For the Life Was Manifested So Your Joy May Be Full - Part 854

"Rejoice in the Lord always: [and] again I say, Rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us ..." (I John 1:4)

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which the apostles had heard of Him, and then declared unto you and I.

"For God so loved the world...that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

Further, in the first chapter of Acts, Jesus told the apostles to tarry in Jerusalem. "And being assembled together, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:4-5)

What does this mean? Jesus was telling the apostles that they "shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon [them]: and [that they] shall be witnesses unto Me -- [Jesus] both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:4-5) This conversation is critical because it happened just before Jesus was taken up into the clouds. (Acts 1:2-9)

As instructed, the apostles headed to the upper room. Three thousand people were gathered there for the Day of Pentecost. Peter, standing with the eleven began to preach, saying, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation."

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:37-47)

Earlier in the gospels, Jesus had instructed us on salvation. He said, "If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." (John 15:10-12)

Further, Jesus said, "And in that day ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time comes, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father." (John 16:23-25)

When we first seek Jesus and His righteousness, we are renewed in His Spirit, "rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer ..." (Romans 12:12)

Moreover, "whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [Him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." (I Peter 1:8)

Therefore, "great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation." (II Corinthians 7:4)

So, let "the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)

"Rejoice evermore." (I Thessalonians 5:16) Stand in the offering plate.