"PASTORS OUTLINE"

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAITH AND JOY

RLJ-646

January 10,1999

The Bible compares salvation to that of a marriage. Jesus is the bridegroom, the believers in Christ are the bride. Rev. 19:1-9
As long as Jesus was present with his disciples on this earth, there was great joy. Luke 5:31-35
John the Baptist understood the same concept, John 3:23-36

A marriage is built upon a strong love relationship, between the groom and the bride. It is unheard of that just prior to the wedding, the groom and the bride have to be prodded to show love to each other. On the contrary, a normal couple cannot find enough hours in a day to just be together and express and receive love. This should be the normal feeling for the believer in Christ, concerning his relationship with the Father through the Son. Isaiah 6l:10-11

God himself is excited about the believers in Christi Rev. 21:1-7
But there are people who the Father does not want to be around. Rev. 21:8
Even God's holy angels are excited about the bride of Christ. Rev. 21:9-27
But the bride of Christ does not seem to be that excited herself. The same disease that infects every marriage on this earth, has also infected this divine marriage. Jesus warned about this. Rev. 2:11-7

DID YOU RECEIVE CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOUR BECAUSE YOU LOVED HIM OR BECAUSE YOU DID NOT WANT TO GO TO HELL?
DO YOU WANT ALL THE BLESSINGS FROM GOD, BUT YOU DO NOT WANT TO HAVE HIM IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

IF YOUR JOY IS TIED TO EARTHLY POSSESSIONS, SUCCESS, FAME OR FORTUNE, THE DEVIL WILL HAVE YOU IN A VISE GRIP, YOUR JOY WILL FLUCTUATE AND FAITH WILL BE DIMINISHED.

Jesus demands a total commitment to him. Luke 9:23-26; Matt. 10:32-39
If you are ashamed of Jesus, he will be ashamed of you. Mark 8:34-38
Jesus demands that we reject the world and cling to our marriage to God!Luke 14:25-35
Friendship with the world is lethal for our souls. James 4:1-5
When Jesus walked on this earth, most people rejected him. John 6:54-71
Jesus is asking you today, DO YOU LOVE ME? John 21:14-18
THE BRIDGE BETWEEN FAITH AND JOY IS "AGAPE LOVE!" 1 Cor. 13:8-13

The moment you become attached to anything on this earth, including your "ministry," you will lose your joy! The original Salvation Army knew that. Hebr. 11:8-16
The apostle Paul told us how to live and preach the Gospel. 1 Cor. 1:18-31

Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

Are you a loving bride of Christ, or are you a "nasty, complaining, whining, never satisfied, griping old woman", living a lousy negative life of misery????

The choice is yours! Psalms 145:1-21