Truth To Wonder: conversation for christ
The witness of a joyful faith
I was leading a Sunday service recently and I spoke of the unbridled joy all we Christians should know each day. That joy being of what we know awaits us in Heaven through Christ Jesus. As I spoke and looked out on the faces assembled, I saw a collection of faces animated by self-awareness, shyness, and timidity of faith. Concerned by what I saw, I urged the congregants that it was ok to show joy of faith! We above all people that walk God’s earth should be the most joyful! For even if the world is falling apart around us, we know that one day known unto God, we will enjoy a new earth!
Joy of faith is a tremendous witness for the truth of the Gospel! Yet let it be clear, this is not a temporary ecstasy based upon the enjoyment of catchy songs and smiling fellowship, all devoid of substantial Bible teaching. No! This is a joy that is founded upon the eternal truth and authority of Holy Scripture! This is the river of life that flows with refreshing spiritual waters each day! It is by His Pure Word that we have the certain promises of eternal glory through faith in Christ Jesus!
When our joy is founded upon such a mighty and eternal rock, then the circumstances of our day cannot diminish our joy of faith! Think of the early Christians in Acts chapter 16. Those imprisoned for their faith and earnest preaching of the Gospel. Yet their joy was unquenched for it was based upon the sure Word of God’s promise to them of coming glory through Christ Jesus!
Such a deep rooted, Christ anchored joy is the scourge of the Devil. He despises such a true and certain joy. As Martin Luther observed, ‘the Devil hates gaiety!’ By thus of course Martin was speaking on how the Devil truly hates a joyful heart in Christ. For such a heart cannot be broken! Such a heart is untroubled by even the most ferocious of attacks. Instead, it continues to speak and sing to all who hear of the grace and love of God as seen in the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Never be ashamed to live in joy of faith! It is a powerful witness of the certain hope of faith in Christ Jesus, so use it and use it every day! However, be on guard that this joy is anchored only in the sure Word of God. Be thankful for blessed times of fellowship and song of course, but be wary of raising them up to the source of your peace and joy. For then your joy is based on people and not a singular person, that of course being the Lord Jesus Christ!
Speak of Jesus Christ
Do you remember those old TV adverts with Bob Hoskins, where he would remind us all, ‘It’s good to talk’. He wasn’t wrong. Talking to others of matters of faith and of the Lord Jesus is one of the greatest comforts to any Christian. It keeps us strong and ready to serve our Lord Jesus, whilst reminding us that we are far from alone in this world, as we go about our days bonded to one another as members of the body of Christ.