To start the new year, Our pastor gave a sermon based on the scriptures, 1 Thessalonians 3:9 and 2 Corinthians 9:11-13.
1 Thessalonians 3:9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?
2 Corinthians 9:11-13 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
Paul was so thankful because of the saints of Thessalonia, and Corinth..their service, giving and sharing of the gospel...
It made me curious about the word "because" in the Bible..there are over 1500 places that "because" is used in the NIV translation...
" because of this..., because of that..." The cause and effect...
There are blessings, curses, judgments, and many reasons..."because"...starting with Adam and Eve all the way through the end in Revelations..."because you ate the fruit..." to " the beast"...
The major and minor prophets have many judgements "because of " the peoples' sins, turning away from God, rejection of His Word...
Nehemiah speaks to God not to turn away "because" of God's great compassion...
I stopped in Psalms in my search...where was "because " used in these chapters? It spoke of "unfailing love, faithfulness, goodness " as did other portions of Scripture ...
Psalm 6:4 Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.
Psalm 115:1 Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 142:7 Set me free from my prison,that I may praise your name.Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.
Whereas Paul was praising man's character, David was praising God for His character....but...both brought Glory back to God...which is where it all goes...
He is the "because" we have life...
Thank YOU, that You make All of Your Word important...from the "because" to the "Glory"...
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