Deschutes Public Library

Happiness, Randy Alcorn

eng

Includes bibliographical references

no index present

non fiction

Happiness

bibliography

905521681

Randy Alcorn

"Christians are supposed to be happy. In fact, we are supposed to radiate joy, peace, and contentment that is so unmistakable and so attractive that others are naturally drawn to us because they want what we have. And yet, in today's culture, the vast majority of Christians are perceived as angry, judgmental people who don't seem to derive any joy from life whatsoever. So why aren't we happy?Unfortunately, many Christians are taught early on that God doesn't want us to be happy (he wants us to be holy). In fact, many Christians are laboring under the false notion that God himself is not happy. But nothing could be further from the truth God does want us to be happy. The Bible is filled with verses that prove that ours is a happy, joy-filled God who not only loves celebrations but also desperately wants his children to be happy. Why else would He go to the lengths He did to ensure our eternal happiness in His presence? We know that we will experience unimaginable joy and happiness in Heaven, but that doesn't mean we can't also experience joy and happiness here on earth. In "Happiness," noted theologian Randy Alcorn dispels centuries of misconceptions about happiness and provides indisputable proof that God not only wants us to be happy, He commands it. The most definitive study on the subject of happiness to date, this book is a paradigm-shifting wake-up call for the church and Christians everywhere"--, Publisher

What is happiness -- Our compelling quest for happiness. Why do we long for happiness? ; What does our longing for happiness reveal about us? ; Does God want us to be happy? ; Why does our happiness matter? ; What's the difference between joy and happiness? ; Do modern studies confirm the biblical perspectives on happiness? ; Is happiness unspiritual? ; Can good things become idols that steal our happiness? ; What happens when we put pleasure idols in God's place? ; What (or who) is our primary source of happiness? ; Do secondary gifts have real value apart from their source? -- The happiness of God. Is God happy? ; What does the Bible say about God's happiness? ; Is God happy, or is he blessed? ; What makes the triune God happy? ; Is God happy with himself? (And should he be?) ; Has the church historically seen God as unhappy or happy? ; Was Jesus happy? ; Did Jesus laugh, play, and have a sense of humor? -- The Bible's actual words for happiness. Happiness, joy, and gladness in the Bible ; Why does it matter whether we translate the original words as "blessed" or "happy"? ; God favors his people with happiness : an overview of Asher and Makarios ; We find lasting happiness in God : a closer look at the Hebrew word Asher ; We can be happy now ... and forever : a closer look at the Greek word Makarios ; God tells his children to spend time and money partying : the Hebrew word Samach, Part 1 ; God desires our happiness now and forever : the Hebrew word Samach, Part 2 ; God's people can and should rejoice and celebrate : Chara and Chairo in the Gospels and Acts ; Enjoying God's grace : the Greek words Chara and Chairo in the apostles' letters ; The Bible leaves no room for doubt : our happiness matters to God -- Understanding and experiencing happiness in God. The emotional satisfaction in happiness and joy ; Happiness is our choice ; Ways to cultivate happiness ; Celebration is God's idea : feasts, festivals, sabbaths, singing, and dancing in the Bible ; Happiness comes from meditating on God's word ; Happiness in Christ is deeper than the health-and-wealth gospel ; Happiness through confession, repentance, and forgiveness ; We need not choose between holiness and happiness ; Is seeking happiness selfish? ; Happiness through self-forgetfulness and Christ-centeredness ; Happiness through gratitude ; Happiness and hope : adjusting our expectations ; Finding happiness now in God's promises of eternal happiness ; Future happiness on the new earth ; Drink deeply from God's gift of happiness ; God promises we'll live "happily ever after" ; Nineteen more happiness words in the Old Testament ; Fourteen more happiness words in the New Testament