1. Earthly Rejoicing

2. Jesus’ First Three Commands 1.Matthew 4:17--repent 2.Matthew 4:19--follow 3.Matthew 5:12--rejoice

3. Video Clips 1.King David Dancing 2nd Samuel 6:12-15 2.Rocks Cry Out Luke 19:37-40 3.Healed of Leprosy Luke 17:11-19

4. Biblical Definitions Old Testament samah/simhah/sameah (verb #8055, noun #8057, or adjective #8056) a spontaneous, unsustained feeling of jubilance a spontaneous, unsustained feeling of jubilance a feeling so strong that it finds expression in some external act a feeling so strong that it finds expression in some external act a feeling prompted by some external and unsustained stimulus a feeling prompted by some external and unsustained stimulus

5. Biblical Definitions (cont.) New Testament 1)chairo (#5463; verb) – to rejoice (many conditions given; His incarnation, power, presence, triumph, reward, etc.) 2)sunchairo (#4796) – to rejoice with (togetherness) 3)agalliao (#21) – to rejoice greatly, to exult (in persecutions, or in God) 4)euphraino (#2165) – to cheer, gladden, rejoice, make merry (elevation of one’s mood; most often what the Americans in Christian churches think of when they think of “rejoice”, especially the audience listening to a presenter). 5)kauchaomai (#2744) – to boast, to glory (very verbal intonation; the presenter of a praise) “Let me tell you what God has done for me….” – Barry Stranz

6. Jesus’ First Three Commands 1.Matthew 4:17; repent. 2.Matthew 4:19; follow. 3.Matthew 5:12; rejoice.

7. Persecution Luke 9:28-31 Luke 9:28-31 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.

8. Persecution Romans 5:2-5 Romans 5:2-5 And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

9. Persecution James 1:2-4 James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

10. Persecution James 5:10-11 James 5:10-11 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

11. Persecution 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.

12. Persecution 2nd Peter 1:3-8 2nd Peter 1:3-8 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

13. Spiritual Freedom The kingdom of the world says: The kingdom of the world says: When someone strikes you, fight back. Crush them. Vengeance is yours. Conformity of behavior is a must. The kingdom of heaven says: The kingdom of heaven says: Turn the other cheek. Help those that ask, even if they are undeserving. Forgive and love your enemy. Your heart is what counts.

14. Spiritual Freedom The kingdom of the world says: The kingdom of the world says: If you want someone to listen to you and obey, manipulate or bully them. Use your power. The kingdom of heaven says: The kingdom of heaven says: Be a servant leader.

15. Spiritual Freedom The kingdom of the worlds says: The kingdom of the worlds says: Look after your own good; and maybe that of your family, and tribe/nation. The kingdom of heaven says: The kingdom of heaven says: The interests of others are equal to and ahead of my own.

16. Kauchaomai!!!