Church People

"For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed you are our glory and joy." 1Thessalonians 2:19-20

I had to read these words several times in order to more deeply appreciate Paul's personal and extremely touching encouragement to the Thessalonians. Honestly, I struggled with some of the sweetness of this because in ministry too often people can be such a pain. Yet, I know and am convicted by Paul's total dedication to the centrality of human beings being the church.

It Is Never Useless

"For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless." 1Thessalonians 3:5

We of the faith, need to stay connected with each other. Paul is concerned about the Thessalonians. So much so that he sends Timothy to encourage and strengthen them. Have you ever had that nagging feeling like Paul had when he could stand it no longer, wondering and worrying how someone is doing in the Lord? Please, please respond to that urging from the Holy Spirit and reach out to that person in some way.

In Spite Of Severe Suffering

"In spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia-- your faith in God has become known everywhere." 1Thessalonians 1:6b-8

The suffering that the Thessalonian church had to endure was because of persecution from both the Jews and the Gentiles. The Jews believed the "new believers in the Messiah" were undermining tradition and the Gentiles did not trust them because the "new faith" was strange and different than anything they had ever heard before. We today do not suffer much persecution. At least not here in America. In other parts of the world Christians suffer much persecution. In many places under Islamic or Communist rule, Christians are persecuted and even put to death for their beliefs.

Imitators

"You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord..." Thessalonians 1:4b-5a

It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. We actually don't have much of a high regard for imitation. It reeks of not being the real thing, or of being inauthentic. Paul says in another verse that we should imitate him as He imitates Christ. He would also say not to imitate him if he wasn't imitating Christ.

Fatherly Dealing

"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory." 1Thessalonians 2:11-12

For whatever reason, this particular pair of verses has never impacted me as much as they did in my most recent reading of them. Over the last few years a number of things has happened in my life and around my life that has put me in the position of being referred to by a new nickname...."Pastor Papa". As a grandfather I am called "Papa" by my grandchildren. But the name Pastor Papa came to me from college aged students that we have sponsored in their quest to get work permits in order to become financially independent while they study in the U.S. This opportunity has been a huge blessing to us.

A Little Blessing For All

"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24

In the joyful moments..... thank Him.

In the busy moments...... praise Him.

In the trying moments..... trust Him.

In the quiet moments...... praise Him.

What We Are Not Doing

"For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you." 1 Thessalonians 2:3

Why do we do what we do as Christians? When we appeal to people by the grace of God to turn to Christ, what is our motive? This verse explains what Paul says is not our motivation. We spread the gospel because we believe earnestly that it is the truth. We are not deceived or deluded, not conniving or trying to pull the wool over anyone's eyes. We are simply sharing what God has done for us and will do for all. That is, provide a way to deal with the gap between man and God through redemption.

Men or God Pleasers

"We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts." 1Thessalonians 2:4b

Early Christians were met with a considerable more opposition than any of us will ever face. Families were torn apart by early believers abandoning idol worship, or Judaism, or no religion at all. That still happens today, but in the past there were more societal and cultural dues to pay for such big changes in one's core beliefs. Today, tolerance reigns supreme for good and bad. And... most people who convert nowadays, either never take it seriously enough to cause any real ripples, or their conversions are lackluster in commitment so as to go virtually unnoticed by friends and family.

Such Sweet Words

"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." 1Thessalonians 2:8

Would you please read these words as if they were written to you? They are, you know. There is a love between Christians that is very special, unique and dear. The 'agape' love that believers share that emanates from the Spirit in us because we are family in Christ is unconditional, free and sincere. When I think that through the Lord, I am related by the Spirit to millions and millions, if not billions of brothers and sisters around the world, I am simply overwhelmed. Literally, I feel this kinship with all who know Him and call Him Savior. This love in my heart, just as this verse says, is delightful. It gives me joy, pleasure and encouragement.

Do not cling to old ways as you step into a "New Year."

Well, here we are, and it is a New Year indeed - 2014! Where did 2013 go, and if any of you had the same thoughts as I do, I'm thinking that last year seemed to have gone by really quickly. Since it is a new year, a new dawn and a new day, a good place to (always) start is God's Word on "any" subject.

God Sent Us A Saviour

"For unto you is born this day... a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.