RELATING AS A NURSING MOTHER
We proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. I Thess. 2:7
How many men do you know that talk like this? Probably few. Their metaphors usually have more to do with sports than nursing mothers so this is rare language for a man, especially a single man. Continue reading “Relating As A Nursing Mother”
PATRONIZING AND CONDESCENDING
We did not seek glory from men, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. I Thess. 2:6
A good father does not belittle his toddler for not walking like an adult. When he pulls himself up to the nearest coffee table, is unsteady on his feet, and then begins to take a step or two before tumbling to the floor, he is not shamed. He is still a baby and nothing more is expected of him. Continue reading “Patronizing Or Condescending”
REFORMATION OR TRANSFORMATION
We are being hindered from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. I Thess. 2:16
Paul knew. Unless the Gentiles heard the words of Jesus Christ, they would have absolutely no chance of leading a different life. They would be trapped in a cycle of sin that would lead to death and ultimate separation from God. “Filling up the measure of their sins” means that they would keep walking in the paths of corruption that would cause them to suffer utter futility. Only God can rescue a man or woman from such a desperate journey. Continue reading “Reformation Or Transformation?”
A NOTCH ON THE BELT
For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed. God is witness. I Thess. 2:5
I remember an episode of The Cobsy Show where one of their college age children called home early one evening. Because that particular kid rarely surfaced, Bill Cosby’s first comment after saying hello was, “How much should I make the check out for?” Everyone laughed because adults can usually tell when kids want something. Audiences are pretty savvy, too. They can tell when someone is in the ministry for self-centered reasons. Continue reading “A Notch On The Belt”
WHAT I BELIEVE WHEN TROUBLE HITS
Let no man be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. I Thess. 2:3
The grid of my true beliefs is revealed when trouble visits my front door. What I really think of God, what I really believe about myself, and what I believe about how He rules His kingdom becomes apparent. When there is a cancer of disbelief, down deep, pain drives this faulty theology to the surface. Continue reading “What I Believe When Trouble Hits”
A HOSTILE AUDIENCE
After we had already suffered and been mistreated in Phillip, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. I Thess. 2:2
Remember how you felt the last time you felt you needed to say some things you knew would not be well received? I do. I didn’t sleep for many nights prior to speaking up. Continue reading “A Hostile Audience”
PREACHING A SERMON WITH MY FAITH
For not only has the Word of God has sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. I Thess. 1:8
I used to believe that a sermon was only delivered by a speaker; one who uses words. Apparently, sermons are not limited to that. Anyone becomes a preacher when they extend their faith toward a situation, using the Word of God as they go. Faith in the power of Christ is what separates the believer from the unbeliever. Continue reading “Preaching A Sermon With My Faith”
IMITATING THE RIGHT PERSON
You also became imitators of us and of the Lord. I Thess. 1:6
Many imitate their Christian leaders, but often, the Christian leaders they try to act like don’t act like Jesus. Their imitation is in vain.
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day didn’t imitate Jesus either. In fact, Jesus was so different from them in His lifestyle and speech that the Scribes and Pharisees didn’t recognize Him for who He was, so foreign did He seem to them. Continue reading “Imitating The Right Person”
WHEN THE GOSPEL COMES WITH POWER
Because our Gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. I Thess. 1:5
I’m sitting up straight writing this; at full attention in my spirit. What does it mean when the Word is spoken with power, in the Holy Spirit, with full conviction? What does it feel like to a group of people and how would it differ from the Gospel being preached without power, without the Spirit’s anointing, and delivered void of passion? Continue reading “When The Word Comes With Power”
PREDOMINANTLY GENTILE
For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you. I Thess. 1:4
One of Paul’s themes in I and II Thessalonians is that the believer is chosen by God for salvation. Many read verses about being chosen and say under their breath, “Right! Doctrine of election.” What an intellectual response to something highly emotional. Continue reading “Predominantly Gentile”
