LIVING BY FAITH

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6

Often at our church, we sing the old hymn, "Living By Faith."  It is an expression of faith in God during times of uncertainty. 

"I care not today what tomorrow may bring,

If shadow or sunshine or rain;

The Lord I know ruleth o'er everything,

And all of our worry is vain.

Living by faith in Jesus above,

Trusting, confiding in His great love;

From all harm safe in His sheltering arm,

I'm living by faith and feel no alarm."

Four times, the Bible states that the just shall live by faith (see Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38).  It is easier to read about faith than to live by it.  It is much simpler to sing about faith than to exercise faith during a crisis. 

Faith is needed most when trials come our way.  Faith shines brightest when darkness surrounds us.  Unbelievers respect our faith most when they see it exercised when we're in the valley, not when we're on the mountaintop. 

Knowing that the just shall live by faith, God dedicated a whole chapter of the book of Hebrews to honor Old Testament saints who exhibited great faith.  Near the beginning of the chapter, the writer makes the following bold statement:  "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."  This verse specifically teaches us several things.

1.  IT IS POSSIBLE FOR US TO PLEASE GOD

In the previous verse, the writer of Hebrews honored the life of Enoch.  Enoch was a man who never died because God translated him.  Prior to his departure, Enoch left a deep impression on those around him.  The Bible says that, "...  before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God."  What a testimony to have!  Before you think that we can't please God ourselves, the writer goes on to state, "But without faith it is impossible to please him..."  It is possible for us to please God today.  Shouldn't that be our aim each day?

2.  FAITH IS REQUIRED TO PLEASE GOD

Without faith, it is impossible to please God.  Let me state that again with emphasis.  Without faith, it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God.  Regardless of the things you do, if faith is absent from your life, God is not pleased.  Faith pleases God. 

That brings up an important issue.  What is faith?  Faith is our dependence on Him.  Faith is our unwavering trust and confidence in the Lord.  Faith is taking God at His Word.  Faith simply believes the unseen as if it were seen.  Faith treats God's promises for tomorrow like they are a visible reality today.

3. FAITH IS HOW WE APPROACH GOD

The Bible says that, "... he that cometh to God must believe that he is ... "  When we approach God, we must believe that He is.  We must believe in Him as He really is & not as we wish Him to be.  Too many people believe in a god of their own choosing.  They have created their own god, while stating that they believe in the God of the Bible.  When we approach God, we come trusting Him to be everything He claimed to be.  Any attempt to approach God that lacks faith will utterly fail.

4.  WE MUST STAND ON GOD'S PROMISES

The Bible teaches us that those who approach God must believe that He is, "... and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."  Notice a few things in this part of the verse.  First of all, God rewards those who seek Him.  Most people seek things from God instead of seeking Him alone.  Instead of seeking His face, we tend to seek something from His hand.  We are rewarded when we seek the Rewarder.  Secondly, we must diligently seek Him.  We must seek Him with sincerity and regularity.  Finally, we must approach Him with the confidence that He will reward us ... simply because He promised.  We must stand on the promises of God. 

God can be trusted, so trust Him right now.  Trust Him to the extent that you obey Him explicitly.  Rely on Him to take care of you.  Be confident that He will meet your needs.  Believe His promises.  Depend on Him for the future. 

As you depend upon God moment by moment, you can honestly say, "I'm living by faith and feel no alarm."

A SLAVE OF CHRIST

"If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.  If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account." - Philemon 7, 8

For many years, Bill Bright served as the leader of Campus Crusade for Christ.  Years before, he & his wife made a covenant with the Lord, giving themselves as slaves for His cause.  That sounds like a radical thing to do, but they meant it.  As a result, God used them in profound ways to impact the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In his famous Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves here in America.  His bold move paved the way for people of every color to enjoy the freedom that our forefathers envisioned.  Looking back, we are ashamed that our nation once approved of slavery. 

