It has been a while since I posted a church sign.  Both Chris and I have been busy and since Chris just moved into a new place he doesn’t have internet yet and so cannot post.  So here is the latest sign and I have to say I am actually pleased with this one.

There are so many times that I hear Christians present the gospel as peace, joy and happiness to nonbelievers.  While this is true it is often misunderstood.  In Christ there is peace and joy and happiness for the believer but what do those statements mean?

Peace is defined by the world as free from all pain and suffering.  Peace means to those around us that no one will be harmed and that no one will be poor.  It means my insurance rates won’t rise and gas prices will always be $1/gallon.  The Bible has a different definition.  Peace is being free from the wrath and judgment of the all-powerful God that we have sinned against.  Peace is being reconciled to this Holy Creator through Jesus by his death on a cross for our sins thus taking the wrath of God upon himself.  Peace means no longer being considered an enemy of God but a child of God by adoption through Christ.  Peace is having all kinds of trials and tribulations here on earth for the sake of the gospel and not being alone in the suffering.  This is biblical peace.  So when you preach the gospel you must also call people to suffer for the sake of the Savior.  Preach true peace.  For more on suffering read this article.

Joy and happiness to the world means being rich, doing whatever I please and whatever satisfies me.  Joy and happiness are presented with ME in the middle.  Again the Bible has a different view.  Joy and happiness are following in the footsteps of Jesus.  Walking the same path and enduring the same trials.  It is being in the same company as others that have given everything for the gospel.  We were made to be happy and have joy, but what how is that manifested in the life of a believer?  John Piper has done more on this subject than I could ever begin to present here.  Please read this small booklet and visit Desiring God.

Please, when you are preaching the gospel or just talking to a friend who needs Jesus, please present the truth and call them to a life of freedom from wrath, joy in suffering and happiness in a life shadowed by Jesus.