What is true Joy?

When we hear or read the word Joy, what’s the first thought that comes to mind? Happiness, satisfaction, a cheerful heart? A lot of people look at it as an emotion based on happy feelings. Let’s define the term and find out what it really means. 

The New Oxford American Dictionary describes Joy as: a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. 

The Greek word for Joy is Chará. It means: to rejoice. 

Another Greek word is Cháris. It means several things. Here are a few: favor, acceptance, a kindness granted or desired, a benefit, thanks, gratitude, grace. 

Jesus stated in the gospels that the joy he gives is a joy no man can take away from us. It’s an everlasting, abiding joy. That’s a wonderful reality. But what is God’s joy based on? 

Unlike human joy that’s based on happy feelings alone, true Christian joy has to be based on facts; facts that can’t be tossed to and fro based on our whimsical feelings. 

Reasons why we are to have joy 

Our names are written in heaven: Jesus speaking to his disciples said this in regards to evil spirits being subject to them through the power of God: “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you, but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). 

What joy that should bring to any believer! To know that your name has been written in God’s book. If it’s there, it can never be erased. 

The revelation of truth: In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said, “I thank thee O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed then unto babes; even so Father; for it seemed good in your sight” (Luke 10:21). 

Jesus Christ rejoiced because it pleased the Father to reveal his secrets to the less noble and powerful in the world and has chosen to reveal his power to the lowly and humble. 

Obedience: Jesus said, “If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:10,11). 

We experience Godly Joy when we obey the commands of the Lord. Knowing we have done what God has commanded us is a manifestation of his power operating in us; this should bring us inexpressible joy; knowing that God is with us. 

The hope of the Lord’s return: Jesus said, “And ye now therefore have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man takes from you.” (John 16:22). 

The believer has a blessed assurance that Jesus is preparing a place for us so that he can receive us unto himself. This truth should bring us great joy and anticipation. 

The joy in answered prayer: Jesus said, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you shall receive that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24). 

As a result of being a child of God, we have the divine right to petition the Lord for what we need. It’s a joy and privilege to have the right to ask, and even more of a joy to receive what we have asked for. This brings full joy (Hebrews 4:16). 

The joy of the Lord is a spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). It’s a fruit of the Spirit that we must cultivate (Galatians 5:22). It’s a virtue that every believer has and must develop through obedience and holy living. Only then will true and full joy in Christ be realized. Christian joy’s bedrock has to be the truth of scripture. That’s the only way we can see it and grab on to it; especially when times are hard. This joy is strengthening and assists our faith in the Lord. This Joy is not an emotion that comes and goes. It’s an agent of the Holy Ghost that fills up the believer in his hour of need and reminds him of the blessed hope of his most glorious future! 

Paul said this way, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). 

 

DEALING WITH OUR SINS

As the year closes, I wanted share some thoughts with you regarding our sins. Although never a popular topic we want to discuss, we must if we’re to identify the sin in our lives and conquer it.

How do you view your sins; a moral lapse in judgment? Perhaps just a simple mistake, “No big deal, we all get “caught up.” Or, you don’t confess your sins at all because you’re a “good person” and God knows your heart. That’s very true, God does know your heart. All the more the reason to confess your sins unto God right?

A simple definition of sin is the transgression of God’s holy law. When one reads God’s word, understand it and violate his commands, we’ve sinned against the Lord. This should grieve us to the core; especially those of us who are Christians. If one doesn’t feel bad when they’ve committed sin, there’s a couple of things going on:

1. Lack of knowledge of their sins and it’s consequences (Romans 6:23)

2. The sinners loves their sins and refuses to repent of them (John 3;19,20; 8:44)

We should be so broken over our sin that we should be like the man in Luke 18:13 who beat his breast while not even looking up to heaven and said, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” This is the humble attitude God is looking for. This is the type of person God will save.

Remember, sin is an affront to God’s holy character. He hates it and must punish it. The problem with sinful man is he believes God is unjust when he punishes them for his sins. Exactly the opposite is true. Man’s sin means he has committed crimes against God. Would we disagree a pedophile or rapist deserves to be punished for their crimes in a court of law and be condemned? Of course we would not disagree. We despise lawbreakers. How much more should God Almighty punish his enemies for their sins?

Sin tragically produces death unless one confesses and repents from them.

The big question is how? The answer is God’s word. David said in Psalm 119:11, “Your word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you.” The word contains power to transform us within so that we can live a holy lifestyle without. The apostle Paul said in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes (emphasis added).

That word power in the Greek is Dumamis. This is where we get the english word dynamite.

When taught effectively the power of the word will explode in the heart of the sinner so that he’ll beat his breast in humility and conviction and cry out to the savior for mercy on his soul that he can be saved.

Jesus Christ has provided the way for mankind’s salvation (John 14:6). He paid for our sins with his substitutionary blood sacrifice.

