“10 KEYS TO TRUE HAPPINESS”

ACTS 2.41-47

Recently the March 2004 edition of the READER’S DIGEST had an article entitled, “10 SIMPLE KEYS TO A HAPPY LIFE.”

The article starts off by this: “Better living through science is possible. Over the last 70 years or so, researchers have been probing happy and unhappy people, and they’re finally zeroing in on the factors that make a difference. What follows are the top ten. By the way, the experts think your genes account for about 50 percent of your disposition; the other nine factors make up the rest. The list of their ten are:

1.     WEALTH

2.     DESIRE

3.     INTELLIGENCE

4.     GENETICS

5.     BEAUTY

6.     FRIENDSHIP

7.     MARRIAGE

8.  FAITH

9.     CHARITY

10. AGE

The above article obviously was from a secular source. I thought about this and came up with the REAL 10 KEYS TO A HAPPY LIFE.

I.                  SALVATION IN JESUS CHRIST.

A.    You can’t be happier

1.                  Psalms 40:16  Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

2.                  Psalms 32:1  <<A Psalm of David, Maschil.>> Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

3.                  Ephesians 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

B.     Knowing that your sins are forever gone.

C.    Knowing that a mansion is being prepared for you.

D.    Knowing of a place called heaven where there is no more suffering.

II.              OBEDIENCE TO THE LORD.

A.    When you are totally obedient to God, your life will be more satisfying.

B.     Some examples.

1.                  King Saul

2.                  David

3.                  Jonah

4.                  Israelites

5.                  Peter

III.          BAPTISM

A.    After salvation comes baptism.

B.     It is the obedient thing to do.

1.                  Acts 2.41

IV.           FELLOWSHIP

A.    Fellowship with God and other Christians

1.                  Acts 2.42-47

B.     Look how happy and satisfied those Christians were.

V.               BIBLE STUDY

A.    When you read, study and do what the Bible says, it produces a happy life.

1.                  Revelation 1:3  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

2.                  Joshua 1:8  This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

VI.           PRAYER.

A.    Praying and getting answers to your prayers is a great blessing.

1.                  Colossians 4:2  Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

2.                  Philippians 4:6-7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

VII.       CHURCH ATTENDANCE.

A.    The purpose of church attendance is for worship, preaching of the Word, exhorting (encouragement)

1.                  Hebrews 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

2.                  We are to come together to be together.

VIII.   TITHING.

A.    Giving to God’s work and His program is so rewarding.

1.                  2 Cor. 9.6-8

2.                  Luke 6.38

3.                  Proverbs 3:9-10  Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

4.                  1 Corinthians 16:2  Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

IX.           WITNESSING.

A.    Going and telling gives a sense of satisfaction.

1.                  John 20.21

2.                  Matt. 28.19, 20 We have the presence of Christ in our lives when we go and tell

3.                  Proverbs 11:30  The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

X.               SERVICE.

A.    We are to serve the Lord with gladness and singleness of heart.

1.                  Psalms 100:2  Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

2.                  Rom. 12.1

10 KEYS TO A HAPPY LIFE

1.                SALVATION

2.                OBEDIENCE TO THE LORD

3.                BAPTISM

4.                FELLOWSHIP

5.                BIBLE STUDY

6.                PRAYER

7.                CHURCH ATTENDANCE

8.                TITHING

9.                WITNESSING

10.           SERVICE