“And being brought on their way by the church…they caused great joy unto all the brethren. “~ Acts 15:3
Of all the institutions on earth, if any should manifest great joy it should be Bible-Believing Churches! Coming through their windows, doors, and every crack in the structure, to the outside world as well as those within, should be a happy, vibrant, spirited song and preaching service, along with a joyful fellowship.
Upon returning from Ireland after a few years of ministry there, I re-entered the field of evangelism. Visiting a church which at one time was a “live-wire” for the Lord, it had sadly become dead and ritualistic. I asked my wife what she thought the cause was, she answered “They have lost their joy.”
I believe the greatest need at the present hour is a revival of a Joyful Church! A unhappy, humdrum Christian is hardly a recommendation for becoming one. Why would a world that goes wild at sports events, etc. settle for something lesser?
I think the most pitiful thing about the situation we’re discussing is the fact that we freely relinquished our joy. Jesus plainly tells us in Jn. 16:22, “…your joy no man taketh from you.” The most potent factor of Christianity, we willfully hand over to the world and the devil. You don't lose it, you give it away!
Joyful Christians, I find, are often equated with fanatics by the morbid morticians. But as one old preacher, referring to such said, “To them a fanatic is someone closer to God than themselves.”
by an Aged Saint
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Wonderful message,so spot on!Thankyou!
Outstanding, Dad. Thank you.