The tiny book of Philemon is the letter that Paul wrote about a runaway slave.  Philemon's slave, Onesimus, had escaped from his master.  During his exodus, he encountered the Apostle Paul.  In their encounter, Paul led Onesimus to Christ.  Onesimus was now a new man, yet he still had responsibilities.  He needed to return to Philemon, ask for forgiveness and submit to Philemon's leadership.  Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon with a letter that has been included in our Bible.

The book of Philemon is a personal appeal from Paul, asking Philemon to have mercy and take Onesimus back without penalizing him.  In fact, Paul wrote, "If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself."  Paul put his reputation on the line.  He reminded Philemon that he owed Paul a great debt because of Paul's ministry to him.  Now Paul is calling in the favor.  Furthermore, Paul told Philemon that any debt that Onesimus has created would be a debt that he would take responsibility for. 

I believe that Paul's intercession for Onesimus mirrors the intercession that Jesus made for us.  We were unfaithful to the Father.  We had offended Him.  We had strayed from Him, rebelling against Him.  We were far from the Father.  Jesus came and went to the cross on our behalf.  Through His shed blood, we have been redeemed from our sins.  We may now approach the throne of grace and speak directly to the Father because of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

It is easy to look back at the past and feel ashamed.  We may not forget our sins, but the Father accepts us because of Jesus.  Through His shed blood, Jesus could address the Father & say of me, "... receive him as Myself."  God receives me because of Jesus.

Furthermore, like Paul's writing to Philemon, Jesus could say to the Father of me, "... If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account."  I had a great debt that I owed, but a great Savior paid my account in full.  Like the old song says, "The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago."  Another hymn states it this way, "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe." 

Just think, we've been freed from the oppression of Satan ... the ruthless taskmaster that sought our death.  We were purchased by One who loves us and prizes us.

In seemed counter-intuitive for Bill Bright to offer himself as a slave for Christ.  Yet as we read the book of Philemon, we realize that he was right.  My friend, Charles Towler, wrote a great song several years ago that illustrates this perfectly:

"Just a slave on the auction block of sin,

I was serving Satan's purpose, but then;

Jesus paid the sacrifice, fully paid sin's awful price,

Bought my ransom on the old rugged cross.

No longer a slave, I've been loosed from my chains,

And now I can sing, I'm free! I'm free!

He's my Father, I'm His son, Praise the Lord! The work is done,

And I'm His for eternity!"

(c) James D. Vaughan, Music Publisher

Living as a slave to Christ is much different than being a slave to Satan.  We obey Christ because He loves us and we love Him.  Now that we belong to Him, we have His protection, His grace and His mercy.  We enjoy fellowship at His table and have now been adopted as His children.

I'm glad that God receives me as He receives Jesus & I'm glad that Jesus paid my debt in full. 

What a great God we serve!!!

SALVATION:  GOD'S WORK, NOT OURS

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." - Titus 3:5

Cults and false religions have one thing in common:  they teach that a person must do good deeds and be a good person to be saved.  Sadly, most people in America, even those in churches, believe this myth.  Salvation is not a goal for us to work toward; it is a gift that we must receive.  Salvation is not based upon human merit, but the merit of God Himself.

When Paul wrote to Titus, he emphasized that salvation was a work of God.  Paul wrote, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."  Salvation is not something a man works up, but a gift God sends down.  Let's consider this more deeply.

First of all, we must recognize the folly of self-righteousness.  Paul wrote that salvation was, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done."  Empty religion can cause a man to feel rather proud of his position, but such thinking is vain and deceitful.  Here's the problem with self-righteousness:  we really don't have any righteousness of our own.  Our effort & works could never merit God's attention, yet alone His acceptance.  We deceive ourselves into thinking that we are "good people," when the reality is that we are sinfully depraved and very wicked.  We tend to judge ourselves by our intentions, never realizing that our intentions are flawed and sinful.  We like to brag that, basically, our hearts are good --- but the Bible states that our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked.  The fact is that we are wicked sinners that deserve God's wrath.  We need God's mercy & grace instead of trusting in our own works.

