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great joy

Acts 8:7&8
"7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city."

Stephen, the first martyr, was killed by the Jewish leadership. Devout Christians mourned him and have been mourning martyrs ever since. (Nearly 5 thousand last year alone.)

This persecution motivated Christians to leave their homes and go "abroad." This helped spread the Gospel message. Today's verses we read the results of Philip the Evangelist's energetic preaching, performing miracles and baptizing hundreds, if not thousands of people! "...there was GREAT JOY in that city."

Something we don't talk about enough, we are created to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. When we do not glorify God and to enjoy God, we are at odds with God. God will need to do whatever it takes to get us back on track. This is true for us individually and as a community or country. We need to become motivated and filled with the Holy Ghost. Then we can experience GREAT JOY!!!
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