July 21, 2016 – I Thessalonians 5:9-10

God did not choose us to suffer his anger. God chose us to have salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus died for us so that we can live together with him. It is not important if we are alive or dead when Jesus comes. I Thessalonians 5:9-10God chose us.  He chose us for a purpose.  His purpose is to give us a gift.   Why?  God loves us so much He gives us the gift of salvation.  Did it cost a lot?  Yes, He paid in the blood of Jesus Christ His Son.  It was a huge sacrifice for God the Father and Jesus, His Son to make.When someone gives us a gift so expensive, we want to return the joy of receiving such a gift.  How can we ever repay for such a gift?  There are three ways, and they are not enough.First, we can give God our hearts, our minds and our souls.  We can show by how we live our lives how much we love the giver of our salvation.The third way is to help others to know just how much God loves us all.  Teach them that they are loved just as you are.  It takes more than a lifetime to know the depths of God’s love. It takes an eternity to understand the height, the depth and the broad expanse of God’s love.Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. Be united in your goals and in the way you think.  In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves.  Philippians 2:1-3Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11