Point of Grace Online Worship 11.22.20

Sermon Notes –

“Lean In to What You Can Count On!” Encouragements from 1st Thessalonians

Rejoicing …………………. Praying …………………...Thanking!

This is the meaningful life Christ intends!

1 Thessalonians 5

16 Rejoice always, Lean in to doing joy!

17 pray continually, Lean in to praying!

18 give thanks in all circumstances; Lean in to thanks giving!

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

A Surprising reason for Rejoicing!

1 Thessalonians 5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

I can rejoice now and truly enjoy now when relieved of the pressure to have my best life now!

“Keep on praying and never give up!” – Jesus

Luke 18 “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

Give thanks in all circumstances … … … … perhaps now more than ever!

Eucharisteo is the way of living with the living God

because within Eucharisteo is charis (grace)

and within charis is chara (joy)!

Joy is the realist reality, the fullest life, and joy is always given, never grasped. God gives gifts and I give thanks and I unwrap the gift given: joy! Ann Voskamp – one thousand gifts

16 Rejoice always,

17 pray continually,

18 give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

How could a group of people living like this change the world?

Join in on “After Thoughts” Thursday at 7 pm – Go to www.pog.church/live to view or through Facebook or Youtube.

Afterthoughts is a live interactive internet conversation about the topic of this week’s sermon. We would love for you to join in to make your contribution to the conversation, share your thoughts and ask your question.

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of the week which help dive deeper the way Jesus is personally calling you to “Lean In to What You Can Count On”. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Tue – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-15 Wed – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28 Thu – Psalm 136 Fri – Luke 17:11-19 Sat - Psalm 103

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Helps: “Sermon Resources” from pog.church

“One Thousand Gifts” by Anne Voskamp

The Bible Project has a 7 minute visually graphic summary of 1 Thessalonians that is awesome. Go to https://bibleproject.com/explore/1-thessalonians/

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

“Restoration Year – A 365 Day Devotional” by John Eldredge