Having been brought up in the pentecostal denomination, I was SO much more joyful when I became reformed!!! When I realised that I didn't have to rely on "supernatural" experiences to feel the holy spirit or that just because I had spent the past 3 days crying at youth camp, it didn't mean that I was actually spending time with the one true God, I experienced so much joy! I used to go to church, feel some feels and think the Holy Spirit had washed over me and then after two days feel the exact same way I had been feeling before,, wondering why I wasn't saved like everyone else who always seemed to feel the Holy Spirit. The Reformation Theology literally saved my life and Christian walk through Christ Jesus. Jesus has become such a close friend, the Holy Spirit has truly become my counselor, I am now truly aware of the Holiness of God, and I rejoice in that! Those of you wondering why reformers always advise you to learn more, it's very simple, the more time you spend in the word of God, the more time you spend in biblically sound books the closer you get to Christ because you get to know Him better. It truly is such a joy to truly know Christ!
My joy really began to flourish once I became reformed. What a comfort to know that God is sovereign over my salvation and conversely I have nothing to do with it. God is just, I am not.
A high view of God that comes from daily studying of the Word and praying. Participate in your church as much as possible. The more we know Gods Word the more we love him 🙏🏻❤️
Daniel 10:19 "And he said, O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me....”🙌 Let God’s Peace and Grace be with you (To The Reader)... Praise God always. Amen....🙏🙌
After he said "read some good books -", I can see RC, had he been sitting here, interjecting with a chuckle and a smile "like the bible" just like he usually would in these Q&As.
Often we do not fully see clearly what is in the Bible therefore reading books from outstanding Godly teachers expands our understanding. Like listening to this video. It is not a matter of excluding the Bible but grasping its precious truths more clearly. I once heard someone declare they didn't need books but it was only them and their Bible. This person has some of the wonkiest "theology" imaginable. God gives us teachers (Romans 12 Ephesians 4). He expects us to take advantage of this
True, but nothing wrong with taking advantage of pastors, elders, and teachers that have been blessed with “rightly dividing” the Word, through preaching, books, and videos such as this.
@@laurarivera5875kind of like the Ethiopian who was reading Isaiah, needed someone to teach/guide him through the scriptures. So Philip ran to him and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?
@@strategicsage7694 because I have so many books, you wouldn’t believe. In French, Spanish, and in English. Nearly a couple thousand. (yes I’ve read/skimmed/reread 4x most all of them). I’ve experienced so much in my thirty some odd years, you wouldn’t believe that either. None of it makes me any nearer to God-the source of all joy-than you.
I’ve seen the same thing. Where people who are Baptist moved to a reformed church. Everything was so based on learning that they always felt like they didn’t know anything, and they started to fall into the belief that they had to know more to have anything, and I always felt like they didn’t know enough and it did seem this after Joy.
You can't lose your salvation. God would need to reverse his decision he made before time. No where in the Bible does it say we lose our salvation. That statement goes against the teaching of election and perseverance of the saints. As Philippians 2:13 says, "It is God who is at work in you, both to will and work for His good pleasure"; thus, all who are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ, and can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but will persevere in their faith to the end, and be eternally saved ...
@@DogSoldier1948 I agree. You are right! Losing the JOY of salvation is different than losing your salvation. I recommend you read Psalm 51 when David repented for his great sin. In verse 12 he says-Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. So clearly David, by his sin, lost the JOY of his salvation and that is what I am talking about.
@drachenfeuer5042 why would you say that. I learned something, and I appreciated the comment, so I thanked him. Usually, Armenians are the ones who use confrontation to support their point. I didn't do that, but you used confrontation 🙏
The greatest books i have ever read that really brought me into a personal relationship with my God and Savior Jesus Christ are the FOUR GOSPELS, i fell so in LOVE with my Savior that i rewrote them with my hands, it took me two years, but i rewrote, never adding or subtracting from them, everyday, chapter by chapter. Shalom
The more we read the Bible, the more we seek His face, the more we spend time with Him, He will reveal Himself to us. And for us to do even any of that, God, in His mercy and grace, brings us to Him to begin with. What a marvelous wonder.
