somethings To Rejoice With


(1) When One First Becomes A Christian. When the Ethiopian eunuch obeyed the gospel, the Bible says that "he went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39). What a shame that more do not wait around until
one has dressed from the waters of baptism to rejoice with the
new convert.


(2) When Your Friends Rejoice. Too often we are jealous of those who have occasion to rejoice. Jealousy is sometimes the cause of sinful actions; the actions of Joseph's brethren are a good example of
this. The Bible says for us to "rejoice with them that do rejoice"
(Rom. 12:15).


(3) When Folks Walk In The Truth. John said, "I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth as we have received a commandment from the Father" (2 Jn. 4). How long has it been since you
told a fellow-member, "I am glad that you are a Christian and
that you are walking in the truth"?


(4) When The Gospel Is Preached. We need more people who are glad to see the gospel being preached. Remember the results of Philip going down to the city of Samaria and preaching Christ? The comment was,
"there was great joy in that city" (Acts 8:8). Sowing the
seed of the gospel and reaping souls ought to be a joy. The Psalmist
said, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth
and weepeth, bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again with
rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psa. 126:5-6). The
apostle Paul said, "What then, not withstanding, every way, whether in
pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice,
yea, and will rejoice" (Phil. 1:18).


(5) When The Lost Are Found. I am often saddened by the lack of care and concern when the lost return to the fold. One need only read the story of the lost in Luke 15 to see the attitude needed regarding
the lost. When the lost sheep was found the text says, "And when he
hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing" (Lk. 15:5). He
encouraged others to "Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep
which was lost" (Lk. 15:6). There was rejoicing at the finding of the
lost coin and the father was glad to see his lost son return. "But
when he was a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion,
and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him" (Lk. 15:20). A lot
of my brethren would never think of treating such a sinner with such
love and kindness. No wonder we restore such few who leave the
fold! The Bible says, "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the
presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth" (Lk.
15:10).


(6) When There Is Unity Among Brethren. There is entirely too much discord among brethren and God hates it (Prov. 6:19). Paul wrote the Philippians, "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the
same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Phil. 2:2). What a
joy to find brethren who are of one accord and one mind. Paul urged the
Corinthians to "speak the same thing, and that there be no
divisions among you" but that ye be perfectly joined together in the
same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10). One thing that
is hindering our growth in a lot of places today is brethren fussing and
fighting among themselves. Paul warned the Galatians, "But if ye
bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of
another" (Gal. 5:15). We all need to be reminded, "Behold, how
good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity"
(Psa. 133:1).


(7) When Your Name Is Enrolled In Heaven. The apostles of Christ had lots of powers but the greatest thing they had to rejoice over was their names were enrolled in heaven. Jesus told them, "Behold, I
give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over
all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto
you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" (Lk.
10:19-20). You will be among the rejoicing at judgment to find
your name written in heaven.


NOW REJOICE IN CHRIST JESUS . . . . . . . AMEN .

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Comment by ELDER JONES GREEN on October 29, 2010 at 9:37am
REJOICE AMEN !

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