That The Communication of Thy Faith May Become Effectual - Part 1360

Of the times and the seasons, ye have no need that I write unto you, for you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. "For when they shall say, "Peace and safety" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. But ye brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overcome you as a thief." (I Thessalonians 5:1-4)

Why? Because as believers in Jesus by faith, and baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are all the children of light and the children of the day. We are not of the night, nor of darkness.

"Therefore, let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober, for they that sleep sleep in the night, and they that be drunken are drunken in the night, but let us, who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ -- who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Wherefore, comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." (I Thessalonians 5:6-13)

How do we do this?

Warn them that are unruly. Comfort the feeble minded. Support the weak. Be patient toward all. See that none render evil for evil unto any. Ever follow that which is good -- both among yourselves, and to all. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Quench not the Spirit.

Despise not the prophesyings. Prove all things. Hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

And let the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 5:14-23)

And throughout, be sure that others hear of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of EVERY GOOD THING which is in you in Christ Jesus. (Philemon 1:6)

Stand in the offering plate.