Acts 2:46-47 (NLT)
Do you think church ought to be fun? I do!
Worship is a celebration. It’s a festival, not a funeral. It’s a party for the kingdom of God. Joyful worship attracts non-believers to the church, because people are looking for joy.
There’s so much bad news in the world. But “gospel” means “good news,” not “bad news.” The gospel is good news that makes people joyful! So when you gather with other Christians, you can celebrate, not commiserate. That’s what the early church did. Acts 2:46-47 says, “They worshiped together at the Temple each day... praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people” (NLT).
Notice two words there: “praising” and “enjoying.” Their worship was happy! God has given us lots of emotions to express, and one place we can express our happiness is in worship.
As Christians, we have been forgiven of our pasts, a purpose for living, and a home in heaven. If that doesn’t make you happy, I don’t know what will! As Peter said on the day the church was born, “Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope” (Acts 2:26 CEV).
We don’t have to manufacture that joy on our own. Peter quoted King David, saying, “You have shown me the paths that lead to life, and your presence will fill me with joy” (Acts 2:28 GNT). When you know your path (God’s purpose for your life) and you feel God’s presence, you’re automatically filled with joy.
But it’s true that sometimes joy can fade. In that case, there are a couple of things to do. First, you can pray like David did, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12 NLT). And the next answer may surprise you: You can practice generosity! That’s what the early Christians did: “ All the believers . . . shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need” (Acts 2:44-45 NLT).
And how did they do it? “With great joy and generosity” (Acts 2:46 NLT).
Real Christianity is Good News for everyone. And that Good News makes you joyful!
Do you think church ought to be fun? I do!
Worship is a celebration. It’s a festival, not a funeral. It’s a party for the kingdom of God. Joyful worship attracts non-believers to the church, because people are looking for joy.
There’s so much bad news in the world. But “gospel” means “good news,” not “bad news.” The gospel is good news that makes people joyful! So when you gather with other Christians, you can celebrate, not commiserate. That’s what the early church did. Acts 2:46-47 says, “They worshiped together at the Temple each day... praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people” (NLT).
Notice two words there: “praising” and “enjoying.” Their worship was happy! God has given us lots of emotions to express, and one place we can express our happiness is in worship.
As Christians, we have been forgiven of our pasts, a purpose for living, and a home in heaven. If that doesn’t make you happy, I don’t know what will! As Peter said on the day the church was born, “Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope” (Acts 2:26 CEV).
We don’t have to manufacture that joy on our own. Peter quoted King David, saying, “You have shown me the paths that lead to life, and your presence will fill me with joy” (Acts 2:28 GNT). When you know your path (God’s purpose for your life) and you feel God’s presence, you’re automatically filled with joy.
But it’s true that sometimes joy can fade. In that case, there are a couple of things to do. First, you can pray like David did, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12 NLT). And the next answer may surprise you: You can practice generosity! That’s what the early Christians did: “ All the believers . . . shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need” (Acts 2:44-45 NLT).
And how did they do it? “With great joy and generosity” (Acts 2:46 NLT).
Real Christianity is Good News for everyone. And that Good News makes you joyful!
Talk It Over
Why do you think joyful worship can be attractive to non-believers?
When have you experienced joy in worship?
Are you experiencing joy in worship lately? If not, take time to pray like David, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12 NLT).
- by Pastor Rick
Why do you think joyful worship can be attractive to non-believers?
When have you experienced joy in worship?
Are you experiencing joy in worship lately? If not, take time to pray like David, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12 NLT).
- by Pastor Rick
***************************
Prayer:
Father,
We come before You today with a heart full of gratitude for Your goodness and faithfulness. Thank You for the gift of worship, for the music, the words, and the presence of Your Spirit in this place. Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace and the Author of Joy. Fill our hearts with Your joy, not the fleeting happiness of the world, but the deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing You. Help us to see Your goodness in every moment, even in the midst of challenges, and to trust that Your joy is our strength. Holy Spirit, guide our hearts to worship You in spirit and in truth, not just with words but with our whole being. Remove every distraction, worry, or heaviness that hinders our praise. Let Your joy overflow into our lives and into the lives of those around us, so that others may also taste the joy of knowing You.
Father, as we gather as Your people, let our worship be a celebration of Your love, a declaration of Your faithfulness, and a testimony of Your joy. May our time of prayer and praise be a source of renewal for our hearts, a reminder that the joy of the Lord is our strength, according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Father, as we gather as Your people, let our worship be a celebration of Your love, a declaration of Your faithfulness, and a testimony of Your joy. May our time of prayer and praise be a source of renewal for our hearts, a reminder that the joy of the Lord is our strength, according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment