It is amazing to consider the symbolism of the event and to watch as the person acknowledges that they were dead in their sins but are now alive in Christ. One of the joys of ministry is watching someone be baptized. Is it your actions or just what you are involved in on Sundays? Ask why they answer the way that they do. Would people around you see the convictions of your faith in your words and actions? Would they identify you as a Christian? How comfortable would you be telling people to imitate you so that they might also be imitators of Christ?Ĭonsider asking someone that you are around each day if they identify you as a Christian. Take a minute to take stock of your faith. Our lives, when lived with conviction and led by the Holy Spirit, serve as examples for other believers to emulate. Our response to the Gospel in both word and deed has more than just an effect on our own faith journey. As we exercise our faith and demonstrate our convictions of faith, we impact the world around us. This passages reminds us that when we surrender to God’s grace and accept our need for his work in our lives, people see that they too may find something beyond what they have placed their trust in. At the outset of the book Paul is celebrating the faith of the Thessalonians that was born during difficult circumstances and has now inspired people throughout the region. As people see the effects of God’s grace in our lives, they are drawn to the supernatural work that God does in the hearts of those who have placed their faith in His Son.
9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.Īn experience of god’s grace has an exponential impact. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
0 kommentar(er)
