When God raised Jesus Christ from the dead IT MADE A DIFFERENCE! Jesus promised “all truth” was coming so his followers could learn how they should now live. Did Jesus tell the truth?!? OF COURSE! I have proof, and so do you: read the Church Epistles (Romans through Thessalonians) in light of Jesus’s promise, and your eyes will pop out of your head!

Our song, “Rejoice In The Lord Always”, comes straight from one of these Church Epistles. Give it a listen, then come back for more.

Enough truth to keep us real busy

Jesus promised his followers more information was coming. He still had work to finish, THEN what he promised could be revealed. So, where in the Bible do we find in-depth reporting on what happened AFTER Jesus’s death, resurrection, and ascension?

The Book of Acts tells what the believers did after the ascension.

The Church Epistles explain how they did it, and how we can do it, too.

Read the Church Epistles!

I want to challenge and encourage you to read the Church Epistles in light of Jesus Christ’s promise of “all truth” coming. It will bless your socks off.

Years ago I was told that if I would set aside other entertainment and distractions and just read the Church Epistles (Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and I & II Thessalonians), that after three months I’d be so happy, positive and energetic that “I wouldn’t know myself”!

I did, and it was true.

After one reading, I had some sense of the books. After five readings, they changed on me. It was as if someone snuck in when I wasn’t watching and wrote new things in my Bible. After ten readings, they changed again. It was stunning. And wonderful.

I could say SO MUCH MORE about these books, but I only get you here for a few minutes. One thing, though ….

To whom they are addressed

When you read each of these epistles, please notice WHO each is addressed to. Spoiler alert: they are addressed to YOU and to ME. That should get us paying attention! All scripture in the Bible is written either TO US or FOR OUR LEARNING. (It’s ALL good, but not every verse is literally addressed to you and me.) But the Church Epistles are to us, here and now.

In light of that, notice that Philippians specifically mentions leadership in the greeting. The things Paul, by revelation, tells Christian leaders to do in Philippians is fascinating. One is that all, including leaders, are to be careful [anxious] for nothing, but in everything with prayer and thanksgiving, to let requests be made known unto God … and the peace of God will keep us … We might think leaders would KNOW that, but here, in a rather “advanced Christian leadership” book, leaders are reminded to pray — to talk with the Lord. Hmmm…. must be something we all need to hear more than once.

Our song “Rejoice In The Lord Always” comes from a verse in Philippians that is addressed to you, to me, —- and to leaders in the church. Do new believers need to be told to rejoice in the Lord? Do seasoned, old believers, including pastors and teachers need to be reminded to rejoice in the Lord?

Apparently so! Well, OKAY THEN! Let’s do it!

Harmony for inexperienced singers

Harmony adds a lot to group singing. A round (like “Rejoice In The Lord Always) is a song that can be sung in harmony simply by starting at different times. It is a great way to help inexperienced singers learn to harmonize.

Teaching tip: FIRST make sure the group is very confident singing the song all together. Don’t split it up until then! When it is sounding solid, then split into groups and dive into the round. Watch for smiles!

You can download the music page with instructions for free from The Music Box.

I made a second song video [below] to help groups learn this song. In this video I sing it “solo” all the way through, just like your group should. When you are all solid on it, then dive into the second part of the video.♫♪

Song video – solo first, then round

Will you set other things aside for awhile and just read the Church Epistles? Give it a try! You won’t know yourself.

God bless you lots!

Dale R.

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LYRICS: Rejoice In The Lord Always
Text: Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always
Again I say, Rejoice!

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THANKS! – Dale R.

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