No. Being saved by Grace is a supernatural act of God - not something we can merit. Usually, when someone says they don't ''feel'' saved, it's because they don't understand the true meaning of Grace to begin with.
If our salvation is based on our choice, it was not God that saved us and we will not have joy.. if God imputed His Faith in us by His Word of Revelation, joy is inevitable
The person asking this question is joyless because they are grieving the Holy Spirit. The Holy Sprit not only regenerates us, but also teaches us to be more Christ-like. He is our helper, walks beside us, guiding us in the Will of the Father. The person asking this question needs to pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The only book this person needs to read is the Bible, and ask the Holy Spirit to give him understanding of what it is he is reading. But the first thing I would do is get away from the reformed Calvinistic theology.
How exactly does one grieve the Holy Spirit if they haven't been anointed by Him? Also why are you on a reformed theology site? Are you like Muslims trying to enlighten us to the truth? I actually don't understand how people can't grasp systematic theology. Unless you are the only person ever to choose your salvation. Unless you're hyper Calvinistic most of us are fine with you believing the orthodoxy of your choice. 🙏😊🙏
Reformed election is amazing grace in it's true form, how could anyone not be most joyful being reformed?...Only thing that harms my joy is the Arminians lack of assurance in Gods grace, and their competitiveness toward each other .. that and that alone, at times disappoints my joy!....but the doctrine of election is always amazing, and I am indeed blessed.
The entire premise of this conversation is insane. The very idea of someone "losing their joy in their salvation" merely by growing up and becoming Reformed, frankly, calls into question whether or not that person was ever regenerated. What is going on with Ligonier? They are becoming as light weight as The Communist...err, sorry...Gospel Coalition. It is good that RC is with the Lord and does not have to witness the sad decline.
I have no doubt that there are still some good, solid Bible teachers at Ligonier ministries, however, I would have to agree with you, it is true to a certain extent, they have the option where you can send them an email with your biblical/theological questions, and I’ve been very disappointed with the last two answers I have received to my inquiries, very superficial answers it’s really disheartening.
Sometimes people of other religions just want to steer people away from Biblical Christianity and plant these sorts of questions in bad faith. Literally.
I guess I don't understand either the question or (apparently) what "reformed" means. Doesn't it just mean salvation by faith instead of works? And if you've lost that joy, you need to dive into God's Word, repent of any sin, and/or not depend on feelings anyway.
The Holy Spirit reforms us internally. That's what it means to be saved by Grace. It is a supernatural act of God. ''One must be Born Again...'' - Jesus Christ.
We are adopted by God; and as heirs, we know we can enjoy His company. Adoption is completed by the parent (the Father) and not the child (mankind). The “5 Solas” need to be 6; to include, By adoption alone.
I was reformed most of my life, graduated from seminary, worked in inner city missions, was a police chaplain. When I began to explore the spiritual disciplines of daily Bible study, fasting, regular daily prayer at least three times a day, immediate repentance when I sin, being intentional about community with other believers (getting to know them, sharing their burdens, celebrating their joys, serving them), being charitable as much ad possible, and most of all focusing my mind always on Christ and in the regular partaking of communion. As I began some of these spiritual disciplines and studied early Christianity, it led me to the Ancient Church where the disciples were first called Christians - the Orthodox Church - to my amazement I learned it has continued, unchanged, for over 2,000 years. I am now a catechumen in the Antiochian Orthodox Church. I have found incredible peace and joy, Christians who truly consider me as family, and I feel myself growing more into the likeness of Christ. Whether you inquire about Orthodoxy or are Reformed, I wish you joy and peace , health, blessing, and wholeness - the shalom of God.
@@e.t.h.559 None of us are saved alone. We are the Body of Christ. The Church flourished for hundreds of years through terrible persecution before we even had the Bible. It was the Church who gave us that precious book.
You've missed your love for Christ and his for you IS ALL THAT MATTERS!!!!! Salvation is what Jesus did for us. In turn we show gratitude with obedience to Him. Relationship, not religion. If you get too lost in doctrine, you can't focus on Christ.
