New Hope Reformed Church

1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

1 Thessalonians 2 answers several questions about the faith including those about the nature of Christian leadership, and how the church/Christianity has survived over the centuries.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

Hebrews 2:5-9 5 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. 6 But one testified in a certain place, saying: ​ ​​"What is man that You are mindful of him, ​​Or the son of man that You take care of him? 7 ​​You have made him a little lower than the angels; ​​You have crowned him with glory and honor,[fn] ​​And set him over the works of Your hands. 8 ​​You have put all things in subjection under his feet."[fn] ​ For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

The world says do not judge and says God's Word makes this demand. In today's text Jesus tells the crowds following Him to judge Him and in doing so teaches us what it means to judge, whom to judge and what standard we are to use. A much needed message for today.

Philippians 4:1-7 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalm 33:3-5 Sing to Him a new song; ​​Play skillfully with a shout of joy. ​ ​​For the word of the LORD is right, ​​And all His work is done in truth. ​​He loves righteousness and justice; ​​The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

John 6:63: "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."

"This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever." John 6:58

Want to find God? He will be with Christ. You will not find God without Christ. The Son will be next to Him The Son has cried out to the Father, "Give Me My heart's desire" and God has said to Him, "Yes, go do that." He is the delight of the Father. He is what God is doing. Christ and His kingdom are what the Father is about. If you would find God, you will find His King and He is in His kingdom. That is where blessing is. We have the source of eternal blessing because if we are given by the Father to Christ we are in this kingdom. That is utterly assured and the fount of blessing is in Him.

The Son will not lose any that have been given to Him by the Father. Those of us who have been made alive will be made even more alive at the resurrection. Such is the promise of God.

Psalm 64:9-10 All men shall fear, ​​And shall declare the work of God; ​​For they shall wisely consider His doing. ​ The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and trust in Him. ​​And all the upright in heart shall glory.

Do you have troubles and sorrows this day? Are there things that bother you deeply? Well, join the club. We still live in a world of tears and sorrow but God has included us. He has brought us into His presence in Christ. None of the sorrows or troubles you are working with can compare to the grace He has given. Let us be thankful to God with no change in our outer experience at all because we do not need it. God has blessed us with Himself in Christ. He has opened His temple and brought us to Himself. Everything else pales in comparison that that. Now we find God good and we find God gracious. We take our troubles and sorrows to Him in prayer (and I encourage you to do so) but if not one of your prayers this day is answered as you would have it be thankful and grateful anyway. God has brought you to Himself in Christ. There is no greater blessing beyond.