Title: Let the Church Be Like This!
Contents
Today is the 11th anniversary of the foundation of our church.
Now, our church must build a building on a well-prepared foundation. We must soar up spiritually strong.
It should be a church that is strongly used as a church that pleases God from the top, a church where we are united in Jesus on the inside, and a church that does missionary work and gives alms outwardly.
The Thessalonian Church is a church that Apostle Paul planted while visiting the Thessalonians for 3 weeks on his second missionary journey. But there, Paul had to flee from the danger of death. After leaving for Berea, leaving the saints we loved, we sent Timothy to learn about the current state of the church.
However, I heard the news of joy out of my anxious and worried heart. I heard the news that the Thessalonian church members are standing on solid faith with passionate longing for Jesus, and that even in the midst of many afflictions, they have become imitators of the Lord and have become a church that can overcome tribulations and trials with firm faith.
So, not only did it become a good example for all churches, but it also became a church that was well-received in the local community and praised by many, and many people came to the church to receive Jesus.
The reason the Thessalonian church was able to triumph so strongly in the midst of tribulation was because they had a strong spiritual secret.
1. Because there was a history of faith.
They kept their faith in the face of trials and tribulations, and whatever they did, they worked with faith. It was in them that their true faith was manifested and fulfilled and bearing fruit in their lives whenever and wherever they were. So God worked powerfully among them.
That's right. Belief is not theory. Faith does not end with thoughts.
When we act according to our beliefs, the work of that faith is revealed.
Even if it seems impossible or impossible, when we entrust ourselves to God and obey Him, the working of the living God is revealed. God's work will be revealed when we realize and put into practice what we believe in.
Our church must be a church that practices faith and puts it into action. We must become a church that practices what we believe and profess in our lives.
2. There was a labor of love.
Whatever the Thessalonian church did, it took care of it with a heart of love.
I didn't work because I was forced to, complaining, or having no choice but to work. He did not hesitate to labor with love. didn't count. With a heart of pure love, I worked hard and sweat with a burning passion.
Even if they didn't notice it, if they didn't appreciate it, if there was no immediate benefit, or if it was difficult or difficult, they didn't hesitate in their hard work. I have always embraced it with a heart of love.
Whatever you do, if you do it with love, you become bold. fear disappears. Being able to work and work hard is a great joy. You will be overflowing with gratitude. I am not proud of doing it with love. In the work we do with love, God surely makes us bear beautiful and abundant fruit.
3. There was the patience of hope.
The Thessalonians never weakened in the midst of tribulation and trials. Rather stronger. I was more eager. Because they thought of Jesus in them. I thought that if I endure tribulation and trials well, there will be a reward in the kingdom of heaven. It was because he looked forward to the fruit of the blessing that he would enjoy after this suffering and trial.
Those who have hope like this will endure to the end. Hold on to the word of promise and be patient and patient. He is not afraid of any trials and tribulations.
Our church must also become a church where spiritual secrets are strong and alive.
I pray that you will become faithful saints who work in faith, work hard in love, endure to the end in hope, Thus, it should be our church where beautiful rumors keep increasing.
Lord, help us to become such a church!