A note from our pastor:

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 5:20

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week focuses on the mindset of disciples. The thoughts in this verse are a continuation of the prior verse, and yet, these thoughts stand alone as their own important lesson. In this verse the Apostle addresses the giving of thanks by the community of believers.

First, let us carefully read this verse and not confuse the instruction. The Apostle instructs the disciple to give thanks for all things, always. The implication of the verse is, we should look outside of ourselves and see all of the blessings of God, not that the disciple is always going to be in a place of giving thanks. For the disciple in any age, daily life is the meeting of thanks for the blessings done and requests for the blessings needed. We are wholly dependent on God and cannot be without the need for supplication.

The instruction from the Apostle is to see the many faceted blessings in our lives. To recognize the natural blessings we receive which allow us to live from day-to-day. To recognize the Spiritual blessings which permit hope, peace, and joy. To remember the eternal blessings in which we know our salvation is secure and we look forward to the second coming of Christ. At any point, the disciple has the work of Christ in multiple ways which should generate thanksgiving.

Also taught in this verse is a lesson on how the disciple approaches God. The Apostle tells the community of believers to give thanks unto God. God the Father is the giver of all blessings and should receive our praise, honor, and thanksgiving for what he does in our lives. The Apostle also tells us we should do so in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is the mediator between God and man. It was by the blood of Christ and his sacrifice the elect of God were redeemed and have a relationship with God. Therefore, when we pray, whether in thanksgiving or in supplication we pray unto God the Father but we do so through and by Jesus Christ.

As a community of believers, let us look outside ourselves and see the mighty blessings of God in the lives of all people and return thanks unto Him always.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah