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Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Rejoicing Advances the Gospel



Acts 16:22-34             

Singing and rejoicing are ordained of God for the advancement of the Gospel.
On the night of Passover, Jesus knowing his death was imminent, sang hymns with His disciples. (Matthew 26:30)
During the funeral of the pastor’s son at my home church in Atlanta, his wife began singing “God is so Good.” To sing as an act of worship is common to believers. To sing at a time of great sorrow is an act of faith and raw courage.
During my son’s funeral, his 12-year-old son courageously stood and played on guitar “Tears in Heaven;” a song his dad claimed as his favorite. Such times as these cut through the weight of unspeakable sorrow, affirming the hope we have in our Lord Jesus.
Young David played on his harp to sooth the troubled mind of King Saul, who would later plot to kill him. (1 Samuel 16:14-23
Centuries later David’s songs remain a virtual library of hope and comfort. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." (Colossians 3:16)
When we sing and rejoice - we are spiritually strengthened for trials and conflict. Paul’s and Silas’ songs of praise freed them, bringing also their jailer and his family to faith in the Lord. (Acts 16:25)
When we sing and rejoice - we walk a God-designed pathway. Consistently in Scripture, joy and singing are bound together. 
When we sing and rejoice - we glorify God. In Revelation 7:9-10, the Apostle John describes a glimpse of eternity with a great multitude of people from every tribe, nation and language singing a new song before the lamb. “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!

“God is so good -
God is so good -
God is so good, He’s so good to me.”

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