With all due respect, you are missing God's amazing love for you as an individual with free will to choose salvation and call on God - by the power of God's grace, not as an automaton, but as an individual made in the image of God - now being remade in the image of Christ.
Having been brought up in the pentecostal denomination, I was SO much more joyful when I became reformed!!! When I realised that I didn't have to rely on "supernatural" experiences to feel the holy spirit or that just because I had spent the past 3 days crying at youth camp, it didn't mean that I was actually spending time with the one true God, I experienced so much joy! I used to go to church, feel some feels and think the Holy Spirit had washed over me and then after two days feel the exact same way I had been feeling before,, wondering why I wasn't saved like everyone else who always seemed to feel the Holy Spirit. The Reformation Theology literally saved my life and Christian walk through Christ Jesus. Jesus has become such a close friend, the Holy Spirit has truly become my counselor, I am now truly aware of the Holiness of God, and I rejoice in that! Those of you wondering why reformers always advise you to learn more, it's very simple, the more time you spend in the word of God, the more time you spend in biblically sound books the closer you get to Christ because you get to know Him better. It truly is such a joy to truly know Christ!
Thank you for your testimony 🙂. Praise God you have a true counselor in the Holy Spirit.
Same here, such an incredible journey. Soli Deo gloria!
Folks, Calvinism and Ligonier are not of God.
My joy really began to flourish once I became reformed. What a comfort to know that God is sovereign over my salvation and conversely I have nothing to do with it. God is just, I am not.
Contrary to the question, I am more joyful of my salvation after I became reformed
A high view of God that comes from daily studying of the Word and praying. Participate in your church as much as possible. The more we know Gods Word the more we love him 🙏🏻❤️
Very good message. It shows how deep our brokenness is, but also what we have already received from the Father even if we struggle to understand it
Yes! We serve a holy, holy, holy God. Knowing him and his promises and love will stir our righteousness into the joy of glorifying him. Amen.
Looking Unto Jesus - Isaac Ambrose
Daniel 10:19 "And he said, O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me....”🙌
Let God’s Peace and Grace be with you (To The Reader)... Praise God always. Amen....🙏🙌
Amen
@@favourayobami4056 Amen, Have a blessed day🙌🙏
After he said "read some good books -", I can see RC, had he been sitting here, interjecting with a chuckle and a smile "like the bible" just like he usually would in these Q&As.
So......R.C. Sproul would sit there and tell people NOT to read his book "Holiness of God"?
@@carmensiekierke3579 wooooooooooooosh
@@carmensiekierke3579 Amen!
Amazing, this was beautiful, Glory to God!! Thank you, and God Bless You Michael Reeves.
The best book to read is the Bible ❤
Often we do not fully see clearly what is in the Bible therefore reading books from outstanding Godly teachers expands our understanding. Like listening to this video. It is not a matter of excluding the Bible but grasping its precious truths more clearly. I once heard someone declare they didn't need books but it was only them and their Bible. This person has some of the wonkiest "theology" imaginable. God gives us teachers (Romans 12 Ephesians 4). He expects us to take advantage of this
True, but nothing wrong with taking advantage of pastors, elders, and teachers that have been blessed with “rightly dividing” the Word, through preaching, books, and videos such as this.
@@laurarivera5875kind of like the Ethiopian who was reading Isaiah, needed someone to teach/guide him through the scriptures.
So Philip ran to him and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?
@@tomparker3827 that was what I was thinking as well
Amen
Strange, I gained joy in salvation after becoming reformed.
It’s troubling that the Reformed answer is always something like “you need to learn more”-even to the question “why am I joyless?”
Why is that troubling?
@@strategicsage7694 because I have so many books, you wouldn’t believe. In French, Spanish, and in English. Nearly a couple thousand. (yes I’ve read/skimmed/reread 4x most all of them). I’ve experienced so much in my thirty some odd years, you wouldn’t believe that either. None of it makes me any nearer to God-the source of all joy-than you.
Why is that troubling to you?
