Joy in this Life

John 15:11 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

The word “fun” is never mentioned in the Bible, and “entertain” is used only in reference to being hospitable. Such activities as “reveling” and “playing” receive nothing except condemnation in the Scriptures (with the exception of little children at play).

Yet, there is growing emphasis today in many churches on providing “entertainment” and “fun times”: for their members - especially for teenagers and young adults. This is the way to reach them and keep them for the Lord - as the theory goes and perhaps there is good in that approach. However, one might wonder why neither the Lord nor the apostles nor the prophets ever told us so. Is this a program kept in reserve by the Lord just for the young of our generation?

Actually, Christians can have something far better, more effective, and more lasting than simply a burst of fun and entertainment. In Christ, they can have heavenly joy! “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” the Bible says (Proverbs 17:22), where the word for “merry” is more commonly translated as “joyful” or “rejoicing.”

While the Bible never mentions “fun,” it has many references to “joy” and “rejoicing.” “They words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by they name, O Lord God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:16). “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (I Peter 1:8). “For the joy of the Lord in your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

We must remind ourselves continually that the Lord Jesus daily, through His words, shares His joy with us, “that our joy might be full.”

Have a truly joyous day today!

Welcome

Welcome to our GCC website! I trust that you'll find exactly what you're looking for and will return often. I'll try to keep you informed, inspired, and enthused about the purpose and mission of GCC. Our mission is clearly understood in this statement - "reaching our community, state, and nation for Christ"!
To be here is to truly appreciate the wonderful, warm, and friendly people the Lord has brought our way. People who have such a big heart for others. I've never been a part of a church congregation that opens their hearts to others the way the people of GCC do. It is something you must experience.
Living, loving, laughing, learning . . . . all words that will describe your experience should you choose to come. You'll catch a glimpse of each when you browse our website. Want to learn? Have a particular subject you'd like to ask about? I have the "Ask the Pastor" page where you can jump into to any subject you want. I'll give you a response that is based of the Word of God as well as life experiences both in and out of the ministry.
So, here you are! Give it a try! Let me hear from you! And, especially, if you are in the area, come and visit with us. It will be an experience you won't soon forget. GCC truly is a "Place to Belong" . . . . a place where you will "Come as a Guest but leave as a Friend."
Mike Bragg - Pastor