Jesus also provided us with the knowledge of that great salvation through holy scripture.

Do not be foolish in saying you have no sin. You make God out to be a liar (which is impossible), and the truth is not in you. The sinner is actually the liar (I John 1:8-10).

No one should be so audacious that they would refuse to confess their sins unto God so they can receive the gift of all gifts; salvation–that is life eternal.

The impudence of man and his love for sin is what condemns him to a Christ-less eternity, but why go that route?

If one would simply turn to Jesus Christ today and believe in him their sins will be forgiven forever. Do not despise the sacrifice of Christ, it’s the ultimate blasphemy. You can’t receive salvation by any other name (Acts 4:12).

WHY MIRACLES?

What are miracles in the Bible? What was their purpose and who performed them? Do miracles exist today? Should we seek miracles from God? First, let’s define the term.

Miracles is the Hebrew word ôt; The Greek word is aēmion.

A simple definition of a miracle is supernatural event that goes contrary to natural laws in which God arrests the attention of those to whom the wonder/sign is to affect.

Contrary to popular belief, miracles were not frequent in the bible. There were only five times in history were miracles, signs and wonders were prevalent in scripture:

The time of Moses – Exodus 3; Exodus 7:10, 20; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10; 10:13, 22; 12:29, et al.

The time of Elijah the prophet

1. I Kings 17:1 – At the word of Elijah there was no rain. Heaven was shut up for three and half years
2. I Kings 17:16 – Provision of the bin of flour and the jar of oil for the Sidonian woman and her son.
3. I King 17:22 – The Sidonian’s son brought back to life by Elijah
4. I Kings 18:38 – Fire from Heaven consumed Elijah’s sacrifice when competing with the false prophets of Baal.
5. I Kings 18:46 – Elijah miraculously out runs Ahab’s chariot
6. II Kings 1:10 – Elijah commands fire to come down from heaven and consumes fifty men
7. II Kings 1:12 – Elijah commands fire to come down from heaven and consumes fifty men a second time.
8. II Kings 2:8 –Elijah struck the waters of the Jordan River with his mantle causing the waters to part, allowing him and Elisha to walk on dry ground.

The time of Elisha the prophet; Elijah’s successor. He literally received a double portion of Elijah’s power. Elijah performs (8) miracles, Elisha performs (16). These were the only miracle working prophets in the Old Testament. The rest were writing prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, et al.

1. II Kings 2:14 – Elisha struck the waters of the Jordan River causing them to part allowing him to walk on dry land. Notice the last miracle Elijah performed was the first miracle Elisha performed thus confirming for him no doubt that he was now officially God’s prophet.

2. II Kings 2:21 – The Lord through Elisha heals the waters of Jericho.

3. II Kings 2:24 – Elisha pronounces a curse on some youths who mocked him; they were killed by two female bears.

4. II Kings 3:20 – Waters came down from Edom like a flash flood. This place was a barren desert. It allowed the Israelite army and their cattle to drink as they prepared for battle against the King of Moab.

5. II Kings 3:22 - Water appears as blood to the Moabites. This illusion deceived them into thinking their enemies (i.e. the armies of Israel/Samaria, Judah & Edom) had fought and killed each other. They proceeded to take spoil, but was defeated by the armies they thought were dead.

6. II Kings 4:3-7 – At the word of Elisha, the widow’s oil doesn’t run out until she’s able to pay her debt to her creditors so she won’t have to sell her sons into slavery.

7. II Kings 4:35-37 – Elisha raises a boy from the dead.

8. II Kings 4:38-41 – Elisha purifies the pot of stew using flour for the sons of the prophets. Something toxic was thrown into the stew that could have killed them.

9. II Kings 4:42-44 – Elisha feeds one hundred men with twenty loaves of barley bread and newly ripened grain. This was initially just for Elisha to eat so it naturally wouldn’t have been enough for one hundred men.

10. II Kings 5:14 – Naaman the Syrian is cleansed of Leprosy by dipping in the Jordan River seven times according to the word of Elisha.

11. II Kings 5:26 – Elisha knew his servant Gehazi lied about where he was although he wasn’t physically with him.

12. II Kings 6:6-7 – Elisha causes an ax head to float on water.

13. II Kings 6:9-12 – Elisha by special revelation knew what the plans of the king of Syria were so he could warn the king of Israel and avoid an attack from his enemy.

14. II Kings 6:17 – Elisha prayed and his servant supernaturally saw the chariots of fire and horses around Elisha. This represented the armies of heaven.

15. II Kings 6:18 – Elisha prayed and the Syrians were struck with blindness.

16. II Kings 6:20 – Elisha prayed again and the Syrian’s eyes were opened.

The time of our Lord Jesus Christ: Matthew 8:3, 13, 15, 26; 9:6,25; Mark 4:39; 5:13,29,42;6:42-43; Luke 9:11-17; John 6:1-14; John 11:43,44, et al.

