Weekend Sermon -- I Thessalonians -- Conclusion

     Thank you for reading the sermon today. I hope and pray that you all are doing well both spiritually and physically. 

     Well, we have reached the end of our sermon series on the book of I Thessalonians. As we wrap things up with today's message, there are two points that Paul makes that I want us to focus our attention on. First of all, let us look at chapter 5 verse 23 that states, "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

     This verse tells us that God is the God of peace. We live in a world that has wars and conflicts going on all over. If you read the blog regularly, you know that we have a list of nations that we pray for so that peace might come. God does not want there to be wars and fighting in this world. We as His people are called to seek peace and pursue it. Jesus said that those who make peace are blessed. 

     If you hear a pastor, teacher or religious leader condoning wars or speaking in an overly militaristic manner, that is not someone who is correctly representing the God of peace and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. The Christian is not to focus on militaristic things and violence. We should be focused on doing what we can to bring hope and healing to the nations. 

     This is one thing that is certain, when Jesus returns to earth to establish His kingdom, war will be no more. The nations will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not rise against nation. They will study war no more. 

     Paul goes on to speak about sanctification and living lives that are blameless until the coming of the Lord. To be sanctified means to be set apart to a holy service. That is what we are called to be. God has sanctified us by His grace to do His will and His work in this world. We are called to live holy lives that are pleasing to the Lord, and we are to live lives that are an example to others so that they might know the True and Living God. 

     I believe that we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord every day. We are to become more and more like Jesus as we continue to follow Him. We lay aside our sins, and focus on following the example of Jesus. We ask what would Jesus do in each and every situation in which we find ourselves. We should be sinning less and less all of the time as we grow in our relationship with the Lord. 

     Some do not believe that we can reach a state where we are not sinning in this life. I don't agree with that position. If we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, I believe that by God's grace, we can reach a state where we are sinning very little or not at all. It takes much work and discipline and a willingness to follow Jesus wherever He leads us. 

     I know that I have not arrived at a place where I am not sinning, but I am striving to be more like Jesus. It is my desire to do what pleases Him and to follow Him to the best of my ability. 

     Paul closes out this letter to the Thessalonians by asking that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with them. We are nothing without the grace of the Lord Jesus. We are what we are not through any good works that we have done. We are only anything because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. We only have what we have because of His grace, mercy and blessing. Amen

Prayer Requests

     I am really having a lot of health issues right now. I have very bad arthritis in my spine. I am also having a lot of stomach problems. Please pray that I can get to feeling better. Thank you. 

     Continue to pray for peace in the world. Syria, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Chad, Yemen and Congo need our prayers for peace. 

     Please pray about the election in Brazil this week. There is much at stake in this election from an environmental standpoint. Pray that whatever side loses the election will honor the will of the people. 

     Pray for the leaders of the world that they will be able to help their people deal with the burdens of the high inflation. 

     Pray for an end to coronavirus and the other diseases that are affecting so many around the world. 

     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in Sri Lanka and Guinea. Pray that many will come to know Jesus. 

     Next week, we will be starting a new series of messages. This will lead us to Advent. I have two series of messages planned for the new year. On Monday I will post the verses. I will try to post something midweek if I am feeling up to it. May God bless you all.