Rejoice!
We can experience joy in the midst of suffering by letting Jesus become the center of our life and living in joyful expectation of the future glory.
In this sermon, Basilia Schlink delivers a message of hope and encouragement to those who are feeling sad or despairing. She emphasizes that God is the Father of goodness and that even in times of trouble and darkness, we should lift up our heads and rejoice. The suffering we experience is a sign that the hour of redemption is near, and we can live in joyful expectation of the return of Christ. Schlink urges listeners to focus on God's glory and His kingdom, rather than the present anxieties and cares of the world. By making Jesus the center of our lives, we can experience a taste of heaven even in the midst of suffering.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today. This joyful message doesn't apply only to the strong and happy. It is meant above all for those of us who would like to despair in the face of the world situation or in the face of the dark pathways in our own personal lives.
Today's meditation by Basilia Schlink is a special message for all those among us who are sad. Father of goodness, of goodness, Father of goodness, We praise with a cherubim and seraphim, God is but goodness, God is but goodness, but goodness, but goodness alone. And all his heart full of goodness great, Yea, God is goodness, yea, God is goodness, goodness alone.
Father of goodness, of goodness, Father of goodness, Yes, God is a Father of goodness. Therefore, in times of trouble and darkness, lift up your head. The suffering of these times is a proclamation that the hour of redemption is at hand.
Rejoice! The end of the darkest pathways will bring us entrance into the unimaginable joy of heaven. One day, for the whole world, it will bring the return of Christ when he will appear in glory. You can live now in joyful expectation of this day.
When you live in anticipation of the future glory, you will be able to taste a bit of heaven already here on earth in every difficulty. For the horror and pain on earth are not the end. No, the end will be peace and joy and the glory of God and his kingdom.
Concern yourself with his glory. Set your heart and thoughts now on his kingdom. Don't live in the present, in the anxieties and cares.
Rather, live in the future, in the heavenly glory for which you're being prepared on earth. Don't concentrate on the darkness in and around you. Instead, look at the dawning light of Jesus, the son of all sons, who wants to draw you to himself, into his kingdom of light.
Only one thing is important for you right now. Let Jesus become the center of your life, for he is the center of heaven to whom you will be drawn one day. And if you let your life revolve around him now, you will experience in the midst of your suffering that no one can rob you of heaven, of Jesus himself.
Rejoice! You're headed towards him, and Jesus is coming soon. Who makes us happy? Jesus, bless you. Therefore my heart rejoices in you.
Jesus, all joy eternal. Jesus, you will spring of joy ever new. For heaven's joy to men comes to you.
Jesus, all joy eternal. Jesus, you are our glorious Lord. By mercy, all of the people adored.
Jesus, all joy eternal. This program by Basilia Schlenk has come to you from the Little Land of Canaan. If you would like a free leaflet by the same author, please write to God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85028-4099.
That's God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85028-4099. God bless you.
Sermon Outline
- I. God's Goodness
- A. God is the Father of goodness
- B. God's heart is full of goodness
- C. God is goodness alone
- II. Joy in Suffering
- A. Lift up your head in times of trouble
- B. The suffering is a proclamation of redemption
- C. Live in joyful expectation of the future glory
- III. Living in the Future
- A. Set your heart and thoughts on God's kingdom
- B. Live in the heavenly glory for which you're being prepared
- C. Look at the dawning light of Jesus
Key Quotes
“The suffering of these times is a proclamation that the hour of redemption is at hand.” — Basilea Schlink
“You can live now in joyful expectation of this day.” — Basilea Schlink
“Let Jesus become the center of your life, for he is the center of heaven to whom you will be drawn one day.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Let Jesus become the center of your life and revolve your life around him.
- Live in joyful expectation of the future glory and the unimaginable joy of heaven.
- Focus on God's kingdom and the dawning light of Jesus, rather than the darkness in and around you.