– Keith McCallum “Offering Freedom through the Love of Christ” The 1st Century Church 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2
Thessalonica: A Lively Church ! “These men who have upset the world have come here also!” Acts 17:6 “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction…You became imitators of us and of the Lord…so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia…so that we have no need to say anything.” - 1 Thes. 1:5-7
The 1st Century Church: Excitement, Activity, Spiritual Life ! “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.” Acts 2:42-43
The 1st Century Church: Excitement, Activity, Spiritual Life ! “And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.” Acts 2:44-45
The 1st Century Church: Excitement, Activity, Spiritual Life ! “And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47
What About Today ? The same Holy Spirit. The same Word of God. The same Community. The same Prayer. The same Process…
Discipleship: the Heart of Christian Work The Great Commission Mt.28 Means “To Teach” Acts 6:1-2, 7; 9:1, 19, 25-26, 38; 11:26, 29, 52; 14:20-22, 28; 15:10; 18:23, 27; Acts 19:1, 9, 30; Acts 20:1, 30; Acts 21:4, 16. Acts 11:26 “…and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
What is Discipleship? “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” Ephesians 4:11-12
The Process of Discipleship:
What is Discipleship? “…until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man…As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming…” Ephesians 4:13-14
Considering “Truth” 2:1-6 “…We had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition… For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit… not as pleasing men but God, who examines our hearts. For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed-- God is witness-- nor did we seek glory from men…”
Compared to the Kosmos Kosmos Christianity Tricks, Deceit Pressure, Guns, Tanks Truth Love
Considering Love 2:7-8 “But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.” 1 Thes. 2:7-8
Considering Love “For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers…”
Discipleship: Truth + Love “Just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”
Paul’s Challenge “I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” Romans 15:14