Do Not Be Afraid
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men… Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed…These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority.” (Titus 2:11-15)
The Greek word for "grace" is “charis” and the Greek word for joy is “chara”. They are both from the same root. I have been told that there was not a great distinction placed between them in classical Greek. And the idea of joy includes thankfulness.
“Charis” (grace) is unexpected and undeserved favor joyfully given to another. “Chara” (joy) is the feeling experienced by both the giver and the recipient.
Christianity has so screwed up the gospel message that it is a wonder anyone experiences the joy of it so they can give God thanks for it. It is a simple message of "GOOD NEWS" for all. When shared it brings "GREAT JOY"…not FEAR.
“But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”. (Luke 2:10-11)
We are to "exhort and reprove folks" with this gospel message of "great joy"…when folks grasp the grace of God in saving them, they thank Him.
The Greek word for "grace" is “charis” and the Greek word for joy is “chara”. They are both from the same root. I have been told that there was not a great distinction placed between them in classical Greek. And the idea of joy includes thankfulness.
“Charis” (grace) is unexpected and undeserved favor joyfully given to another. “Chara” (joy) is the feeling experienced by both the giver and the recipient.
Christianity has so screwed up the gospel message that it is a wonder anyone experiences the joy of it so they can give God thanks for it. It is a simple message of "GOOD NEWS" for all. When shared it brings "GREAT JOY"…not FEAR.
“But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”. (Luke 2:10-11)
We are to "exhort and reprove folks" with this gospel message of "great joy"…when folks grasp the grace of God in saving them, they thank Him.