#955 Joyfulness – Joy in New Believers

Good Day Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

One of Paul’s greatest joys was seeing people accept the Gospel and Christ as their Savior; however, it did not end there.  His joy was just as great for those Christians who maintained and stood firm in the faith.  Even the angels in Heaven rejoice when someone repents of their sins, thus coming to Christ.[1]  We as Christians should show our joy in the Lord by telling others of Christ, leading them to repent and accept Christ as Savior, which will give us great joy just as it did Paul.  If we further have the opportunity and privilege to nurture and mentor them in the things of the Lord, it will give us additional joy in seeing them mature in their faith which in turn will see them stand firm in the faith, rejecting any false teaching that may lead them down a wrong pathway.

If you are a genuine Christian you should be telling others about your joy as a Christian and leading them to Christ, thus enabling you to experience an even greater joy!

“For now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.  For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account?”   (I Thessalonians 3:8-9 – NASB)

May God Richly Bless You Today

[1] Luke 15:10

#854 God’s Response to Spiritual Concerns – Neglecting Public Worship, continued

Good Day Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In New Testament times, ridicule and persecution were rampant, so “public worship” took place in “secret” homes attended by Christians or those brought by Christians.  Yet, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ spread greatly as they were of one accord: praying, eating, fellowshipping, and witnessing of the Gospel together.  In China and other countries today Christians are in the same situation, and, like early Christians, they pray, worship, fellowship, and spread God’s Word together from their church homes.  God has provided for many of His fellowship of believers to meet in buildings, some being small and others large tabernacles.  It is not where we meet, it is the ability and opportunity for Christians to have intimate fellowship, prayer, and worship together.  When we are tempted to neglect this type of worship experience, we are missing the great blessing God has for us when we worship Him.

Where are you worshipping the Lord?  Is it with fellow believers?

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and breaking of bread, and in prayers…And all that believed were together, and had all things common.”   (Acts 2:42, 44)

May God Richly Bless You Today

#831 Beatitudes Today – Our Responsibility

Good Day Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Having examined the Beatitudes for the past numerous days, we have seen what characteristics God has for us as Christians in our daily walk with Him as well as how we should be dealing with those who are unbelievers.  He has placed on His children the responsibility to tell others of Jesus Christ, thus encouraging the world to accept His free gift of salvation, bringing the world to Him.  In Matthew’s account of Jesus preaching and teaching on the mountainside, Jesus compares us as Christians to salt, saying we “are the salt of the earth.”  When salt has its flavor it is worth a great deal; similarly, when we put forth “flavor” to others in the world by our walk and witness for Jesus, we are worth much for Him and His kingdom.  Just as salt also creates thirst, we should live a life that is so appealing to others in the world that they have a thirst for God’s Word, the Gospel, and Jesus Christ.

Are you “the salt of the earth” for your Lord and Savior, living according to the characteristics and expectations put forth by the Beatitudes?

“Ye are the salt of the earth:  but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?  It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”   (Matthew 5:13)

May God Richly Bless You Today