Thankfully, God's mercy is available to sinful people like us.  God's mercy was made available through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, upon the cross.  There on the cross of Calvary, God's justice was satisfied and God's mercy was extended.  His justice was satisfied as Jesus received the penalty that we should have received.  Too many people are trusting in the mercy of God without believing in Jesus.  This is futile and fatal.  God's mercy is only available through the person and work of Christ.  When a sinner realizes his lost condition, repents and believes in Jesus, God's mercy saves him.  It is faith in the person & work of Christ that saves.  We must believe that He died for our sins and rose again.  We must receive His payment for our sins. 

Furthermore, Paul wrote that we are washed and made clean through regeneration.  Instead of patching up the old life, God gives us a new life.  We must die to sin and self before we can experience the new life found in Christ.  Just as Jesus died & rose again, the believer must die to sin and then be raised a new person in Jesus.  This is beautifully illustrated through water baptism.  When a new believer is baptized, his old life is shown being plunged beneath the watery grave and a new life emerges --- a life that only Jesus brings.  More than a new beginning, Jesus brings new life to a believer.

Finally, Paul wrote that the Holy Ghost renews us.  Water baptism demonstrates what the Holy Spirit does within us when we believe.   When we believe, the Spirit baptizes us (1 Cor. 12:13).  We are made new by the power of the Holy Spirit.  That is why a new believer seems to be like a new person ---- he is. 

Sadly, most Americans have empty religion rather than a vibrant relationship with Jesus.  Their theology is based upon human merit rather than the person of Christ.  While they like to identify themselves as Christians, they do not have eternal life.  Eternal life is a gift that God gives through His Son.  It cannot be earned.  It cannot be purchased.  It can only be received as a gift & only through the person of Christ.

Salvation is a work God performs.  Salvation is God's work, not ours.

THE INFLUENCE OF A GODLY MOTHER

"When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." - 2 Timothy 1:5

This Sunday, Americans will be observing Mother's Day.  It is a special day when we honor mothers.  Historically, the modern observance of Mother's Day began in Grafton, West Virginia in 1908. A few years later, our nation began to observe this day as a holiday.

Most of us are very sentimental about our mothers --- and for good reason.  A mother has the opportunity to greatly impact the lives of her children.  Those of us who were blessed with a Christian mother have much to be grateful for.  Our mothers have been used of God to shape our lives.

Never underestimate the influence of a godly mother.  When the Apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, he reminded him of the godly heritage of his grandmother and mother:  "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also."  Notice that the strong faith that Timothy had, "dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice."  In other words, his grandmother and mother were Christians before Timothy became a believer.

The Apostle Paul recognized the influence that these two ladies had in the life of Timothy.  It is apparent that his grandfather and father did not share in this faith.  In spite of this, the faith of his grandmother and mother had impacted Timothy's life.  Now this young man was serving the Lord, preaching the Gospel. 

As we consider Timothy's Christian heritage, I want to share just a few thoughts with you.

1.  MINISTRY BEGINS AT HOME

There are great preachers and ministries in our country.  They are used of God to reach millions of souls.  But I believe that real ministry begins at home.  Christian fathers and mothers can do more to reach their children than all the preachers in our land.  While I believe in Christian education at church, it is wrong to leave all the Christian instruction to your local church.  As a parent, it is YOUR job to teach your children about Jesus and the Bible.  It is YOUR job to demonstrate and declare the Gospel to them.  It is YOUR job to model Christian living in your home.  The influence this will leave on your children is incalculable.

2.  THE TIME TO BEGIN IS NOW

Many Christian parents acknowledge the need for ministry in their home, but they fail to change.  The time to begin is right now.  Even if you have already wasted precious years, begin investing in your children right now.  Perhaps your children are grown and have moved away, still begin right now.  When they visit, make sure they are struck with the reality that their parents' home is a Christian home.

3.  DON'T OVERLOOK THE SMALL THINGS

Most people look for big ministry opportunities.  They tend to overlook or neglect the small things of life.  God often uses these small things to accomplish great things in the lives of people.  Be faithful in the small things.  Ultimately, you'll be glad you did.

