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Joy!

Sharing the Good News

Introduction

One blessing of sharing the good news is the joy that results from someone trusting Christ as their Savior. That joy will be the focus of today's study.

Scripture Reading

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luk 2:10-11)

And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Luk 15:3-10)

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. (Luk 15:32)

Reason to Rejoice

When the angel announced the Savior's birth to the shepherds, he described it as "good tidings of great joy." It's good news for "all people." The fact that God loves you and has sent His Son to save you is reason for joy! When you respond in faith and complete the transaction, that's reason for joy! So, the sinner has joy when he is forgiven, cleansed, and made a child of God.

The three parables of Jesus, recorded in Luke 15, all make the point that the recovery of something lost is a natural cause for celebration. The shepherd seeking the lost sheep rejoices when he finds it. The woman seeking the lost coin rejoices. The father whose straying son comes home rejoices. Notice that in each case, the finder called others to celebrate the find, too.

If you lead someone to Christ, tell others so they can join the party! A church should celebrate when a lost soul receives Christ. Even the citizens of Heaven rejoice when a sinner is saved. Think of it - leading a soul to Christ here on Earth stirs the emotions of Heaven. It's the right reaction to redemption.

What About You?

• Do you rejoice in your own salvation?
• Do you share the good news so others can have reason to rejoice.
• Do you rejoice when you hear about someone getting saved, or do you hold back, waiting to see if they "really got it?"

Posted by Keith | Tue, March 07 | ∞ | Sharing the Good News

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