Why do we exist?

What we have seen and heard, we also announce it to you so that you can have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so our joy can be complete. (1 John 1:3-4 CEV)

As a church we have many responsibilities given to us in the New Testament. We are to make disciples, baptize new believers, equip the saints, teach the scriptures and encourage one another. While the tasks we have are many, they all lead to one end goal: To bring others into fellowship for the purpose of joy - theirs and ours.

Our joy is in knowing that someone new now has a relationship with Christ. We see his Kingdom growing, and it brings us joy. Another person is granted eternal life and it causes us to celebrate. We get a new brother or sister, heaven gets a new saint, and we experience joy.

Their joy is in knowing that they are now in right standing with God. Whoever they may have been and whatever they may have done now has no bearing on their life. They have been forgiven - they have been granted new life! - and this causes them to have joy unspeakable. (Remember how you felt coming out of the waters of baptism?)

We exist to be in the joy business. We are in the business of bring joy to others, to ourselves, and most importantly to Christ. For when he sees his followers spreading the Good News, it brings him joy.

Let's take our calling seriously and spread the joy!