4.  BRING YOUR CHILDREN TO CHURCH

It is one thing to take your children to church ... and drop them off.  It is a much better thing to bring your children to church with you.  They need to see that public worship & fellowship are significant to you.  They need to see that baptism and communion are important to you.  They need to realize that the church is more than just a building to you.  Go to church every time the doors are open and bring your children with you.  Furthermore, stay in church.  Don't let petty differences, outside distractions, or difficult circumstances keep you out of church.  Once you start missing church, it becomes easier and easier to miss.  Your actions speak louder than words.  Be a faithful, active member of your church.

5.  TEACH THE BIBLE TO YOUR CHILDREN

The first way to teach your children about the Bible is to show them the Bible is important to you.  They should catch you reading the Bible alone at times.  Furthermore, read the Bible with them & give them the freedom to ask questions from the Bible. 

6.  TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO PRAY

Teach your children to pray.  Teach them by example.  They should identify you as a person of prayer.  Pray over each meal.  Pray privately yourself.  Pray with your children.  Pray with them when they have problems.  When your children get older, they will cherish the memory of a praying home.

7.  TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO TRUST GOD

Children are quick to sense a parent's fear or frustration.  They need to see faith in action.  It is a powerful thing for them to behold their parents trusting God when times get tough.  It is one thing to sing, "Living By Faith," it is another thing to actually live by faith when times are hard. 

8.  BE FAITHFUL EVEN IF YOUR SPOUSE IS NOT

Perhaps your spouse is not a Christian, or perhaps your spouse is spiritually weak.  Don't let that hinder your faith.  Be faithful to the Lord whether your spouse is or not.  Perhaps your Christian influence will not only impact your children, but your spouse also.

9.  BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR OWN HERITAGE

If your parents were godly Christian parents, be grateful.  If they are still living, honor them.  Love them.  Show them that you love & appreciate them.  If they are no longer living, remember their Christian influence and example.  Share stories of their faith with your own family.  Honor them by continuing the Christian example they set for you.

The devil is working hard to destroy families, including Christian families.  Keeping your marriage and home strong in the faith is critical as the enemy attacks.  It is not easy to be faithful in these faithless times.  Your family is facing ungodly attacks through school, work, entertainment, social media and society as a whole.  While you may try to limit the influence of the ungodly culture, you can't keep it completely away from your family.  Instead, remain faithful to the Lord and trust Him to use you to impact each member of your family.

Who knows --- it could be that one of your children may be just like young Timothy & impact millions of lives himself.   Perhaps your children will influence their children for Jesus.  Maybe generations to come will be impacted because of your godly influence.  I'm sure the Christian influence of William & Morrow was great in the life of their eldest son.  They probably had no clue that God will raise him up to be a great man of God.  We know their eldest son as one of the great Christians of our generation ... Billy Graham.

Never underestimate the influence of a godly parent.

THE MEDIATOR

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." - 1 Timothy 2:5

I was driving through town this week & noticed a law office on the side of the road.  On the glass window to the office, the name of the lawyer was printed in large letters.  Below his name was a description of the services he offered.  One of his services was mediation.  Most of us do not use the word, "mediation," very often.  Sometimes when there is a conflict between nations or even among businesses, the news will mention that a mediator has been brought in to help settle a dispute.

A mediator is someone who intervenes in a disagreement and works to bring both sides together for a mutual resolution.  Typically, the mediator is an independent third party, someone who is not biased in the dispute. 

In his first epistle to Timothy, Paul wrote, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."  According to the Bible, sin created a division between God and men.  In this division, mankind was the offender and God was the offended.  This division could not be resolved by a simple confession or apology.  The offense was so great that blood was required to satisfy the offended.

According to the Apostle Paul, Someone got involved in the problem and offered a solution.  According to Paul, Jesus became a mediator between God and men.  This mediation took place on the cross of Calvary where Jesus hung on a cross between God and men.  His blood satisfied the offended party, making it possible for men and women to be reconciled to God.  Typically, a mediator is an independent party, but in this case, God Himself took upon Himself flesh & did for us what we could never do for ourselves.  Jesus was the only One who could mediate and bring men back to God.

