Rejoice!
Basilea Schlink encourages believers to rejoice in the midst of suffering by focusing on the goodness of God and the joyful hope of Christ’s imminent return and heavenly glory.
In this devotional sermon, Basilea Schlink brings a message of hope and joy to those facing despair and hardship. She emphasizes the unchanging goodness of God and encourages believers to live in anticipation of Christ’s return. Through focusing on Jesus as the center of life, listeners are invited to experience a foretaste of heavenly joy even amidst earthly suffering. This uplifting message calls Christians to rejoice and set their hearts on the eternal kingdom.
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 Basilea Schlink is a special message for all those among us who are sad. Father of goodness, of goodness, Father of goodness, we praise thee, the cherubim and seraphim. God is but goodness, but goodness alone.
And all his heart full of goodness great, 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 in 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. For heaven's joy to men and to you, Jesus, all joy eternal. Jesus, you are our glorious light, my blessed God of evil and light.
Jesus, all joy eternal. You have been listening to a program written by Basilea Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet.
If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of God's Goodness
- God is the Father of goodness alone
- His goodness is constant despite worldly darkness
- Praise and trust in God's goodness
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II. Rejoicing in the Midst of Suffering
- Suffering signals the hour of redemption
- Joy comes from anticipating Christ’s return
- Heavenly joy can be tasted even now
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III. Living in Expectation of the Kingdom
- Set your heart on God’s glory, not present anxieties
- Focus on the dawning light of Jesus
- Make Jesus the center of your life
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IV. The Promise of Eternal Joy
- Earthly pain is not the end
- Christ’s return will bring peace and joy
- Rejoice because heaven awaits
Key Quotes
“God is but goodness, but goodness alone.” — Basilea Schlink
“The suffering of these times is a proclamation that the hour of redemption is at hand. Rejoice!” — 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
- In times of trouble, consciously lift your thoughts to the goodness of God and His promises.
- Center your daily life around Jesus to experience peace and joy despite difficulties.
- Live with a forward-looking hope, focusing on the eternal kingdom rather than present anxieties.