Sanctified Living Part 1

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification:…” 1 Thessalonians 4:3a

What comes to your mind when you hear the words “sanctified living?” Perhaps you might first think of monasteries, or some kind of religious communal living such as the Amish; straight-laced, sober, and restricted. For those who have put their trust in Christ for now and eternity, sanctified living produces a beautiful flourishing life of purpose, peace and joy. Basically we are talking about a life that consistently seeks after, embraces and walks in God’s ways according to what He has made clear in the Bible. Such a person continually grows in knowing God and His beautiful character becomes more and more visible in their life. No other philosophy of living compares to that of the one who thrives in God—a sanctified life.

1 Thessalonians 4 will be our source of discussion this Thursday morning at 9:30 and I would love to have you join us either in person, or online (discoverybaptist.org Go to Livestream—Ladies Bible Study.

Please remember the Ladies Spring Luncheon this coming Saturday at 1. It will be a delightful, encouraging time.

Endurance Part 2

During the past week all of our eyes have been focused on the tragedy unjustly imposed on the Ukrainian people in their own country. Despite the statistical insignificance of Ukraine in comparison to Russia, the Ukrainian people have shown amazing endurance and courage. Don’t these admirable character qualities come from a great love and intense loyalty to their country? What parallels can we see here to the Christian life?

“Endurance was one of Paul’s strong suits and something he always encouraged in other believers. In his book Holiness, J.C. Ryle observes: ‘Let us settle it in our minds that the Christian fight is a good fight—really good, truly good, emphatically good. We see only part of it yet. We see the struggle, but not the end; we see the campaign, but not the reward; we see the cross, but not the crown. We see a few humble, broken-spirited, penitent, praying people, enduring hardships and despised by the world; but we see not the hand of God over them, the face of God smiling on them, the kingdom of glory prepared for them. These things are yet to be revealed. Let us not judge by appearances. There are more good things about the Christian warfare than we see.’” Quoted from 1 & 2 Thessalonians & Titus by John MacArthur.

I’m looking forward to a great time of discussion this Thursday morning as we gather at 9:30 to encourage one another from 1 Thessalonians 3.

Endurance Part 1

“…no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.” 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4.

A friend of our son Caleb served in Russia as a missionary until the government banned him from the country. He then went to Crimea to tell people about our amazing God. But, before long Russia took over Crimea and he was forced to leave again. For the past few years he has been serving the Lord in Ukraine and now his stay there is beginning to look uncertain. Do you think he will finally give up on telling people of our wonderful God? No, I am sure not. Just as the verses quoted above make clear “no one should be shaken by these afflictions.” In writing these words Paul referred to difficulties coming from those opposed to the truth of God’s word and the persecution then was ever bit as real as it is today in nations hostile to the true God. The endurance God gives to His people who suffer for Him outlasts any other kind of endurance in the world. When we as followers of Christ have the proper outlook on life, we fully realize tribulation and afflictions are normal—we are not in Heaven. If we expect life to be smooth sailing, storms shock and discourage us. But, if we see storms as normal and allowed by God to bless us, our whole perspective changes.

Plan to meet with our great group of ladies this Thursday morning as we encourage one another to face the trials of life with beautiful endurance.

If you would like to be on Caleb’s “Suko Family Ministry Update” on Messenger, let me know and I will add your name to his regular updates on the situation in Ukraine.