Our Reasons to Rejoice

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4

This past Sunday our church ended its annual attendance campaign with an "Old Fashioned Day". The sanctuary was decorated. Most of the people were dressed up in old fashioned clothes. Many visitors were in attendance. The choir opened the morning preaching service with the song "I'd rather be an old time Christian than anything I know". The congregational singing was great! The special that was sung by Bro. Hisle was a blessing. After the message, many were at the altars, and four people were baptized. What a joyous morning we were having!

Right after the morning service, folks had their pictures taken. Then, we all went outside so that I could get some whip cream pies thrown in my face. (As you can tell I am a dignified preacher, and we are a dignified church! Right???) Anyway, everyone was excited about the prospect of getting to hit the preacher in the face with a pie!

After the pie throwing was over the treasurer and I went inside the church and found that the money bags with all of the mornings tithes and offerings were missing. Immediately we called all of the ushers, and church staff hoping that the offering was just misplaced, but sure enough someone had stolen it.

Sunday night as I told the church what had happened, I tried to convey to them that every time the Lord gets victory through His saints, Satan fights and seeks to discourage the people of God.

What a great church we have! Instead of the people getting angry and being discouraged, our folks had a sweet spirit which was manifested by the prayers offered up to God. We prayed not for retaliation or vengeance, but for the salvation of the one who had taken the offering.

As Christians, if we are not careful, Satan will turn every height of victory into a valley of despair. We as God's children must remember that God is still on the throne, and no matter what happens God is still good and we should still rejoice.

Here are just a few reasons that we, as believers, have to rejoice:

I. We can Rejoice in our Absolute Pardon

SCRIPTURE: Romans 4:7, "Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered."


II. We can Rejoice in our Awesome Privilege

NOTE: Our awesome privilege is the ability to be co-laborers together with Christ in winning the lost.

SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:3, "And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren."

SCRIPTURE: 1Thessalonians 2:19, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?"

SCRIPTURE: 2Corinthians 5:20, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God."


III. We can Rejoice in our Answered Prayer

SCRIPTURE: John 16:24, "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."


IV. We can Rejoice in our Assured Persecution

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 4:13, "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."