Concerning The Times

January 19, 2018 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Salvation, Trust

Concerning The Times

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you.
1 Thessalonians 5:1

Anticipate The Day

There is great joy and great confidence in knowing that Jesus Christ is coming very soon. In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul gives answers to the questions of what happens when someone dies and Jesus hasn’t come back. But there are many questions of when is Jesus coming back for the church. So Paul starts chapter 5 with a great statement to encourage Believers. Just as the Thessalonians were curious about the coming of Jesus and the Rapture of the church so are many of us today.

Paul said we do not need any more information because we already have what we need to know. He means this in a way that Christians are prepared for Jesus’ return and since no one knows the day or hour we stay alert and rejoice in the fact that Jesus is returning soon. Acts 1:7 says, “He (Jesus) said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.” If we knew the exact time that Jesus was going to return it would either cause panic and fear if it were near or it would cause us to lose hope if it were a long time away. What Paul does say that we need to know is the fact that the day is coming soon. We should expect it to happen even if it were today.

Prayer

Pray for God to help you live a holy life with complete obedience to His Word and in anticipation of looking forward to the day of the Lord.

Known for Love

January 19, 2018 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
‭‭John‬ ‭13:35‬

If there is one word to describe the person of Jesus it should be love. Jesus is the living example and definition of love. Jesus taught how to love and who to love. But most of all Jesus proved His love by dying on the cross.

Every born-again Believer is transformed into a new person as 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” You become a new person because the Holy Spirit comes inside and dwells in your inner person. He gives you new life that lasts for eternity. But the evidence of salvation is demonstrated by love. Jesus says people will know you belong to me because of your love.

I want to point out three ways people will know you are a true follower of Jesus Christ. First, people will know you’re a Christian because you love the Lord. You don’t have to tell people you’re a Christian when it’s written all over you. You will have a demeanor about you that glows and reflects Jesus. Your words and actions glorify the One you love. You will love to worship and praise the Lord.

Second, people will know you’re a Christian because you love others. Your love for people (all people) is true evidence that your heart is occupied by the Holy Spirit. It’s easy to love those who are peaceful and lovable, but what about those who are difficult to love? You know who I’m talking about because someone just popped into your mind. Uh oh! If Jesus loves them, we too must love them the same.

Lets move on to the third way people will know you are a Christian. When we love Jesus we will obey Him. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John‬ ‭14:15‬) Our love is demonstrated by how we obey the One we love. Complete obedience to God’s Word is a requirement. When we obey the commandments we show others that we belong to Jesus.

Can someone identify you as a Christian by your steadfast love?

Pray for God to give you a heart that is full of love.

Pray like Jabez

January 17, 2018 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.”
‭‭1 Chronicles 4:10

This is an exciting verse that we have in front of us today. This verse is a prayer that was desperately prayed and God answered it. Do you realize that as a child of God your prayers are heard and answered? God does not hear the prayers of those who do not belong to Him.

Jabez is only mentioned in verses 9 and 10 and this is all that we know about him. So let’s learn a few things from him.

First, we learn that no matter what is bothering us we can go to God for help. His name indicates that he either suffered pain or caused pain. Regardless, he needed help and turned to God. His prayer changed everything as God granted his request.

Second, we learn that our negative circumstances should never define our life. Our hardships and trials shape us for what we can become. We become better people when we overcome trials. It increases our faith.

Third, we learn that we all are unique and have a special purpose in this life. We were created in the image of Almighty God and we should give Him glory for our unique attributes. God gives each of us special gifts and talents to honor Him with and to bless others.

Pray the “prayer of Jabez” and see how it changes your mindset and your outlook.