Victorious Joy

This message takes us on a powerful journey through the kingdom of God, revealing that it's not defined by external observances or material possessions, but by three profound realities: righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. We discover that righteousness isn't something we earn through our own efforts—it's imputed to us, deposited into our spiritual accounts just as it was for Abraham when he simply believed God. This right standing with God puts us in the correct position before Him, not because of our perfection, but because of Christ's sacrifice. Peace, we learn, is the bridge that Jesus built between heaven and earth, tearing the veil and removing the distance between Creator and creation. This peace isn't something we maintain—God maintains it, putting up with us rather than us putting up with Him. But joy—victorious joy—is something we must receive. It's the awareness of grace and favor working in our lives, the ability to have delight even before we hold the promise in our hands, like a child rejoicing in the car on the way to get ice cream. This joy was what motivated Jesus to endure the cross: the joy of bringing us to the Father. When we understand that we are His joy, that He went through everything to present us faultless before God's throne, it transforms how we live. We're called to enjoy our lives, to bring our joy with us rather than waiting for circumstances to create it, and to let that joy overflow into generous giving—of our time, effort, and love—especially to those without shelter or hope.