Many people remain enemies of God.  They feel the distance from Him.  They know that isolation exists between themselves and God.  When they sit in church, they feel uncomfortable.  When they hear Christians talk about their faith, it makes them uneasy.  When they are confronted with a crisis, they find it difficult to talk with God.  The sinner knows that a quick, simple apology will not suffice.  Repeating a cold, empty prayer will not make amends.  The Bible states that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin.  The only way a sinner can be justified is through the shedding of blood.  It is not an apology, a prayer or joining a church that redeems a sinner.  Only blood can accomplish this.

Faith in the finished work of Christ in the cross is required for a sinner to be redeemed because only the blood of Jesus satisfies the offended.  A sinner must come to Jesus and receive the cleansing power of His precious blood.  As the old songs says, "What can wash away my sin?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

Most people believe that they are heaven-bound because God is loving and merciful.  What is tragically missing from their belief is the fact that God's love and mercy is only extended through the blood of Christ.  The blood of the Lamb must cover a person's sin.  A man or woman can never enter into the kingdom of God apart from a genuine saving faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the mediator between God and men.  Apart from the mediating work of Christ, a sinner remains far from God & remains responsible for an offense that will cost him everything.  If a sinner refuses to receive the mediation of Christ, he will ultimately die in his sins and face God in judgment.  On the Day of Judgment, those who've rejected Christ's mediation will be required to pay for their sins.  The Bible states, "The wages of sin is death."

It is sad to think that most of humanity remains far from God.  A sinner is an enemy of God.  I would hate to be an enemy of Him, wouldn't you? 

Mediation is the only path for a sinner to find peace with God.  That mediation was accomplished on the old rugged cross.  The mediation of Jesus was fully complete through the shedding of His precious blood. 

Jesus is not just the best mediator between God and men; He is the ONLY mediator between God and men. 

Thankfully, His mediation is sufficient. 

THE JUDGMENT OF GOD

"Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." - 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

I am deeply bothered that most Americans have a belief in God that does not match what the Bible teaches.  Even those who claim to be Christians are not immune to this.  

One of the most frequent ways that people express their belief in God is in reference to judgment.  It is not uncommon for someone to say, "My God is loving and kind and would never send anyone to hell."  Another may share something similar by stating, "The only people God will send to hell are murderers and rapists."  In one way, they are right.  The one they believe in won't send people to hell because the one they believe in isn't really God.

God has revealed Himself to us through the pages of Holy Scripture.  A proper view of God can only be developed as we read, understand and believe what the Bible teaches. 

In 2 Thessalonians chapter 1, the Apostle Paul describes people that will be "punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."  Let's consider this Scripture closely because this event will soon unfold.

1.  JESUS IS COMING

Paul wrote that the Lord Jesus is coming again and "shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels."  Jesus will come some day in power and glory.  While I believe that Jesus is coming after His children (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), the Scripture we are reviewing in 2 Thessalonians refers to a different event.  In this event, Jesus is coming in wrath.

The false god that most believe in would never exercise wrath.  However, the Bible clearly states that God is a jealous God.  He is a God who gets angry at the wicked.  His wrath has been unleashed before and will be again.  One day, Jesus is coming in wrath.  I wouldn't want to be a recipient of that wrath, would you? 

2.  JUSTICE IS COMING

Paul wrote that Jesus is coming, "In flaming fire taking vengeance."  Often a victim or a victim's family will testify in court, asking the judge to execute justice on a guilty felon.  We often sympathize with such victims.  Most of us fail to understand that God is the victim of injustice in this world.  Most people deliberately and angrily rebel and reject the very One who created them.  Despite the fact that He gave them life and shows mercy towards them daily, they use His Name as a curse word.  They deny Him.  They hate Him.  They hate His Word, His Church and His people.  They trample His Name under their feet.  They live in open hostility to the One they are accountable to.  Some even reject His existence.  Sin is a treasonous act against the God of the universe, resulting in the death penalty.  To varying degrees, the description I have just outlined really depicts all of us.  Apart from the salvation available in Christ, all of us are guilty rebels, deserving death.  

