Paul’s opening address to the church in Thessalonica offers us a glimpse into the success he had there. Paul says that their faithfulness is so widely known that they don’t even need to mention it any more! Paul writes, “in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it.” 1 Thessalonians 1:8b NRSV.
Paul says that when the gospel was preached there it came not only with words, but with power and the Holy Spirit’s conviction. I often wonder what power accompanies our preaching today. The New Testament records often that the preaching was followed by “signs and wonders” that led to great harvests of souls. I will pray today for a deeper vision of what God might be waiting to do among us if we would just let God.
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2 comments:
I liked this too - thinking, wondering, what kind of reputation our individual churches have in their communities. Are our congregations known for their faith? Or not known at all? Or known for something else?
I agree that it was great to see that there was no other mention of their faithfulness, because it is already known. Wouldn’t it be great to have a faith like that? To be known for it, to shine like stars in the universe? I’m just in awe of how that would be. It would also be great to have a church that is known for that – a congregation. Isn’t that what we’re all about? They will know we are Christians by our Love?
I also like verses 4-5: “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction.” - How great is that? It’s not a STORY, it’s a retelling of history – powerful history that came with power, deep conviction, and the Holy Spirit (still within us), not just words! Thank God for the Faith we share!
MNB
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