Welcome Church Family to eHomily!

eHomily  by Pastor Ron...

 Pastor Ron

 

The Fruit of the Spirit Series - Galatians 5:22-23

 

What we've learned so far...

 

The Apostle Paul instructs us, "Be joyful always" (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Though this is the shortest verse in the Bible (in the Greek text), it doesn't lessen its importance. The verse reinforces the idea, found several other places in the New Testament, that joy is possible for the Christian every day.

 

Keep in mind that the scriptural view of joy is far different from the cultural view of happiness. The word "happy" comes from the root word "hap" which means "luck" or "circumstance." So happiness depends on circumstances. I'm happy because things are going my way. But what if things are not going my way? That is why joy is so important. Joy is deeper! Joy comes from within and is not dependent on outward circumstances.

 

The good news is that we have the capacity for joy in daily living as Christians. In Romans 5:1-5, as we discussed this past Sunday, we learn that we can rejoice with great hope and confidence even in times of suffering through our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joy means that I am able to enjoy life in spite of problems because of the perspective Jesus brings to my life.

 

Not only do we have the capacity for joy in every circumstance, we also have the responsibility for joy in every circumstance. The Apostle Paul wrote a letter from prison on the theme of joy and in it he said, "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). These are commands in the original language. So we are responsible to make the choice to rejoice.

 

For most of us, a joyful response to life's daily grind does not come naturally. So we have to work on developing this character trait. Joy is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.

 

So where do we begin? My suggestion is start by practicing daily praise and thanksgiving at the beginning and ending of each day. Also, let thanksgiving find its way into a conversation with someone during the day. You may be surprised how it will energize you and the person who hears your positive response to life.  

 

Joy is not too difficult of a command from our Lord as long as we make the deliberate choice daily of dependence on the Holy Spirit and obedience to God's Word. May it be so...

 

Blessings,

Pastor Ron

 

Sundays at First Baptist Pompano

  

9:30 am

Classic Worship Service

 

Infant & Preschool Care

 

JumpStart Children's Sunday School

(children can arrive as early as 9:00 am for supervised play)

 

Middle & High School Breakfast & Bible Study

 

Adult Bible Study

 

 

11:00 am

Creative Worship Service

 

K.I.D.S Church

 

Adult Bible Study


 
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