The Joy of Our Salvation
Dear Friends,
In these last days, we are encouraged and inspired by the early church. When they came to faith in Jesus Christ, they endured much opposition and persecution - from Jews and Gentiles alike. Yet, we see the Lord’s faithfulness in sustaining them and empowering them to do His will in their greatest tests, trials and tribulations. The writer of Hebrews urged them to remember the days they first encountered Jesus and His salvation:
Hebrews 10:32
Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great
contest in the face of suffering.
All of us who belong to Christ can identify with the moment we were saved. Coming to a knowledge of Jesus Christ and His salvation brought us such wonderful enlightenment, peace, joy and zeal.
We experienced the Holy Spirit illuminating our hearts and minds as He began to direct us on our new spiritual journey. Do you recall when the Lord placed a vision in your heart for the work He planned for you? Do you recall that soon after God moved mightily in your life, you experienced an intense attack of the enemy on your mind, emotions, relationships, health or finances?
Isaiah 59:19 NKJV
When the enemy comes in like a flood,
The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.
Many believers understand how the enemy comes in like a flood! What the Adversary intends for evil, the Lord will work for the good:
Romans 8:28
For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called
according to his purpose.
After we receive the light, the attack comes to test our faith and prove it genuine.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the
testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be
mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Romans 5:3-5
…we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And
hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
whom he has given us.
Let’s examine Hebrews 10:32. The word “great” in Greek means that which is enormous - even overwhelming. The word “contest” refers to a fight, as with a strong, conditioned, and experienced wrestler or athlete. Wrestling in ancient times was a very violent sport. The Devil’s attacks are typically overwhelming violent strikes directed at our minds and emotions. When you are faithfully seeking the Lord’s will, you are a danger to the Evil One and his kingdom. He will do everything in his power to crush and confuse you – often leaving you distraught and disoriented! His desire is that you would surrender to him and walk away from the Lord and His calling on your life.
The word “suffering” in Greek can refer to mental pressure that oppresses the mind. The Devil is a tormentor, robbing you of peace, joy and hope. Resist him, standing firm in the faith and in the Word of God. Do not buckle, bend or bow to the attacks of the Evil One. Paul exhorts the believers in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “to stand firm - let nothing move you.” Let us hold fast to the 7,487 promises of God in Scripture which are all “yes and amen” in Christ, Jesus!
Remembering the Lord and His mighty acts is “praise.” In Isaiah 61:3, the Lord bestows upon His people “a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” May we always remember the joy of our salvation and “stand our ground!”
Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness…
Enjoy this beautiful season in the peace of God.
Blessings to you all,
Pastor Paul