Joy in Heaven

Joy in Heaven
(Robert Bishop, 04-23-11)

A news item in today’s paper (Dothan Eagle) brought a well-known Scripture to my mind. Luke 15:7 reads, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” The story was headlined, “Gilley: I am sorry. I was wrong. I plead guilty.”

For the past few years, Ronnie Gilley had promoted Country Crossing, an entertainment center in Dothan, Alabama rivaling Branson. The main attraction was to be an electronic bingo casino. I followed the seemingly endless stories about that center. Gambling, to me, is a vice I hold in high contempt. Many years ago I was almost swept into addictive gambling. I could have lost everything I held dear, most importantly my precious family.

I am, by nature, a very competitive person. I could say along with the late New York Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, “I hate losing.” I know most people who gamble are not addicted. But many, nevertheless, get hooked. One particular day at the horse races, I came close to winning about $1500.00 on one race. I took that race as a warning to leave the gambling business.

I have seen people, who could not afford to lose or squander their meager income, become addicted to gaming, and wound up losing everything. There could be no reasonable argument that gambling is not addictive to many people. Therefore, to me, gambling is not just a breach of Bible principle (Thou shalt not covet), it is personal.

Before today’s article about Ronnie Gilley, I had nothing but contempt for Mr. Gilley’s planned project. I had great animosity about it, even before the scandal came to light. My attitude toward this man took a 180 degree turn. I already knew he planned to plead guilty to some of the many charges against him. But when he apparently came clean, confessing to the multiple charges against him, my attitude abruptly changed. I inferred true contrition in his plea of guilty to all charges. I grant that he may be trying to get the best deal in sentencing. I got the feeling, nevertheless, Mr. Gilley was truly remorseful.

I got that “warm, fuzzy” feeling down inside my heart. As I came to the office, I believe the Lord quickened a thought in my mind. The Scripture cited above came to mind. I could not help applying it to the church where I have been pastor for over eight years. I would be happy to have new families move into our church, increasing our congregation by 99 “righteous” people.

The Lord adjusted my thinking. Sure, it would be a blessing to have an additional 99 saints. But what would be more impressive to God, would be for one sinner to repent, and receive salvation. Think about the consequences of winning one soul to the Lord. The angels in heaven would be rejoicing. Thank you Jesus for rearranging my priorities. Forgive us for not seeing this sooner.

I wrote a note recently on Facebook about God having emotions. He had shown me, through my own emotional experience, that he too has emotions. Whether or not you agree with my thinking, I believe the Lord gave me a glimpse of his own joy whenever a soul repents.

There is a Scripture that says, “God is angry with the wicked every day.” On the other hand, no one would argue that it does not make God—not to mention the millions of angels--joyful over one sinner who repents. Since Jesus ushered in a New Testament, we read in James 5:2: “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”

Don't Go; but when you get there

Don’t Go. And When you Get There
(Robert Bishop, 11-3-08)

Gen. 2:6-7 Adam and Eve
Gen. 13:10-12 Lot (Jordan valley “like the garden) (Pitched his tent toward Sodom)
Children of Israel (seeking a king)
Joseph
Samson (losing his hair, thus his source of strength)
Saul
David (advised by King Saul)
Solomon (many wives) (prayer for children of Israel)
Jonah (Don’t go on ship to Tarshish)
Peter (denial of Christ)
Paul’s warning of the ship’s harm and danger.
John’s admonishment (Sin not. But when you sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous)

God Operates in the Realm of our Faith

The children of Israel demanded a king of Samuel, their judge. Samuel tried to persuade them it would not be wise. God, however gave them their king, but warned them what would happen. (God had already straitly charged them not to stray from His commandments through Moses). (Deut.8)

When Solomon dedicated the temple, His prayer (IIChron. 7:14 entreats God to extend mercy unto them in the lands wherein that had been scattered.

Mat. 13:31-32 Kingdom like a grain of mustard seed.
Mat. 17:20 If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed.
Gal. 6:7 Whatsoever a man soweth…
II Pet. 1:5 Where add to your faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity (love).
Jude 20 Building up yourselves in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.
Rom. 1:17 From faith to faith.
Mark 6:52 Disciples considered not the miracle of the loaves.
I Sam. 17:34- David considered the God that delivered the lion and the bear.