1. Psalm 51:10-12

2. Must appreciate the magnitude of our sin!Must appreciate the magnitude of our sin! –All are affected & guilty – Rom. 3:23 –Separates from God – Isa. 59:1-2 –Worthy of death & hell – Rom. 6:23; Rev. 21:8 Must appreciate the magnitude of His gift!Must appreciate the magnitude of His gift! –Jesus paid the price for us – suffered, died, separated from God, bore our guilt, received our punishment –All to reconcile us to God – 2 Cor. 5:14-19 Must appreciate His grace!Must appreciate His grace! –Grace = getting what we don’t deserve  Salvation, freedom from sin, fellowship with God –Abundantly plentiful for every sin of every man forever!

3. Not wander aimlessly/helplessly – Ps. 119:105Not wander aimlessly/helplessly – Ps. 119:105 His Word brings joy – Jer. 15:16; Psa. 119:24His Word brings joy – Jer. 15:16; Psa. 119:24 –Read of God’s eternal scheme of redemption –Read of My loving Savior’s life, death & advocacy for me –Read of God’s special providence for His people –Read of the tremendous blessings for His children –Read of the new, wonderful relationship with My Father –Read of how I can please My Father His Word is life-changing to every sincere readerHis Word is life-changing to every sincere reader

4. We have brothers & sisters in Christ who:We have brothers & sisters in Christ who: –Share our love for God, Jesus, the Bible & the church –Share our godly values, our moral absolutes –Share our Christ-centered, heavenly goals –Share our burdens, cares, tears, joys, triumphs Joy of one is the joy of all – 2 Cor. 2:3; 7:13; 3 Jn 3-4Joy of one is the joy of all – 2 Cor. 2:3; 7:13; 3 Jn 3-4 Our brethren should be one of our greatest joysOur brethren should be one of our greatest joys –Esp. as we help each get to heaven – 1 Th. 2:19-20; 3:9

5. True joy comes from knowing the Lord and:True joy comes from knowing the Lord and: –Worshiping Him – Psa. 95:1-3; 100:1-5 –Working for Him – Deut. 28:47; Phil. 2:10-15; 3:1; 4:4 –Serving others – Phil. 2:17-18; Gal. 5:13; 6:10 –Living right, doing right & obeying Him – Psa. 97:10-12 Christians have the best (most blessed) lifeChristians have the best (most blessed) life –An abundant life intended to be full of joy – John 15:9-14

6. Joy of the Christian life extends beyond this worldJoy of the Christian life extends beyond this world Secured hope laid up in heaven – Heb. 6:19; Col. 1:5Secured hope laid up in heaven – Heb. 6:19; Col. 1:5 Victory awaits the Christian beyond the graveVictory awaits the Christian beyond the grave –Raised & rewarded – 1 Cor. 15:51-58; 1 Thess. 4:13-17 –We have a living hope resting on Christ – 1 Pet. 1:3-13

7. Believe Jesus is God’s Son – Acts 16:31Believe Jesus is God’s Son – Acts 16:31 Repent of your sins – Acts 3:19Repent of your sins – Acts 3:19 Confess your faith in Jesus – Acts 8:37Confess your faith in Jesus – Acts 8:37 Be immersed in water – Acts 22:16Be immersed in water – Acts 22:16 –Sins are forgiven – Acts 2:38 –Added to His church – Acts 2:47 –Registered in heaven – Hebrews 12:23 –Rejoice for the Lord’s salvation – Acts 8:39 Be faithful  the gift of eternal life – Heb. 5:9Be faithful  the gift of eternal life – Heb. 5:9