The Strengths of the Thessalonian Church
| We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (1Thessalonians1:2-10) |
The survival and effectiveness of the Church, depends on its strengths, and it is very important to look at the strengths of the Thessalonian Church which are as follows:
- Paul, and others, always gave thanks to GOD for the Thessalonian Church.
- We must also give thanks to GOD because this shows how grateful we are when we remember GOD's works in our lives.
- As a Church, we must have "an archive" to remember where GOD has brought us from.
- GOD has brought us from eternal death, and now we belong to the Body of CHRIST, and that is where we draw our strength from as a Church.
- The HOLY SPIRIT is the "Central Power Engine" (C.P.E) who enables the gospel to be spread. The HOLY SPIRIT is at the center of the gospel, and HE is the strength of the Church that is why JESUS CHRIST said, "wait for the HOLY SPIRIT" -- Acts 1:4
- Despite, Church's many afflictions, allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to work, brings joy, and the joy of the HOLY SPIRIT is in receiving the word of GOD, and holding on to it.
- This kind of joy, is a good example, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in other places, and it resulted in good evangelism.
- We all have 'ugly' backgrounds just like the Thessalonian Church who served idols in the past.
- But by GOD's Grace, we are saved from the 'ugly' backgrounds, and from the wrath of GOD.
- We must also pray and preach salvation for others to be saved as well.
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Rev. Lazarus Chirwa, St. Andrews, Copper belt Presbytery, Zambia.