I’ve seen the same thing. Where people who are Baptist moved to a reformed church. Everything was so based on learning that they always felt like they didn’t know anything, and they started to fall into the belief that they had to know more to have anything, and I always felt like they didn’t know enough and it did seem this after Joy.
You can't love something that you don't know. Theology always leads to doxology, if it doesn't then you need to reevaluate.
WOW great answer!!! Thank you for clarity!!!!
Theology, reform theology brings Gods word to a deeper under standing of the richness of Gods love and also His justice✝️❤️
Michael Reeves has an amazing gift from God. He is brilliant.
Sin also has the same effect on the joy of your salvation being lost. It will be returned to you when you repent.
You can't lose your salvation. God would need to reverse his decision he made before time. No where in the Bible does it say we lose our salvation. That statement goes against the teaching of election and perseverance of the saints.
As Philippians 2:13 says, "It is God who is at work in you, both to will and work for His good pleasure"; thus, all who are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ, and can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but will persevere in their faith to the end, and be eternally saved ...
@@DogSoldier1948 I agree. You are right!
Losing the JOY of salvation is different than losing your salvation. I recommend you read Psalm 51 when David repented for his great sin. In verse 12 he says-Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
So clearly David, by his sin, lost the JOY of his salvation and that is what I am talking about.
Thanks
I smell Arminian troll
@drachenfeuer5042 why would you say that. I learned something, and I appreciated the comment, so I thanked him. Usually, Armenians are the ones who use confrontation to support their point. I didn't do that, but you used confrontation 🙏
I’m more joyless after watching this video. Terrible.
The greatest books i have ever read that really brought me into a personal relationship with my God and Savior Jesus Christ are the FOUR GOSPELS, i fell so in LOVE with my Savior that i rewrote them with my hands, it took me two years, but i rewrote, never adding or subtracting from them, everyday, chapter by chapter. Shalom
The more we read the Bible, the more we seek His face, the more we spend time with Him, He will reveal Himself to us. And for us to do even any of that, God, in His mercy and grace, brings us to Him to begin with. What a marvelous wonder.
what he is saying,is that we have to WORK at our salvation,just don't sit back and wait for things to happen!
No. Being saved by Grace is a supernatural act of God - not something we can merit. Usually, when someone says they don't ''feel'' saved, it's because they don't understand the true meaning of Grace to begin with.
Love this guy! He is so animated ☺️
Such a great question! Like someone in a great and affordable restaurant complaining about nothing to eat :)
It’s impossible,if you really children of God our Lord Christ Jesus. Glory to Him forever 🙏🌾🕊🌹🏝🎼🙏
If our salvation is based on our choice, it was not God that saved us and we will not have joy.. if God imputed His Faith in us by His Word of Revelation, joy is inevitable
Is this a real? I think maybe some Arminian hater wrote this. I have more joy now as reformed than I ever did as I was Pentecostal.
Being Honest and Truthful... "😊" ...
• Well Said...
Maybe reading the Bible is what is needed.
No, its more to seek and talk to him that is needed
Might be missing the Holy Spirit. Great advice on book selections! 🙏😊🙏
Ding Ding Ding! That's it!
@@franceshaypenny8481 😉😊
how about READ the BIBLE ???
The person asking this question is joyless because they are grieving the Holy Spirit. The Holy Sprit not only regenerates us, but also teaches us to be more Christ-like. He is our helper, walks beside us, guiding us in the Will of the Father. The person asking this question needs to pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The only book this person needs to read is the Bible, and ask the Holy Spirit to give him understanding of what it is he is reading. But the first thing I would do is get away from the reformed Calvinistic theology.
How exactly does one grieve the Holy Spirit if they haven't been anointed by Him? Also why are you on a reformed theology site? Are you like Muslims trying to enlighten us to the truth? I actually don't understand how people can't grasp systematic theology. Unless you are the only person ever to choose your salvation. Unless you're hyper Calvinistic most of us are fine with you believing the orthodoxy of your choice. 🙏😊🙏
Reformed election is amazing grace in it's true form, how could anyone not be most joyful being reformed?...Only thing that harms my joy is the Arminians lack of assurance in Gods grace, and their competitiveness toward each other .. that and that alone, at times disappoints my joy!....but the doctrine of election is always amazing, and I am indeed blessed.
