The Secret of Christian Joy - E-book - ePub

Many Christians these days do not have true joy "and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding..." (Philippians 4:7 KJV). They are overwhelmed with the "...the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches..." (Matthew 13:22 KJV). We live in a very busy and stressful world which has become even more hectic with all the new technology that exists today. Home, work, family, and household chores are intruding upon their relationship with God and suffocating the seed of faith the Lord first placed in their heart.
This book identifies common mistakes Christians make and shows how certain changes in lifestyle and priorities can make a huge difference in our outlook and give us the peace and joy that has been lacking in our heart for far too long. Chapter 1 is "Trust And Obey." This chapter provides the reader with true stories about modern day Christians with faith. Their examples of patience and obedience led to astonishing results that went way beyond the mundane experiences of life to an exhilarating and joyful finish.
It also talks about the failures of those who succumb to the temptation to become despondent and angry with God. Biblical examples are given, such as those involving the ancient Hebrews. Even after they were miraculously delivered from Egyptian bondage, their doubts, and constant complaints kept that generation from getting to the Promised Land. Chapter 2 is "Pebbles of Faith." It discusses the foundation of our relationship with God.
We all know that if a house does not have the right foundation, it will not survive in times of stress. In Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus compares a person who listens to Him and puts His words into practice to a wise man who builds his house on a rock. Since it is on a firm foundation it is therefore, able to withstand the winds and rain that come during a storm. Those who do not listen to Him are compared to fools like the man who built his house on sand.
"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash" (Matthew 7:27 NIV). This chapter proves that Christ, not Peter, is the Rock our spiritual foundation must be built upon. We are the pebbles that are broken off of that Rock. Chapter 3 is "Victory In Jesus." This chapter give examples of both men and women who have chosen to follow the Lord despite the painful circumstances in their lives.
The core message here is that no true Christian floats into Heaven on a cloud of material blessings. Those who truly live by faith face the battle head on and continue to trust God. The Lord doesn't deliver them from the battle. He brings them through the battle to the victorious completion. Chapter 4 is "Trials and Tests of Faith." It focuses on the demolition work God does in us when we are reborn through Christ.
It talks about the suffering believers often go through as God seeks to rebuild us in the image of His beloved Son. The old habits and cares of this world get in His way as He seeks to demolish the old foundation built on pride and carnality and give us a new heart. No seed of faith will grow in hard soil. So hard hearts have to be softened through the fiery afflictions. Fire purifies the soil and makes it fertile and soft for the seed to grow the good fruit of the Gospel of Christ.
Chapter 5 is "Nimrod, Cain, and Martha." This chapter warns against the danger of trying to get into Heaven through our hard work and human achievement. It compares Cain's pride with his brother, Abel's, faith. It compares Martha's desire to prepare food for Christ with Mary's desire to listen to the Lord and receive the spiritual food He was giving her. And it teaches us, through Nimrod's tower, how fruitless it is to attempt to build our relationship with God upon our human achievement instead of through His Holy Spirit.