3.  JUDGMENT IS COMING

Finally, Paul gets specific about the ones God will judge:  "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."  Look closely at those who will receive judgment:  "them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

In John 17:3, Jesus said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."  The only way to have eternal life and miss the coming wrath of God is to know God, and this life is received when we personally know Jesus Christ.  Those who reject Jesus do not know God personally and are subject to His judgment.  That's why Paul wrote that God's wrath would be unleashed on those, "that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."  

The Bible continues with a description of the coming judgment: "Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."  Everlasting destruction is coming to those who reject Jesus Christ.  Many reject the doctrine of hell, but the Bible has numerous passages that specifically teach that everlasting judgment is facing those who reject Christ.

Jesus is coming.  Justice is coming.  Judgment is coming.  Apart from a saving faith in Jesus Christ, every person will perish.  This includes your family members, friends, co-workers, politicians, musicians, actors, athletes, the rich and the poor.  That is why we need to make the Gospel known to everyone while we can. 

Time is running out.  Are you prepared to meet God?

 

COMFORT EACH OTHER

"Wherefore comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:18

The last few months have been difficult for my church family.  Two members from our small congregation have graduated to glory in the last two months.  Both were active, vital members of our congregation.  They will be missed greatly.

These events have reminded us that life is temporary.  Furthermore, we've been reminded that pain and sorrow comes to everyone, including Christians. 

When Paul wrote his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, he addressed the issue of death.  No doubt, many Christian deaths in the early church were due to persecution.  Others died of natural causes.  Regardless of the circumstances, the death of someone dear was a heartbreaking incident for the new believers at Thessalonica.

Paul wrote the Thessalonians to reassure them that a bodily resurrection will occur when Jesus returns.  As he concludes his remarks on the subject, Paul told them, "Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

I believe that Christians in the 21st century need to heed Paul's words.  This is a time when comfort is needed.  As we ponder Paul's words, there are three things I want to share with you.

1.  THE SIGNIFIGANCE OF OUR COMFORT

First of all, we need to understand that pain, suffering, and death are part of this life.  People of faith are not immune to heartbreak.  We are not excluded from grief.  As a result, comfort is needed.  First of all, we need to offer comfort.  We are called to minister to the needs of our brothers and sisters.  These days, I see too much isolation among professing believers.  Far too many live independent of a church family and, as a result, fail to minister to real needs around them. 

Secondly, there will be times when we'll need to receive comfort.  Death is not a respecter of persons.  If you live very long in life, death will impact your life.  When a member of your family dies, it is important to receive comfort from those at your church.  When you live isolated from a church family, you are causing yourself significant harm.  The local church is vital, because a church family is there to lovingly comfort you when you need it most. 

2.  THE SCOPE OF OUR COMFORT

Notice that Paul wrote, "Comfort one another..."  Selfishness keeps many from helping those who need it most.  It is important for us to be sensitive to the needs of those around us. 

Love should be the motivation of our ministry to others.  We should help those who need it most because of love for Jesus and love for them.  We are His hands reaching out to them.  We are His feet, moving to help them. 

3.  THE SOURCE OF OUR COMFORT

Finally, Paul wrote to comfort one another, "... with these words."  Paul wrote his epistle to the Thessalonians under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  Thus, the words he wrote were God's words.  I am convinced that the only source of comfort is God Himself.  His Word gives us promises we can rely on.  God's Word gives us guidance for the road ahead.  His Word gives us peace in the midst of the storm.  God's Word offers us hope and help during times of discouragement and devastation.

Furthermore, God's Word is the Spirit's sword.  The Holy Spirit uses God's Word to impact our lives.  Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as "the Comforter."  It is wonderful to have a helper who lives within.  He gives us the comfort we need so much.   

Death is certain for all of us.  In this life, the future often seems bleak.  It is glorious to know that the Christian can look up with hope.  Our future is as bright as the promises of God.  For us, the best is yet to come!

Comfort one another with these words!