The
Scriptures

The Scriptures

     The Scriptures are the Word of God to us. They reveal God's plan of salvation through our Messiah, Jesus Christ. The Bible is one big story made up of many smaller stories. It shows us the way to life and the way of life that God requires and desires of us. Believers should read, study, meditate on, memorize and obey the Scriptures. We say it like this: Learn the Text, Live the Text, Teach the Text, Pray the Text, Die the Text. The vast majority of our worship times together are given to the teaching of the Scriptures. At Joy, we hold the Bible in the highest of esteem.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)

(You may want to listen to the teaching series, "Insights to Understanding the Bible")

Praise
&
Worship

 Praise & Worship 

It is very important for believers to express their worship, gratitude and emotions to God.

Hebrews 13:15-16
15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (NKJV)

Here are 11 ways to offer praise:
1) Speak your thanks to God – Hebrews 13:15
2) Doing good, obeying Jesus’ commandments – Hebrews 13:16, John 14:15
3) Fellowshipping with other believers – Hebrews 13:16
4) Giving of your tithes & offerings – Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi 3:10
5) Singing – Ephesians 5:19
6) Playing musical instruments – Psalm 150:3-6
7) Dancing – Psalm 150:4, 2 Samuel 6:14
8) Kneeling, bowing & laying face-down before the Lord – Psalm 95:6
9) Clapping your hands – Psalm 47:1
10) Shouting to the Lord – Psalm 47:1
11) Lifting your hands – Psalm 141:2

(You may want to listen to the teaching series: “Worship”) 

Water
Baptism

 Water Baptism

                                         BAPTIZE = TO IMMERSE OR TO DIP INTO
• In water baptism we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 28:19-20)
• It is a very meaningful act in the life of a believer.
• Faith in Christ saves us and water baptism publicly announces our commitment to Christ.
• It’s an outward sign of your inward change.
• Every believer needs to be publicly baptized in water.

Matthew 3:13-17
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?" 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him. 16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (NKJV)

Romans 6:3-6
3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. (NKJV)

 Brochure - Water Baptism - pdf

(You may want to listen to the teaching, "What is Water Baptism?")

Holy Communion

Holy Communion

     Holy Communion is also called Communion, The Lord’s Supper, The Lord’s Table, Eucharist.
Communion was given to the Church by the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a celebration of the death of Jesus for our sins. We remember His death, His Resurrection and His coming return. It is a celebration of our marriage to Christ. It is an extremely important act of faith and worship. When taken properly in reverence and thanksgiving, Holy Communion strengthens our faith in our Lord, renews our mind in remembrance of Him, refreshes our hope in the coming Kingdom, reminds us of the reality of Christ in us and with us and much more.  The unleaven bread reminds us of the Body of Christ, the sinless Lamb of God who took our sins upon Himself on the cross. By His stripes we are healed. The wine reminds us of the blood of the Son of God that was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus made the New Covenant with His blood. Taste and see that the Lord is good!

1 Corinthians 11:23-31
23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. (NKJV)

(You may want to listen to the teaching series: “The Bride of Christ”)

Prayer

Prayer

     Prayer is a vital part of our communication with God. Through Christ, we have access to our Heavenly Father. Father hears our prayers and answers our prayers according to His will and wisdom. Prayer is more than asking for things. It’s about us building an intimate relationship with the God who loves us. Jesus gave us the model for prayer for all time:

Matthew 6:5-13
5 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (NKJV)

(You may want to listen to the series, "The Jesus Way to Pray")

Laying On of Hands 
&
Anointing
with Oil

 Laying On of Hands

     The "laying on of hands" was a practice of Jesus, the Apostles and the early Church.  3 Bilblical reasons for the laying on of hands:

                                         1.  Praying for the sick (Matthew 9:18, 25; Mark 16:18; James 5:14-15)
                                         2.  Impartation of the grace of God (Acts 8:18)
                                         3.  Commissioning, Ordination and Sending for ministry (1 Timothy 4:14)

    This practice is a point of contact to help people put their faith in Christ and what He has accomplished. The touch is to represent the compassionate, authoritative hand of our Lord and the life-giving power of the Spirit. There is no power in the hand of the one praying for the individual, rather they are to be seen as a conduit or vessel of God's goodness and grace. Laying on of hands should be done in a respectful, caring and compassionate manner - no shaking, forceful jerking of the head or pushing is allowed in our services. The one who is praying must be careful to represent Christ in their words and actions.

