IN CHAPTER 3: Paul says in verse 7, "therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress, we were comforted concerning you by your faith." (read verses 8-10) The Amplified Bible says, " for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord."One might say, "man this is really living." It's what living is all about. For the apostle to see, through the testimony of Timothy that these dear people were really growing stronger even in the face of such terrible persecution that not only Paul contended with, but they themselves faced, was a great source of joy to him. It appears that persecution makes strong Christians stronger.n Verse 9, "For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God."
What a joy and privilege to pray for another person and see God answer that prayer. We get so worked up over the world taking Christ out of Christmas and because the store clerk says "happy holidays" rather than "merry Christmas" So what? They have done it for years, it doesn't change a thing. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, that is the message that the world needs to hear, not how many shopping days to Christmas and you haven't maxed your Visa yet. If Christmas was never observed as we know it in our day, it wouldn't change a thing except the bottom line for these giant stores and the exorbitant salaries the CEO gets on the backs of minimum wage employees...the world needs Jesus. Not new toys and Santa Claws. Let's take a look at the prayer that the great Apostle prays for the church.11"Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
12And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
13To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints." This is the main point that I want to emphasize in this lesson..."so that He may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." note these next four words..."with all His saints."
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1 comment:
How true Randall. The world is changing all the time and there isnt anything we can do about it. Its all a part of Gods plan anyway. We need to concentrate more on Jesus and His word and not worry about the petty stuff. No matter what people say or do, wont change who God IS!! Thanks for the reminder.
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