"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus."
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
1.) Rejoice always: Joy is an outward result of firm hope of the Christian.
"Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:2)
2.) Pray without ceasing: This is a continual personal fellowship with a Holy God.
3.) Give thanks in all circumstances: A follower of Christ should in all circumstances, good or bad, give thanks.
3.) Give thanks in all circumstances: A follower of Christ should in all circumstances, good or bad, give thanks.
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)
"How far less are the greatest afflictions that we meet with in this world...than we have deserved."
-Jonathan Edwards
"How far less are the greatest afflictions that we meet with in this world...than we have deserved."
-Jonathan Edwards
4 comments:
I believe in all of these verses. I do not believe we are expected to do nothing when something can be done.
The good Samaritan, while others were afraid of violating the conditions of the law.
Paul says to offer a kind rebuke to those who are in error.
Hi Scott,
am I a victim of comment moderation?
I posted a new blog entry. I have seen your visit a couple of times. Sorry, I have not had anything new in a week.
Here is the link - Secular Music Vs. Christian Music
Jim, this is a very busy juncture in my life, and I have been slow getting posts up and moderating comments. Sorry it took so long to get them on there, but I haven't purposefully ignored you.
However, I do question the meaning behind your comment. I was talking about the living with a thankful heart, and you are somehow speaking of rebuking others. Can you please explain to me what is the meaning? I am quite curious to find out what your motivation and meaning was for posting this comment.
Thanks for being patient with my replies, just so busy.
Hi Scott
What I am refering to:
When I read the three verses, my interpretation of "rejoice always" is in reference to the fact that most poeple spend quite a bit of time in difficult and trying situations. So, I say rejoice for what we have, but do not just sit idly.
When we are in trouble or someone else needs prayer, a lot of times we just think the person in need will get an answer to the need by just praying. However, we can also do for ourselves and do something to help the person in need as well. So, action again.
Give thanks in all circumstances.
When we are going through difficult times, we should say thanks to the Lord, in much the same way we are instructed to 'rejoice always'. But, don't just be idle. Get up and enlist help if you need and then say thanks to the Lord for those who were willing and able to help.
I just look at those verses as requiring 'follow through'.
Don't worry about me thinking you are ignoring me. My comment was more or less a just in order that I may post a comment to you.
Jim
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