“Why Some Christians Have No Joy”

Are you sharing the message of life to others? We are not to be “Dead Sea” Christians! The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, is unique among all other bodies of water in the world. I’ve had the privilege of being there twice in the last four years. Several of you have there too! It contains no organic life of any kind! What accounts for this unusual condition? The answer lies in the fact that there are absolutely no outlets! A great volume of waters pours into this area – the Jordan River from the north, the Arnon from the east, and the Kidron from the west. Yet nothing flows out! Many inlets with no outlets creates a Dead Sea!

This formula in nature also applies to the Christian life. It explains why some Christians have no joy. How is it possible for a believer to attend church, Bible conferences, listen to religious broadcasts, study Scriptures, and continually take in God’s Word as it is preached, yet seem lifeless and unproductive in his Christian life? Because such a person is like the Dead Sea; he has several inlets, but no outlets!

To be a believer in Jesus Christ we must not only TAKE IN all we can, we must also GIVE out to others! This is what John is doing as he shares his knowledge of Jesus Christ with us in the Epistles. He pours out with a burst of love, the truth of Jesus Christ so that others may receive Him? Are you doing this? If so, you will never become a “Dead Sea” Christian. We are not cisterns made for hoarding, but channels made for sharing! John knew this and therefore he said in 1 John 1:3, “That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” How are You sharing your faith with others?

Who do you know that does not have a personal relationship with Jesus? If you set down and list those closest to you who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus or those that you don’t know about their relationship with Jesus, you may be surprised how long your list may be. Pray by name over the list and start inviting them to come to First Church with you. Who will you invite this week? God is seeking Contagious and Courageous Christians!

Bless You!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Mark

P.S. This Sunday is World Communion Sunday!