For many centuries when artists painted Jesus’ portrait they didn’t put a smile on His face. It has been the same in sermons, books, and Gospel movies. Almost always, Jesus was portrayed as serious, if not sombre, as He went about preaching the Gospel, healing sickness, and discipling anyone who was interested. 

Of course, Jesus didn’t always smile, but He smiled a lot! To see the smile of Jesus is the most important expression on His face for us to notice. Sadly, few people appreciated Jesus’ smile. Fewer still understood discipleship to Jesus as a playful and joyful adventure. For centuries, no one imagined Jesus laughing — that was thought to be blasphemous! How sad it is that a veil of solemn religiosity has covered our minds so that we don’t see Jesus as He really is: free and full of life!

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Watching the world news on TV, or listening to happenings around the globe on the radio, is like strolling through the book of Daniel, hiking across the ‘prophecy plains’ of Isaiah, or wandering in the midst of the strikingly accurate realities of Zechariah. Yet, in all this, the Bride of Christ seems to be so confused. 

Why is this? We see the elect being deceived as prophesied in Matthew 24:24. When will we realise the true importance of being equipped with knowledge and sharpening our swords in spiritual warfare, to prevent perishing like the prophet Hosea foretold? 

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RNA Vaccines: Harnessing God’s design to help prevent sickness, but will the new vaccine technology alter our DNA? There is no question that vaccines have eradicated debilitating and deadly diseases such as smallpox and polio. Improvements and advancements in medical science are a good thing, as they help reverse the effects of the Curse, following Jesus’ example of healing the sick. It is important to understand that vaccines seek to piggyback on our wonderfully designed immune system. The production of antibodies is part of the system, designed by God, that helps our bodies to remember how of fight off infections. Vaccines attempt to train our immune system by giving it ‘target practice’.

Everything that we do know tells us that the new technology should be safe. And that is an important consideration. Even when acting out of an abundance of caution, we have to make final decisions based on positive knowledge, not the fear of potential unknowns. This is something that applies to daily life.

…for the full article, pick up a copy of the latest issue of JOY, which is now on sale nationwide in all leading supermarkets!

We share our planet with animals and they have the same right to a decent life that we have. When God created our world, He poured His heart into creating millions of different animals to live in harmony with mankind. Sadly, billions of animals today suffer horribly in factory farms each day. This tragedy not only impacts animals, but the irresponsible exploitation of animals harms humanity as well. 

…for the full article, pick up a copy of the latest issue of JOY, which is now on sale nationwide in all leading supermarkets!