The entire premise of this conversation is insane. The very idea of someone "losing their joy in their salvation" merely by growing up and becoming Reformed, frankly, calls into question whether or not that person was ever regenerated. What is going on with Ligonier? They are becoming as light weight as The Communist...err, sorry...Gospel Coalition. It is good that RC is with the Lord and does not have to witness the sad decline.
I have no doubt that there are still some good, solid Bible teachers at Ligonier ministries, however, I would have to agree with you, it is true to a certain extent, they have the option where you can send them an email with your biblical/theological questions, and I’ve been very disappointed with the last two answers I have received to my inquiries, very superficial answers it’s really disheartening.
why you shaming someone for asking a question seems like you need to be regenerated the love of God is not in you. (taking a page from your book).
@@e.t.h.559 yikes I wouldn't want to say a bad answer infront of you
@@mazza8408 what are you talking about?
Sometimes people of other religions just want to steer people away from Biblical Christianity and plant these sorts of questions in bad faith. Literally.
You only need to read one great book....God's Word=the BIBLE.
What does it mean to be justified ?
Please recommend me the books that has helped you to enjoy God. Thank you
Short Answer: The Holy Spirit.
I guess I don't understand either the question or (apparently) what "reformed" means. Doesn't it just mean salvation by faith instead of works? And if you've lost that joy, you need to dive into God's Word, repent of any sin, and/or not depend on feelings anyway.
The Holy Spirit reforms us internally. That's what it means to be saved by Grace. It is a supernatural act of God. ''One must be Born Again...'' - Jesus Christ.
We are adopted by God; and as heirs, we know we can enjoy His company. Adoption is completed by the parent (the Father) and not the child (mankind). The “5 Solas” need to be 6; to include, By adoption alone.
Wouldn't that be under sola scriptura? 🙏😊🙏
Read The Bible!
I was reformed most of my life, graduated from seminary, worked in inner city missions, was a police chaplain.
When I began to explore the spiritual disciplines of daily Bible study, fasting, regular daily prayer at least three times a day, immediate repentance when I sin, being intentional about community with other believers (getting to know them, sharing their burdens, celebrating their joys, serving them), being charitable as much ad possible, and most of all focusing my mind always on Christ and in the regular partaking of communion.
As I began some of these spiritual disciplines and studied early Christianity, it led me to the Ancient Church where the disciples were first called Christians - the Orthodox Church - to my amazement I learned it has continued, unchanged, for over 2,000 years. I am now a catechumen in the Antiochian Orthodox Church. I have found incredible peace and joy, Christians who truly consider me as family, and I feel myself growing more into the likeness of Christ.
Whether you inquire about Orthodoxy or are Reformed, I wish you joy and peace , health, blessing, and wholeness - the shalom of God.
that is very unfortunate, are you aware that the orthodox church denies the fact that we are saved by Christ alone by grace through faith alone?
@@e.t.h.559 None of us are saved alone. We are the Body of Christ. The Church flourished for hundreds of years through terrible persecution before we even had the Bible. It was the Church who gave us that precious book.
You've missed your love for Christ and his for you IS ALL THAT MATTERS!!!!! Salvation is what Jesus did for us. In turn we show gratitude with obedience to Him. Relationship, not religion. If you get too lost in doctrine, you can't focus on Christ.
Repent, be baptised, get filled with the Holy Spirit, walk in Christ. That is how to get saved and how to stay saved!
You just complicated the good news of Jesus. Just philosophy , the Bible is so simple.
This person is missing living Christ in the Eucharist, not the philosophical concepts.
🤦♀️
Obviously missing the Holy Spirit
With all due respect, you are missing God's amazing love for you as an individual with free will to choose salvation and call on God - by the power of God's grace, not as an automaton, but as an individual made in the image of God - now being remade in the image of Christ.
We need Christ not theologies
Just completely shave your head at this point. I mean, what are you holding on to? Just shave