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A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 2 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanier https://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

How do you view the world? Do you view the world through the lens of culture? Today, we discuss having a biblical worldview. Today, we draw encouragement from the words of Isaiah to those who are in captivity. The encouragement he gives them is encouragement for us as we look at the world today.

Members of the church in Thessalonica were troubled at the thought of the 2nd Coming. They wondered what would happen to those who were already dead. Would they be resurrected? Paul discusses the Day of the Lord with the church. He taught them things to be aware of concerning the second coming. We discuss that today in our sermon.

The sermon exhorts believers to flee idolatry by recognizing the spiritual reality behind pagan practices and avoiding any participation with demons. It contrasts the Lord's table, which signifies communion with Christ and unity among believers, with the table of demons, warning that Christians cannot partake of both. The preacher addresses modern forms of functional materialism and occult dabbling, such as astrology or energy work, asserting that these are active engagements with evil rather than neutral activities. Emphasizing God's jealousy for His people's exclusive devotion, the message calls for holy separation and sanctification through reliance on Christ alone. Ultimately, believers are urged to reject all rival sources of power and guidance in favor of the ordinary means of grace provided by God.

In Psalms 71:14-24, an aging believer asks God to remain near until he has shown His strength to another generation. His prayer joins continuing hope with a desire to tell others what God has done, even after great and sore troubles. The passage encourages us to depend on the Lord as our abilities change and to speak honestly of His mercy. Our families need more than memories of our lives; they need to hear why the God we trust is worthy of their faith. Scripture References: Psalm 71:14-24 Psalms 145:4

TEXT: LD 31 Why do you do good works? 1. Their author 2. Their benefit 3. Their necessity