The Acts of the Apostles and close associates: Acts 2:43; 3:6-9; 5:12-16; 6:8; 9;34-35, 40; 14:11, et al.

God used miracles to authenticate the messenger and their message. Jesus himself said, “Except you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” (John 4:48). Jesus also said, ”Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me, or else believe me the very works’ sake.” (John 14:11).

Remember, during this time of the prophets, Jesus and the apostles, the word of God was not complete; it was a direct revelation from God, so to confirm the speaker’s office, God would perform supernatural signs and wonders through these men to separate them from all others; false prophets especially. Once their office was complete and the word of God was recorded on the pages of scripture, the frequency of these miracles were no longer needed. The Lord did not display his power for mere entertainment. He had a specific purpose in mind. In the Old Testament it was so that all would know the true God dwelt in Israel so that God’s people would worship him and stop worshipping idols.

In the time of Jesus and the apostles, miraculous signs and wonders accompanied these holy men to authenticate the gospel message; this new, radical message of how one could be forgiven of their sins through repentance and receive the gift of salvation.

No doubt God still performs miracles today if he wants to. Through prayer and through God’s sovereignty, he can/does heal the sick, can the raise the dead, heal the blind, and cast out demons. The writer has never eye witnessed these accounts (i.e. raising of dead, healing of blind, casting of demons), but that does not mean these miracles do not occur. I believe though to a lesser degree. Although there are plenty of false prophets running around claiming to have healing powers, they do not. When Jesus and the apostles healed someone, it was instantaneous and verifiable; no smoke and mirrors, or cheap parlor tricks like we see today. The aforementioned periods of history were concentrated points were miracles occurred more frequently for the reasons I mentioned. Great signs and wonders will also occur in the future also during the finals day of God’s wrath (Revelation chapters 4-22).

BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED

This phrase is used frequently when one is praying for someone to be healed of sickness and disease. But, are we using this phrase in it’s proper context? Let’s explore the scriptures to find out.

In Isaiah 53:4-5 it reads: Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by His stripes (or wounds) we are healed.

The prophet Isaiah is talking about the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his day this event was about seven hundred years in the future. The Holy Spirit supernaturally revealed this to the prophet so that he could relay the message to the children of Israel. Notice the prophet uses the terms transgressions, iniquities, chastisement. What the prophet is describing here is the suffering and punishment the Savior would undergo because of the sins of his people. God the Father must punish someone for sin for his Holiness sake. Jesus was the only one qualified to be a substitutionary sacrifice for man and satisfy God’s just wrath against sin. Jesus fully paid the price for the sins of the world with the shedding of his blood (John 1:29). The healing described here is the deliverance from our sins. Jesus went to the cross to suffer for our sins and pay sins debt so that we would not have to. This is a spiritual healing and deliverance; not a physical one. Jesus died to heal us from sins’ disease which is eternal damnation, not physical disease.

The Apostle Peter echoes the Prophet Isaiah in I Peter 2:24: who himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree that we being dead to sins, might live for righteousness by whose stripes we are healed.

So once again, Jesus came to heal and deliver us from our sins (emphasis added), not sickness although he’s capable of both. It’s important that we make the distinction. Isaiah 53:4 actually deals with physical healing. This verse was fulfilled in Matthew 8:17, He himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.

It’s important for us understand scripture in it’s proper context so that when we pray, we’re not asking amiss (James 4:3), and therefore not receiving what we’re praying for. No matter how well intentioned, praying Isaiah 53:5 for someone’s physical healing is not biblical.

A PERSONAL NOTE

Good evening,

To those of you who read this blog I hope it's been a source of reliability, challenge, inspiration and blessing regarding the Holy Scriptures. It's our soul food and we can't live without it! If you can relate to what I'm writing, by all means pass this along to someone who can use it. I want to admonish you to be like the noble Bereans in Acts 17:11 where it reads, "These (meaning the Bereans) were more noble than those in Thessalonica where they received the word with all readiness of mind to see whether those things were so."

The Bereans checked Paul and Silas out and that's what you should do with me; to see if what I'm stating is true. I'm fallible and prone to error although everything I've written I can promise you has been prayed over and carefully studied with the utmost diligence. God is my witness. I take God's word more seriously than I ever have and will defend it with everything I have. I feel God is overflowing my cup right now and I want/need to pour in some one else's cup. I'm constantly growing and want to lovingly challenge the readers of this blog to do the same.

Remember the words of the Apostle Peter, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:18). That's a loving command to all of us to move higher in the things of God. I'm striving to do just that. I pray that you are also.

Finally, if there be any praise, any virtue of these articles, the glory belongs to the Lord, and the mistakes are mine.

Even so come Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20)!

God bless you.