OUTHSIDE SCOOP WEEKLY
IT’S FALL YA’LL!
3 DECEMBER 2023
EDITION 44
BULLETIN
SPEAK-ABLE JOY
By Sis. Ricki Fuller
There is a song by Douglas Miller entitled “Unspeakable Joy” which aligns itself (to some degree) with Scriptural verses found in I Peter 1:6b-9. Here are the lyrics: “When I think of how He brought me through and how, how the Lord changed my life; my soul, my soul is overwhelmed. I’ve got joy, joy, joy, unspeakable joy.Joy unspeakable, full of glory, joy unspeakable, pathway bright. Joy unspeakable, full of glory, joy unspeakable, burdens light; every time I think of the goodness of the
800 Elmira Avenue Durham, NC 27707 info@sside.org | www.sside.org 919.688.3535 Staff Orlander R. Thomas Senior Minister William A. Stephens Minister Emeritus Wiley Shearin, Jr. Elder Emeritus Ricki Fuller Women’s Counselor Candice P. Blount Church Administrator Quentella Williams Executive Assistant
Lord. I’ve got joy, joy, joy, unspeakable joy.”
Now examine I Peter 1:6b-9 through The Message Version: “Even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that GOD will have on display as evidence of His victory. You never saw Him, yet you love Him. You still don’t see Him, yet you trust Him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what you’re looking forward to: total salvation.” Some versions interpret the ‘laughter and singing’ as inexpressible/unspeakable joy filled with glory/triumphant/heavenly joy. During the writing of the book of I Peter, it seems the Apostle Peter saw himself as a special messenger for Christ. He was specifically communicating encouraging thoughts to Christians who were in distress having been exiled/dispersed to other locations. [Side note: That kind of reminds us of the plight/distress that Black Americans, Native Americans and people of other cultures have experienced, and are undergoing in this country and entire world.] Both Douglas Miller and Apostle Peter encourage the burdened/saddened people who have been baptized into Christ and forgiven and born anew that they are, in fact, co-inheritors with Christ. So, their burdens are lightened (Matthew 11:29-30; Galatians 5:1), and their pathways are brightened (Psalm 23; 119:105). That, too, is the ‘speak-able joy’ that is aroused in Christfollowers today! As beloved Christians, we recognize how unimaginably good GOD’s Grace and Mercy and Love always covers us. Also, as we consider how He has brought us through many problems/dangers/sins, we shudder with awe and gratitude. Hallelujah! Let’s conclude thusly: “… I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing
Deacons John Alcox Anthnoy Green, Sr. Arthur Hackney John Mathis Chester Mayfield, Jr. Roger McDougal Joe Williams Keith Wright
to God, which is your rational/logical/intelligent act of worship/awe. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” Romans 12:1-2 (AMP) Mind renewal living your purpose is Speak-able Joy that reflects GOD!
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