There are times in our lives when we are in pain, deep sadness or anguish. Those times will come. The Bible tells us so. The secret is not to stay there long.
Rom. 5:1-3, 11. Paul experienced all of those emotions and more. And yet he says to exult in hope and also in our tribulations. Tribulations build our character. But also to exult in God and Jesus through whom we have receives our reconciliation.
1 Pet. 1:3-9. We have been born of a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead to obtain an incorruptible inheritance. Peter also says to greatly rejoice in the midst of tribulations. Our faith is made powerful as it is tested, obtaining the salvation of our souls.
1 Thess. 5:16-18. Rejoice always.
Phil. 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always
2 major reasons for rejoicing:
1. Escape from God’s judgment upon the wicked
2. The promise of eternal bliss among the redeemed in God’s glorious presence
We have peace because we know what God has done for us.
Num. 23:9 – “behold, a people who dwells apart, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.”
We have been called by God to unique and holy purposes. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people of God’s own possession.
1 Pet. 3:15. When we talk to others about Jesus we need to be focusing on sharing our hope. 1 Pet. 5:10. Our time here is short. We need to redeem the time we have.
Being set apart for holy purpose means we are to be in the world but not of the world. We are mission oriented people, every day of the week, living our life to the glory of the King.
Sermon by Tony Mauck
