Celebration (John 10:10)

Richard Foster writes, "Celebration brings joy into life, and joy makes us strong.”  He’s certainly correct in the latter part of his statement, considering that Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is our strength.”  He's correct in the first part of this statement too.  

Celebration is a spiritual discipline that helps us remain mindful of what God is doing.  Seeing what God is doing, often should grow our joy in the Lord.   While John 10:10 may seem like an unlikely verse to examine on the topic of celebration, it show us something profound.  This verse records Jesus saying, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that ]my sheep] may have life and have it abundantly."  

So I ask if a follower of Jesus has this abundant life and hope that Jesus came to give, shouldn’t he or she be the most joy-filled person on earth?  And shouldn’t a joy-filled person in Christ be one who celebrates?  This is the gospel and it’s good news. It’s cause for a never-ending party, right? 

We'll be discussing the spiritual discipline of celebration this Sunday at Redeeming Life Church.  We'll also have a special time of communion and celebration during our House of Prayer.  Pray starts at 10am, the worship service starts at 11am.  We'll see you there! 

For the Kingdom!
Pastor Bryan Catherman