Our Joy.... “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 In August 2010, 16 members of the Mengen people in Papua New Guinea were baptized after testifying of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Among those baptized were six married couples demonstrating their faith in Christ by stepping into the jungle pool the missionaries used to baptize the group. "What joy it has been to see both husbands and wives take this step of faith together," wrote missionary Rebecca Preheim. Some of the believers have had death threats from unbelievers, especially from the shaman in the neighboring village. Yet the believers chose to publicly declare their faith. Many unsaved friends and family members gathered at the small pond in the jungle to watch the service. The first believer to step into the water was a young man named Edward who had previously been a troublemaker and created problems for the missionaries. "In the past, I was not a good person. Everyone in the village knew that I was a person who stole and drank and fought," said Edward. But when I placed my trust in Christ’s death, He completely changed me and for that reason, I want to follow Jesus’ Talk and become baptized." After missionaries baptized the first several believers, they turned over the task to four Mengen men. Joe, an older man in the village said to the crowd, "All of us here are gathered today for one reason and that is Jesus’ death alone. And we are gathered together with joy that comes from Jesus." Our joy is leading people to Jesus Christ and to see them mature in the Lord. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for all the people who have helped you in your Christian life and seek to help others in their walk with the Lord. “A great part of heaven’s bliss for the redeemed will be the joyful presence of those whom they have been used to reach.” – John MacArthur, Jr. God’s Word: “Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!” – Philippians 4:1 - By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 16:00:40 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015