Introduction
Every healthy and successful institution requires several elements. It requires a purpose to direct its focus and energy. It requires an identity; a clear understanding of its values and the sort of people to include in its membership. Also, it needs a code of conduct. None of these elements stands in isolation, as they all shape, and are shaped by, one another. Identity is confused without purpose or rules of conduct. Rules of conduct stifle and frustrate when divorced from purpose and identity. Purpose is forgotten if not rooted in identity and guided by rules of conduct. These elements affect every institution, including the church. So what makes a good church? Answering this question requires answering two other questions. First, what is the church? Second, what is the church supposed to do? Paul answers these questions in 1 Timothy 3:14-16.
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Introduction
In 1 Thessalonians chapter 1 Paul praised God for the real transformation that has occurred in the lives of the church members in Thessalonica. Paul's confidence that these professing Christians were in fact rooted in Christ, the evidence their "conversion" was legitimate, was in the fruit the church displayed--this fruit being faith, hope, and love. The gospel, the declaration that Jesus Christ is Lord of all and promises to save all who trust in Him, is what has brought the change. In fact, gospel ministry is all about seeing people delivered from the power of sin. Paul begins chapter 2 with the word "For" which shows he is going to provide reasons for what he just stated in 1:9-10. In these verses we see the effect of faithful gospel preaching is people turn to God from idols (faith); they serve the living and true God (love); and they wait for Jesus Christ (hope). Faithful gospel ministry is about seeing the development of faith, hope, and love in individual lives. In 2:1-8 Paul reminds his readers of a number of things that are true of faithful gospel ministry. |
AuthorI am follower of Jesus Christ by God's grace, married to Kelsey, father to four children, and pastor of Lighthouse Church (EPC). Archives
November 2022
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