Knowing the Real Joy of Good Living

Knowing the Real Joy of Good Living!

“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:4 NKJV).

Mark N. Posey

Some seem so anxious to avoid hell that they forget to celebrate their journey to heaven (cf. 2 John 1:4). Therefore, what is the real joy of good living? You know that your sins are forgiven (Romans 8:1). This happens when you commit yourself to Christ in faith, repent, confess Jesus as the Son of God and baptism. David was “a man after God’s own heart,” but he broke 40% of the 10 Commandments on one particular occasion. Yet, the God who forgave David’s sins will forgive your sins, too (Psalm 32:1; cf. 1 John 1:9). God forgives the sins of those that are penitent, baptized believers (Acts 2:38).

You know that you have someone to help you along life’s way (Hebrews 2:18). The word “aid” (“succor” KJV) means “to help” or “come to the rescue.” Jesus promised to be with His disciples “even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus knows our struggles (Hebrews 4:15).

You know you are engaged in the greatest work in the world (2 Timothy 4:5). After all, investment determines involvement. We will be greatly involved in that which we invest our time, treasures and talents, and it will pay dividends for time and eternity (Psalm 23:6; cf. 1 Timothy 4:8, 15-16).

You know that you are living by the best set of rules in the world (James 1:21-25). If we live by the rules of the New Testament, we shall never go wrong. The Word of God is like a mirror in which we see ourselves as we really are (James 1:23). Following Jesus results in change (2 Corinthians 3:18).

You know that death holds no fear for you (2 Timothy 4:6-7). Paul said he was “ready.” He also spoke of his departure. The Christian has such promises as Psalm 116:16 and Revelation 14:13. Isn’t it great to know that when the end of the way comes, we have a refuge for the soul?

You know that you have a home in heaven waiting for you (2 Timothy 4:8; cf. John 14:1-3; 1 Peter 1:3-5). Peter speaks of a reservation that is made in heaven for the redeemed. The reservation is for those that have been “born again” (John 3:3, 5).

You know that you have brought joy to others as well (1 Peter 1:6). The Philippians brought joy to the apostle Paul (1:3-6). Philip helped the Ethiopian eunuch to “go on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). May God help us to live in such a way that someone will say, “I have seen Jesus in your life.”

You know that you have spent your time in service to the Lord (Philippians 1:1; James 1:1). The greatest endeavor is serving others. Jesus was a Servant, according to Matthew 20:28, John 13:15 and Philippians 2:7. The word “servant” is from doulos, which means, “voluntary slave.” Jesus said, “He that will be greatest among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). The words that we want to hear on Judgment Day are, “Well done thou good and faithfulservant” (Matthew 25:21). Serving others means serving Jesus (Matthew 25:40).

May we live godly lives from here to eternity! May we each truly know the joy of good living.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS.

Image
              CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS. By: Benson Omole. If there is anything that will spark a spontaneous debate, among believers, if not an outright argument, it is a discussion involving politics. As followers of Christ, how should we view politics, what should be our attitudes and our involvements with politics? In these contemporary times we live in today, it is increasingly becoming difficult to differentiate between an active Politician, and a faithful Christian! Small efforts shall be made to define what Christian life and values are. Why are we saved, and our responsibilities, now that we are saved? We shall also examine few classical definitions of politics, and its theories.  Readers must be able to decide whether to enter in “by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leads unto life, and few are they that find it.” –Jesu
Read more

The Origin of Israel.

Image
ORIGIN OF ISRAEL. The origin of Israel is rooted in ancient history and has complex historical, religious, and political dimensions. It's important to understand that the topic is multifaceted, but I can provide a brief overview: 1. Ancient History: The region that is now Israel has a long history dating back thousands of years, with various indigenous peoples and empires controlling the area. In ancient times, the land was inhabited by Hebrews, Canaanites, Philistines, and others. 2. Biblical History: The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) contains accounts of the Israelites' conquest of the land under figures like Moses and Joshua. It describes the establishment of the Kingdom of Israel. 3. Roman Conquest: In 63 BCE, the Roman Empire conquered the region, leading to the dispersion of Jews and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. 4. Modern Israel: After centuries of Jewish diaspora, the Zionist movement emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for the reest
Read more

The Truth About Christmas

Image
The Truth About Christmas                            George G. Pennock. As we enter the season of the year when many of our friends and neighbors are observing the birthday of Christ, it is appropriate that we give some time to a careful study of Christmas. In this article we will attempt to give you a comprehensive picture of the truth about Christmas. Some of the material presented has been adapted from James L. Dennison's booklet, "The History Of Christmas" and Eris B. Benson's work, "The Question Of Christmas." We lay no claim to originality. Have you ever stopped and thought about the origin and history of Christmas? We are prone to take so many things for granted! Where did Christmas come from? Who authorized it? Many of us will quickly answer that it was ordained by God, and originated when Christ was born. But are you sure of this? Could you prove it from the Bible? Permit us to deal with some of the traditions which most of us have taken
Read more