READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l This weekend marks a special occasion where we witness the confirmation and reception into church membership of 61 people. In addition, on Sunday evening, there will be baptism of infants, children and special children. What a joyous occasion as we welcome many into God’s Kingdom. In 1 Thess. 5:16-18, we are called to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. Rejoicing, praying and giving thanks are the postures of God’s children.
Rejoice always – Are we known to be a pessimistic people or those who rejoice in spite of challenging circumstances? We can rejoice because God is for us and with us. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps.118:24). We rejoice because of who God is. He is the Alpha and Omega. Rev. 1:8 and Rev. 22:13 start and end the book of Revelation with the proclamation that God is the Beginning and the End. Because Jesus spans all our existence, time and history, and is the Lord of the past, present and future, we can rejoice. Even when there are trials and challenges in our lives, we can rejoice.
Pray without ceasing – Let us not be known as fearful and worrisome people but as those who spend time in prayer. It is our birthright in Christ and our privilege to be able to pray. Ps. 139:1-2 reminds us that we are known intimately by God. He welcomes us to talk with Him. Ps.139:18 tells us what when we awake from sleep, God is there. Even in unconsciousness of dementia, Jesus is still with us. “What a friend we have in Jesus” is a favourite funeral song. The song brings comfort to the loved ones as the lyrics remind us that we forfeit peace and bear needless pain when we fail to come before God in prayer. Jesus, our Friend, has invited us to go to Him in prayer. Can I make prayer a regular practice in daily life at home, work and play?
Give thanks in all circumstances – Are we seen by others as a complaining and discontented people or as those who are thankful and contented? We give thanks for being able to gather to worship or be connected by technology to worship. But what if we face danger or are scared? How do we give thanks in such situations? Matthew Henry, a 17th century preacher and author, was robbed during one his many journeys across England. Yet, he was able to record the following thanksgiving in his journal. First, in spite of many journeys, he had never been robbed before. He gave thanks that his life was preserved and that his loss was not a huge one. Lastly, he gave thanks that it was better to be robbed than to be the robber. Matthew Henry demonstrated a posture of trusting God and giving thanks in all circumstances. Do I make it a daily practice to give thanks for all His blessings?
It is God’s will that we, as people in Christ, rejoice, pray and give thanks in all circumstances.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- “Always be joyful!”
In spite of my many trials, in what can I be joyful for today? - “Pray continually!”
How can I make prayer a regular practice in my daily life? @home, job, play - “Give thanks in all circumstances”
How do I make thanksgiving a practice in my daily life?
