BE A “Y’ALL” CHRISTIAN!

I thank my God… always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for YOU ALL because of your fellowship in the gospel.

Philippians 1:3-5a

Among the more easily detected accents are those from New England, New York or the South.  While the apostle Paul was not from the Deep South, he did use the phrase “you all” frequently in his New Testament letters as a warm expression of Christian fellowship.  I counted 23 “y’alls” but will only mention several of them today.

Paul’s thankfulness led him to pray much and often for YOU ALL.  “I thank my God… for YOU ALL, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world” (Romans 1:8).  Paul often encouraged churches reiterating the wonder of their salvation in Jesus Christ.  Some other encouragements include: “For YOU are ALL sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26); “For YOU are ALL one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28 - no matter what your earthly distinction is); “There is… one God and Father of ALL, Who is over ALL and through ALL and in ALL”(Ephesians 4:6) and “YOU ALL are fellow partakers with me in this grace” (Philippians 1:7b).  Aren’t y’all encouraged viewing our position as believers in Jesus Christ?  We are NOT an exclusive club as Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and salvation is open to YOU ALL if you will believe and receive Him (John 1:12; 3:16).

Paul concluded his letters with simple but powerful benedictions of blessing upon his readers.  “Now may the God of peace be with YOU ALL” (Romans 15:33); “My love be with YOU ALL in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 16:24); "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with YOU ALL” (2 Corinthians 13:14) and “Grace be with YOU ALL.” (Titus 3:15b).  That’s my prayer for YOU ALL as well!

Bob Kulp