3 Divine Wills For The Church

Acts 17:1 ESV

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 ESV

For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

Parousia

Parousia means "a coming" or "a presence."

Eschatology

Eschatology = End Times, Jesus' second coming

This ‘coming’ of Jesus actually has an impact on the lives of those who are expecting his return.

1 Thessalonians 5:1 ESV

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

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

3 Divine Wills For The Church

1. Rejoice always

1. Rejoice always

2. Pray Continually

1. Rejoice always

‌2. Pray Continually

3. Give thanks in all circumstances

Rejoice Always

Galatians 5:22 (ESV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Happiness = sense of joy from positive emotional feelings that draws from external favorable circumstances.

“How can we live our lives in ways that truly satisfy and produce lasting happiness?”

The problem is the object.

The problem is the object. Object- a person or thing to which a specified action or feeling is directed.

Happiness - The Object is Favorable Temporary External Factors.

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The usual word for “joy” is simhah.

Simhah associated with human emotions and actions.

Hedvah

Hedvah – Joy is directly from God.

1 Chronicles 16:27 ESV

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.

John 15:10–11 (ESV)

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Joy is the evidence of our source.

Worry and anxiety disempowers us, cultivating an atmosphere of fear.

God’s “strength” is illustrated by comparing him to a strong place of “refuge, a fortress”

Joy is the essence of our relationship with the Father and the substance of our message to the world.

True security—then as now—is found in the Lord alone.

Hebrews 12:27 (ESV)

This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.

When everything is shaken the only question is, where are you standing?