must go together

Focused fellowship