Things To Continue In

With most things being shut down in recent times during the COVID-19 it can be easy to forget  there are things we must continue in.  This short article shines light on things which the Scriptures state must be continued in.

THE WORD

            John 8:31 records:  "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed."  To continue in Jesus' words is to continue to walk according to them.  This involves faith and obedience.  Without such one cannot please God (Heb. 11:6).

THE LOVE OF CHRIST

            Jesus said:  "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you:  continue ye in my love" (Jn. 15:9).  There is no disputing that Jesus loved mankind as he tasted death for every man (Heb. 2:9; Jn. 15:13).  The love Jesus is speaking of is one that is genuine and moves one to action.  Notice:  "If you love me, keep my commandments" (Jn. 14:15).

THE FAITH

            Paul and Barnabas exhorted brethren to "continue in the faith" (Ac. 14:22).  One must notice brethren were not encouraged to continue in "a faith" but again, "the faith."  This is singular.  There is but one faith (Eph. 4:5).  Only those who obey that faith and continue therein will be saved eternally (1 Cor. 15:1-3).

PRAYER

            In writing to the Christians at Colosse, Paul urged:  "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2).  Prayer is both a privilege and a duty.  It is a privilege for God's children (1 Pt. 3:12).  Also, Christians are duty bound to pray (Ph. 4:6; 1 Th. 5:17; 1 Ti. 2:1-3; Ja. 5:16).  Have you been praying as you should?

BROTHERLY LOVE

            In  such as simple fashion the Hebrew writer penned:  "Let brotherly love continue" (Heb. 13:1).  Jesus bound brotherly love when he said:  "This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you" (Jn. 15:12).  This is not a "word only" love but rather one which is shown forth by deeds.  Notice:  "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth" (1 Jn. 3:18).  Love can accomplish great things.  "...for charity [love] shall cover the multitude of sins" (1 Pt. 4:8).  Love will pave the way for the dissipating of even the most monumental of problems between brethren .

            Take some time to search out some other things in which God's people are admonished to continue in.  It will make a good study - I guarantee it!

- Donnie Oliver