1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
16. Rejoice Evermore
17. Pray without ceasing
18. In everything give thanks for this the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you
19. Quench not the spirit
20. Despise not prophesyings
21. Prove all things
22. Abstain from all appearance of evil
23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
This epistle of Paul was written about 64 A.D. and was the first of his fourteen letters to the early Christian Church. This scripture gives advice about a Christian’s personal relationship to God and problems faced in the daily life of the Church.
Paul exhorts Christians to rejoice even when persecuted. (In the first century, persecution included imprisonment, torture, and death!) Paul believed his advice to pray without ceasing is the secret to continual joy. As we approach the Christmas season at Johnson Memorial we should take Paul’s advice to the Church at Thesalonika to heart. Rejoice, give thanks and pray without ceasing as we celebrate the joy of Advent.
Lee Oxley
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