Category: Prayer
Subject: Prayer
Thanking God Without Ceasing
Paul’s prayer life is worthy of emulation. On numerous occasions he expressed his habit of praying for his brethren. There is one example in particular that is worthy of notice:
“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
What makes you thankful? Is it the physical provisions you enjoy? – house, food, health? Is it family? For Paul, these things were relatively unimportant. As a bachelor, he fully gave himself over to the things of God. He learned, “in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11).
What brought him joy, satisfaction, and a feeling of thankfulness, was the faithfulness of his brethren. Not only was he thankful, he made his gratitude known to God, “without ceasing.” The relative value of the word of God working effectively in the lives of men is worth the emphasis Paul gave it.
Are you grateful for God’s word? Are you mindful of the faithfulness of your brethren? Do you make it a frequent habit to give God thanks for both?
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men… For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:1, 3).
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Reasons for Thanksgiving
In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he began by expressing thanksgiving for them. Why was he thankful?
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Because it was fitting (3). In other words, there was a legitimate reason for his joy. Its origin was their conduct in Christ, which he lists in verses 3-4.
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Because their faith was growing exceedingly (3). These Christians hadn’t stalled in their faith as others did and can do today (Hebrews 5:12—6:6). Through diligence and effort, they were making progress, and growing stronger spiritually.
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Because their love for each other was abundant (3). John considered this the primary characteristic identifying the people of God (1 John 4:7-11). The Thessalonians were wonderful examples of the proper response to God’s love. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
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Because they were strong in faith and patience in the midst of tribulation and persecution (10). It is one thing to be strong when the going is easy. It is a true reason to rejoice when faithfulness is seen despite the devil’s attempt to destroy it. The zeal of the Thessalonians was truly praiseworthy.
So, a natural question to ask… Is our congregation one that Paul would “thank God always for”? Are we growing in faith? Abounding in Love? Remaining steadfast despite trials? It is important to be counted “worthy of this calling” (11).
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Sermon: The Helper, the Spirit of Truth
A discussion of Jesus’ conversation with His disciples, recorded in John 14:12-18.
Glorifying God’s Word
There is an interesting phrase from the pen of the apostle Paul, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). The phrase is, “that the word of the Lord may…be glorified.” Paul was asking that these faithful brethren petition God on his behalf. It was his desire that through his efforts, the word of the Lord would spread swiftly. That is, that many would hear and repeat it. Also, that it would be glorified. By this Paul meant, as noted by Thayer, that through his efforts the value of the word of God would become evident or made manifest.
A similar statement is made by the Lord regarding our influence. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We extol the greatness and righteousness of God whenever we live in accord with His will. Men see it, and “glorify” Him.
Sermon: A Time of Disaster
The last 16 months (and the last week) have been very difficult in the world, and for the United States (Pandemic/Afghanistan). What is the proper response for us as Christians in the midst of such trials?
Sermon: Psalm 80
Preacher: Justin Carrell.
This analysis of Psalm 80 emphasizes the Psalmists appeal to God for forgiveness and renewal.
The Patternists: The Model Prayer
Jesus taught his disciples how to pray in His sermon recorded in Matthew 5-6. The prayer is found in 6:9-13:
“In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.”
This prayer rather unfortunately has been designated as the Lord’s Prayer. I say unfortunately because it has become the practice of many to recite it as a prayer to God, rather than offering prayers “in this manner.”
Sermon: Giving Thanks to God
Using Ephesians 5:20, We answer the timely questions: Who? What? When? Unto Whom? How? and Why? – regarding our offering of thanks to God.
Sermon: Fall Meeting 2020, Jeremiah Cox
The following lessons were preached from November 1-6, 2020 during the West Side Fall Meeting.
Brother Jeremiah Cox is the evangelist for the Elm Street church of Christ in El Reno, Oklahoma. He and his wife Zoe and little girl Collins live in Yukon, OK.
Sunday Sermon in two parts
Boldness to Enter the Holiest (Hebrews 10)
Sunday Class
Asking for Wisdom in Faith (James 1)
Monday
The Defense for My Hope
Tuesday
Walking in the Light (1 John 1)
Wednesday
Memories from Home
Thursday
The Generic Jesus
Friday
If They Were Here, What Would They Say?
Sermon: Stop Waiting in Line!
The spiritual blessing we receive in Christ, we do not have to wait to receive. We must only seek them diligently, and God will provide. This includes the salvation of our souls!
Sermon: I Have Set the Lord Always Before Me
The Psalmist depended upon God as should we. However, sometimes we struggle in this matter. However, attention to nature, God’s word and prayer will help us to do the same.
Sermon: They Continued Steadfastly in Prayer
The disciples practice of prayer in the first century, both in frequency and manner, serve as a wonderful example for Christians today to emulate.
Sermon: How’s Your Relationship with God?
A relationship with God requires contact with Him, time spent in His presence, trust in Him, and an effort to nurture that relationship. How are you doing?
Sermon: Paul’s Prayer for the Colossians (1:9-14)
The lesson is a discussion of Paul’s prayer, in (1:9-14), where he prayed that the Colossians would be filled with knowledge, walk worthily, and be strengthened.
COVID-19 (6) Continue Earnestly in Prayer
Paul requested prayers from his brethren in Colosse, writing to them, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak” (4:2-4).
It is interesting that during times of physical distress, prayers are encouraged. It is right for us to do this. “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them prayer over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14).
Continue reading “COVID-19 (6) Continue Earnestly in Prayer”
