In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encouraged us to to rejoice in the midst of persecution, because "great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:11-12). Truth is . . . no one naturally rejoices in the midst of trials or tribulations, especially when one is the focus of religious persecution. So why is Jesus encouraging us to rejoice? James, the brother of Jesus, must have understood as he writes something similar in James 1:3, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trails of many kinds." (1:3) How could James write these words? What was he thinking?
Here's the key to understanding these words - 1) Believe that God has a plan and purpose, especially when it doesn't look like he does (remember it's always darkness before the dawn); 2) Be willing to grow, to change, to flex and follow, and to be loyal to God's purpose in your life, and 3) keep your eyes on the reward.
This Sunday, we are going to focus on rewards. We don't normally speak about heavenly rewards, but the Bible has quite a lot to say about the concept of reward. I hope you will join us Sunday as we explore one of the great teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. Bring a friend and join us for Sunday School at 9:30 AM or worship at 10:15 AM. Have a great week. Pastor Tom
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