Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost. At the conclusion of a narrative descriptive of varied experiences both of the messengers and of the Church. I. THE JOY OF TRUE DISCIPLES IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLES. 1. Joy of personal faith, which is promoted by discipline. If all went smoothly with us we should lose strength by the ease and self-indulgence which we should be apt to cherish. 2. Joy in the spread of the Gospel The world opposes, false religion opposes, but the truth makes way. II. THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY GHOST IS THE CHURCH, independent of human guidance, Paul and Barnabas expelled, but the disciples taught and led by the Spirit. We must not glory in men. The great resource of the Church is fellowship. Even the spread of truth largely independent of particular agencies. The Word speaks for itself. The Spirit works often without apparent use of human instrumentality. III. THE UPLIFTED HEART AND THE UPLIFTED TESTIMONY. Joy and the Holy Ghost. We should show the world that religious joy is above all other. Victories, if given, should be recounted. We should often meet together to tell of Divine wonders. The bold and joyful spirit especially needful, as the present day is full of growing unbelief and indifference. - R. Parallel Verses KJV: And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.WEB: The disciples were filled with joy with the Holy Spirit. |
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