Jan. 21, 2024

The Sermon begins at 32:35 min in video, Baptism at 59:20 min

Encouragement from an Apostle - Rejoice Always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 1 Peter 1:3-9 

"When We All Get to Heaven", "Lord I Need You", "Jesus Does", "Trust in God",

"Just as I Am", "Goodness of God" Music are licensed under CCLI Copyright #2723035 and Streaming Media #22024223 Licenses

Summary:  Pastor Dave’s sermon is based on 1 Thessalonians 5 and 1 Peter 1. The key message is about the Christian imperative to "Rejoice always," pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. He acknowledges the challenge of maintaining joy, prayer, and thankfulness. The Greek root word for "rejoice" is related to delighting in God's grace. Joy should be constant, regardless of circumstances, and is a result of focusing on God and His promises rather than life's difficulties. Joy is distinguished from happiness, which is more circumstantial, while joy is rooted in God's goodness, a close relationship with Jesus, and the activity of the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 1 highlights that trials can coexist with joy, which comes from focusing on Jesus. Six constant reasons for joy are provided: God's action in salvation, God's action in keeping us saved, the constancy of God's word, the fixed nature of God's promises, hope for the future based on God's past actions, and the potential for believers to bring joy to others. The sermon concludes with an encouragement for believers to find strength and joy in community and a reminder of God's ever-abiding presence.

Sermon Notes:

Encouragement from an Apostle

Rejoice Always

1 Thessalonians 5:16, 1 Peter 1:3-9

Rejoice:

 Joy:

 Always:

God is the Source:

Constant reasons for constant joy:

You can cause others to rejoice: