Good morning -
"He really knows how to live it up." That's what we say about someone with a real zest for life and adventure. It's ultimately true in a realm that many wouldn't understand:
"for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 3:8)
For Paul, "really living" consisted of the body of Christ standing firm in the faith. Paul was a strange "party-animal" if that was his idea of living it up! For him, real life was the life of other believers.
From a pastor's perspective I can tell you that there is no greater "high" than seeing growth and progress in the faith of God's people. Learning about new commitment to disciplines such as Bible study and prayer, or stepping out in an adventure in service is thrilling beyond words. Hearing also that, in the face of adversity, God's people stand strong is "really living" for servants of God.
A desire to "live it up" based upon the growth and progress in the faith of others causes us to pray as Paul did:
"may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints." (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)
Vitally important to a firm faith is genuine connectivity to other believers. Increasing compassion and love for believers as well as unbelievers is central to a life and conscience of holiness that pleases the Lord.
Those actively involved in a church can easily take for granted the blessings of connectivity with other believers. I've talked with numerous "isolated" believers over the years and heard their stories of pain and loneliness because of a lack of genuine Christian fellowship where they live (some of you reading this are in such a situation). Long-distance connections that are less personal than face-to-face fellowship have vital importance.
"Really living" is living for Christ and the body of Christ. I would "really live it up" to personally hear how you are standing firm in the faith.
May you find real life and joy today through genuine interaction with other believes at the deepest possible spiritual level.
Pastor Steve
"He really knows how to live it up." That's what we say about someone with a real zest for life and adventure. It's ultimately true in a realm that many wouldn't understand:
"for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 3:8)
For Paul, "really living" consisted of the body of Christ standing firm in the faith. Paul was a strange "party-animal" if that was his idea of living it up! For him, real life was the life of other believers.
From a pastor's perspective I can tell you that there is no greater "high" than seeing growth and progress in the faith of God's people. Learning about new commitment to disciplines such as Bible study and prayer, or stepping out in an adventure in service is thrilling beyond words. Hearing also that, in the face of adversity, God's people stand strong is "really living" for servants of God.
A desire to "live it up" based upon the growth and progress in the faith of others causes us to pray as Paul did:
"may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints." (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)
Vitally important to a firm faith is genuine connectivity to other believers. Increasing compassion and love for believers as well as unbelievers is central to a life and conscience of holiness that pleases the Lord.
Those actively involved in a church can easily take for granted the blessings of connectivity with other believers. I've talked with numerous "isolated" believers over the years and heard their stories of pain and loneliness because of a lack of genuine Christian fellowship where they live (some of you reading this are in such a situation). Long-distance connections that are less personal than face-to-face fellowship have vital importance.
"Really living" is living for Christ and the body of Christ. I would "really live it up" to personally hear how you are standing firm in the faith.
May you find real life and joy today through genuine interaction with other believes at the deepest possible spiritual level.
Pastor Steve
posted by steve @ 10:17 AM
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