The Christian life cannot be reduced to a man-made list of things to do and not to do.

However, when God gives a specific list in Scripture, we must take careful note of His priorities.

Today we examined the Lord's to-do list

found in 1st Thessalonians chapter 5.

Let's join Scott Pauline now as we uncover divine instructions for the last days.

When my wife gives me a list of things to pick up at the store, it's always a good idea for me to write them down.

Years ago, I had a teacher that used to say that a short pencil is better than a long memory.

I found that to be true. How many times I have come home, having forgotten one thing that I was supposed to get. And usually it was a very important thing.

Aren't you glad that the Lord has written down for us what he wants us as believers to do?

We're looking at the Lord's to-do list.

First Thessalonians chapter 5 really is one great list.

What a powerful list.

I love the fact the entire book talks about Jesus coming and that

he ends with where we live today. He says in light of that, here's how I want you to live.

Though the entire chapter is a list, we have kind of zeroed our attention in here at this juncture

and our study on three of the commands, perhaps the most famous ones,

and they're all grouped together.

1 Thessalonians 5, 16 through 18, says rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, in everything,

give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Oh, to live that way.

Now the first thing we learned is that all three commands

direct us to Christ. But really, it's not about us. It's all about Christ. Christ is the source

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