The Bible App is completely free, with no advertising and no in-app purchases. Get the app
Christian Life Church
September 6, 2026 at 9am & 11am
Happiness is a fleeting emotion. Joy is an abiding presence. And it stems from Christ:
Locations & Times
Christian Life Church Columbia
2700 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210, USA
Sunday 8:30 AM
THE BOOK OF ACTS SEPTEMBER 6, 2026
JOY IN THE CITY
SCRIPTURE
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city. Acts 8:4-8 (ESV/NIV)
JOY & HAPPINESS
Happiness is a fleeting emotion. Joy is an abiding presence. And it stems from Christ:
In Your presence there is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… Galatians 5:22
WE GATHER TO BE FILLED.
1/ We are filled when we gather with the saints.
2/ We are filled when we glorify the Father.
3/ We are filled when we grow in understanding and experience.
“He who often thinks of God, will have a larger mind than the man who simply plods around this narrow globe… The most excellent study for expanding the soul is the science of Christ, and Him crucified, and the knowledge of the Godhead in the glorious Trinity.” Charles Spurgeon
4/ We are filled when we give freely.
A generous person will prosper. Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
WE GATHER TO BE FILLED…WE SCATTER TO BE EMPTIED
This is seen in Jesus (Mark 1:35), in the disciples (Mark 3:14), in Antioch (Acts 14:26), and in the local church (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25).
The joy of the Lord was never meant for keeping, but for sharing!
1/ We are to integrate into the city.
This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives He has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you to exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:4-7
2/ We are to intercede for the city.
In Luke 19, Jesus weeps over His city and prays for her.
“I will pester the Lord until He gives me my city.” Matt Chandler
3/ We are to invest into the city.
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to Your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. Proverbs 30:15
“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Or work. Or city. Or spouse. Or church.
4/ We are to invite the city.
“Come and see.” John 1:46
Invite people into what God is doing in your life and your church.
JOY IN THE CITY
SCRIPTURE
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city. Acts 8:4-8 (ESV/NIV)
JOY & HAPPINESS
Happiness is a fleeting emotion. Joy is an abiding presence. And it stems from Christ:
In Your presence there is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… Galatians 5:22
WE GATHER TO BE FILLED.
1/ We are filled when we gather with the saints.
2/ We are filled when we glorify the Father.
3/ We are filled when we grow in understanding and experience.
“He who often thinks of God, will have a larger mind than the man who simply plods around this narrow globe… The most excellent study for expanding the soul is the science of Christ, and Him crucified, and the knowledge of the Godhead in the glorious Trinity.” Charles Spurgeon
4/ We are filled when we give freely.
A generous person will prosper. Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
WE GATHER TO BE FILLED…WE SCATTER TO BE EMPTIED
This is seen in Jesus (Mark 1:35), in the disciples (Mark 3:14), in Antioch (Acts 14:26), and in the local church (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25).
The joy of the Lord was never meant for keeping, but for sharing!
1/ We are to integrate into the city.
This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives He has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you to exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:4-7
2/ We are to intercede for the city.
In Luke 19, Jesus weeps over His city and prays for her.
“I will pester the Lord until He gives me my city.” Matt Chandler
3/ We are to invest into the city.
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to Your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. Proverbs 30:15
“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Or work. Or city. Or spouse. Or church.
4/ We are to invite the city.
“Come and see.” John 1:46
Invite people into what God is doing in your life and your church.