  Anointing with Oil
     In conjunction with the laying on of hands, we are instructed to anoint with oil. In this practice, we usually take a little oil and place it on the forehead of the person. This is meant to be a picture of the Holy Spirit (oil) Who is actively working in our situation. There is no power in the oil, rather the power is in the Spirit of God. This practice helps us put our faith and trust in Christ, our Healer and Restorer.

James 5:14-15
14 "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."

Mark 6:13
           "And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them."

Church Membership

 Church Membership

     The Church is a family! It's the Body of Christ on the earth!  We are privileged to be a part of it! We need the Body of Christ for encouragement, instruction, correction, care, love and support. Every believer needs a Pastor to follow, learn from and serve. Every believer needs a spiritual family to relate to and grow with. 1 Corinthians 12 speaks of the importance of every individual member of Christ functioning as a vital part of the whole. When we come together in unity and love, we shine as a "city set on a hill" which cannot be hidden. It's about relationships.

Given up on the Church? Given up on meaningful community? Given up on people growing and changing? Has a past hurt or offense caused you to disconnect from the Body?
It's time to be healed and get connected!  No man is an island!  We need each other!

Throughout the year, we receive new members into the family of Joy. To find out more info how to connect with the family of Joy, click this link:  Connect with Joy

You can get a Membership Packet at Welcome Center in our main foyer.

(You may want to listen to the teaching, "Connecting with Your Spiritual Family") 

Tithes
&
Offerings

Tithes & Offerings

     The giving of our money is a very important part of our worship to the Lord Jesus Christ.  It not an issue of commandment, it's an issue of faith.  Here are some important things to consider: 

       Abraham gave tithes to worship God (Genesis 14:19-20).
       Israel was commanded to give tithes and offerings to the Lord (Lev 27:30-33, Malachi 3:7-12).
       Jesus often spoke about us giving our possessions and being good stewards (Matthew 23:23,
             Luke 18:9-14, Matthew 6:19-21).
       The early Church gave generously and freely to the work of the Kingdom (Acts 2:40-47,
             Acts 4:32-37).
       The first recorded execution in the early Church was over fraudulent giving (Acts 5:1-11).
       Paul taught about being a generous & cheerful giver (1 Corinthians 9:7-15, 2 Corinthians 9:5-8).
       Giving of your tithes and offerings help support the spread of the Gospel. It helps free us from
             the love of money, greed and covetousness. It helps us trust in God for security.
       Believers should give generously to their local Church, the poor and the Kingdom of God.

     At Joy, we don't speak about money very often. In fact, we don't even "take" up an offering. But, you are free to "give" your tithes and offerings to the Lord by placing them in one of the offering boxes at sanctuary doors.

Give in worship and gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ.

(You may want to listen to the teaching, "The Tithe" and "Financial Fitness")

 Baby Dedications

Baby Dedication

We love dedicating babies to the Lord!

     Baby Dedication is an act of worship. It's a celebration of life and family. Children are our responsibility and heritage. We desire to raise them before the Lord in all His ways. During the ceremony, the parents and the congregation will take vows of commitment. These times are very precious and holy.

To understand more about Baby Dedication and its precedence, click the link below:

Brochure - Baby Dedication - pdf

To schedule your Baby Dedication, contact the Church office:  770.227.1671

 Weddings

 Weddings

Marriage is a celebration of love and faithfulness and covenant. When entered into properly, it's an act of worship before the Lord. A man and woman coming together in Holy Matrimony was and is God's idea. He created it, gave it to us and we honor Him in it. Our Father gave us marriage for companionship, family and the showing forth of His glory. It is to reflect the love of Christ and our respect for Christ.

Ephesians 5:31-33
31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (NKJV) 

To schedule your wedding at Joy, contact Church office: 770.227.1671

Sample of Wedding Vows and Ceremony

 Fellowship Meals

 Fellowship Meals 

It's a blessed thing when believers share a meal together!

     It's a bonding of brothers and sisters in Christ, a nurturing of body and spirit. It's one of the important ways in which we share life together. We do it in restaurants, churches, homes, backyards, outdoors, well you get the picture.

Did you know that in nearly every one of Jesus' appearances after His resurrection, He is seen eating with His disciples? Is He showing us the important connection between faith, food and fellowship?

     At Joy, we love eating together. Every Wednesday evening a meal is served before Bible study. Throughout the year, special times are set aside for us to "break bread" together. We encourage our family to use these times and others to build connection and relationship with one another. We highly recommend you do it regularly and often. Break bread together in the name of Christ. Earthly bread taste best when mixed with our discussions over the bread of The Word. 

(You may want to listen to the teaching, "Fellowship:  The Joy of Sharing Life Together")