Fullness of Joy: The Many Faces of Joy in the Christian Life

Overview

The theme of joy is prominent throughout society. The desire to experience joy is nearly universal. We hear "buy this, use this, do this, go here and you will find the joy that you are seeking." However, all of this typically results in temporary joy or simply in disappointment. In God's Word, we discover that ultimate, lasting, "fullness of joy" comes only from a relationship with God and Jesus Christ.

"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

In Fullness of Joy, the author details how this ultimate, "fullness of joy" is found in God, Christ and salvation, forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, worship, prayer, God's Word, Christians living, our home in heaven, and even amidst trials and death. Herein lies the joy that we are truly seeking, not in the ever-changing circumstances that can sometimes be very favorable and sometimes make life a definite challenge.

About the Author

Bruce A. Martin grew up in Piqua, Ohio. Active in Christian ministry for over 40 years, he served churches in Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee, and was a chaplain in the U.S. Navy for 28 years. He is a graduate of Lincoln Christian University and Seminary (IL), Princeton Theological Seminary (NJ), and Emmanuel Christian Seminary (Johnson City, TN). Now retired, he and his wife, Judy, live in Janesville, WI. They have two children, Christine and James, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Recommendations

Writing from a genuine “pastor’s heart” Martin introduces the reader to a hopeful and multi-faceted perspective on joy that is a gift of God. Explaining that while there is joy experienced in the “favorable circumstances” of life, the “fullness of joy” in the Christian life is a gift of the divine - not earned, manipulated, or produced by effort. Carefully distinguishing between the temporary joys of living, referred to as “general joy,” and the “ultimate joy” given by God the book explores ways in which that full joy is experienced by the Christian in our relationship with the Trinity, in the practices of worship, prayer, God’s word and even in the midst of trials and death. Refreshingly hopeful and encouraging, this book is a “joy” to read.

~Jack Holland, PhD, Professor of Christian Care and Counseling at Emmanuel Christian Seminary

In Fullness of Joy, Bruce Martin explains and illumines the concept of joy in the Christian's journey. His use of Biblical content, interesting illustrations and his experiences from over five decades of leadership ministry all provide an excellent background for his writing. As Christians, we need to be aware of the beauty and blessing that joy brings each of us. Fullness of Joy does just that with excellence, reminding us of the blessing and experience of joy for our journey.

~Dr. David Roadcup
Professor of Discipleship
TCMI Institute

During his time as a Chaplain in the U. S. Navy, Bruce Martin traveled widely and experienced the ebb and flow of life on the ocean. In his book, Fullness of Joy, he takes the reader on the most important journey of a lifetime—the journey toward joy.  A gifted storyteller with a pastor’s heart, he invites us to join him in navigating the ups and downs of life where joy can be experienced regardless of our circumstances.  He unpacks for us from his extensive use of Scripture the source of true joy that is found only in God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 

~Don Green, DMin, President Emeritus and Professor of Leadership at Lincoln Christian University