Does such a group of believers exist today?? I truly believe I'm a part of just such a group. God is certainly doing something in our Church that this lake area has never seen before and all the glory must be given ot God. The group that God has assembled is nothing more than a bunch of misfits surrendered to His service.
Margaret Mead, anthropologist of the early twentieth century once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Citizens could be replaced with Christians, and this quote would accurately describe the faith of the church in Thessalonica.
Paul commended this community of believers for their faith. The church in Thessalonica was birthed as a result of the missionary efforts of Paul, Silas, and Timothy in the context of intense opposition (cf. Acts 17:1—9). First Thessalonians is a letter written to encourage this young community of believers, which faced internal and external challenges to their new faith in Christ.
The faith of the Christians in Thessalonica is first commended for the fruit it produced (v. 2). The triad of faith, love, and hope (cf. Rom. 5:1—5; 1 Cor. 13:13) resulted in sharing the gospel, service toward one another, and hope in Christ’s return. The way they received the message of Jesus was also noteworthy (vv. 5—6). The work of the Holy Spirit made the gospel effective and granted the community joy while they experienced suffering, which authenticated their faith. The faith of the congregation was praised because it was dynamic. It transformed the lives of the community members so that they conformed to Christlikeness. In all of this, the faith of the church in Thessalonica was exemplary to other believers in their region (v. 7).
The congregation in Thessalonica did not simply thrive in their city, but also committed themselves to spreading the gospel of Christ beyond their local sphere. Their lives witnessed to their vibrant faith, which became renowned in the whole region (v. 8). The message of their faith inspired others to abandon the idols of the day and commit themselves wholly to the one living and true God, revealed in Christ Jesus, who will return one day soon (vv. 9—10; cf. 4:13—5:11).
Taken from Moody Bible Institutes, Today in the Word.
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2 comments:
I would agree with you that God is definitely doing something awesome.
The Thessalonians were deeply committed to extending the Kingdom outside of their community. I was thinking today how easy it can be to get comfortable in a circle of friends, like we are developing, and to lose that vision. When it happens the work stagnates.
I pray that we will always follow the Thessalonian example in our LifeGroups and in our congregation, to be cultivating an ever-growing circle of friends and community.
Did you just call me a misfit? ;)
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