THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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When Jesus started the church, the Pastor (Jesus Himself) was executed. Peter, the Chairman of the Board, was cursing and swearing. The treasurer (Judas) committed suicide after his treason. The other board members (disciples) ran away. The only ones left were a few ladies from the Women's Fellowship.
See? Your church ain't so bad!
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1Thes 2:13-16
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
(KJV)
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When Paul left Philippi and came to Thessalonica, many people were saved (Acts 17:4). Later, Paul addressed this church in two letters.
There are several places in those letters where Paul commends the church at Thessalonica for being a STRONG CHURCH.
Our text today deals with two very important aspects of a STRONG CHURCH.
First, they "received" the Word of God willingly and became obedient to the faith (verse 13). And BECAUSE of their willingness to receive and be obedient to God's Word, God "effectively" worked in them!
Second, they became willing to "suffer" so that others could hear the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ (verses 14-16). They suffered insolent remarks and even physical persecution by orthodox Jews because they were willing to tell Gentiles that salvation offered by Christ is for ANYONE!
They "opened up" through receipt of God's Word and obedience. Then God's power flowed THROUGH them when they told others.
Both things work together! If we genuinely receive God's Word and become obedient, we will also TELL OTHERS of salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.
Receipt + Obedience = TELLING!
Love ya,
Bruce
mcge3582@bellsouth.net
http://www.linktojesus.org
Without obedience to Truth, receipt of it is in vain.