Although scientists and other religions have complex theories about the creation of the world, the Bible explains it succinctly. In this study, we're going to ask you to use your imagination to see how Jesus recreates us after He saves us.
In the first part of this study, we looked at people who had given themselves to sinful behavior. All of the people Jesus touched were not "notorious sinners." In this half of the study we will look at others whom Jesus "re-created."
In earlier times the coming of royalty to an area was preceded by a herald (from the Greek word keryt, crier), announcing the soon-to-be appearance. Paul made use of this practice when he called himself a herald and an apostle.
When I was young, I thought God was very serious. But as I have grown older, I have become more and more aware that He is a joyful God. Not only is His heart filled with joy, He wants us to experience that same quality in our heart.
There are nearly 500 references to some form of joy or rejoicing in Scripture and this doesn't include synonyms. Many of these words express exceeding gladness, boasting, exulting, shouting, and even jumping for joy. Obviously, God wants us to be joyful--and to express it.
Before we go further, let's make an important distinction. When we talk about joy, we don't necessarily mean happiness. Happiness is an emotional response to a certain set of circumstances; joy is a response to the Lord that He puts in our hearts.
In the first part of this study, we looked at both the characteristics of joy and what hinders us from obtaining it. In this half, we want to see why God encourages us to have faith and is grieved by our grumbling and complaining.