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 1 Thessalonians 1:1-7 - God’s Advancing Kingdom

        God is Good.  He does incredible things through humble people.  That's what he did through the Thessalonians.  And that is how God is advancing His Kingdom today.

        I’m reminded this morning that God loves us and that His Kingdom is advancing with or without us.  I believe God wants it to be with us.  Jesus Christ ascended to the throne in heaven.  He is King of kings and He will put all His enemies under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25).  Today King Jesus will further advance His Kingdom.  We must choose this day to put to death the sinful desires lurking inside us.  Choose to believe God will give us more and more grace and peace as we trust him wholeheartedly.

        Be reminded this morning that God is Good and that He seeks to teach us.  There is no teacher like Jesus, “The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is a wonderful teacher, and he gives the farmer great wisdom” (Isaiah 28:29).  Let’s stop being so stubborn and be open to God’s wisdom and teaching.

        We are not dead yet.  There is life to live.  How will we live it today?  Let’s reject despondency.  Let’s march with the King, in joy.  For we need His grace and peace.  The Thessalonians understood the Good News of the advancing Kingdom of God.  They knew that God’s power was stronger than any world system; they staked their lives on it and earned a reputation as the real-deal, disciples of Christ the King.

        There is no rule against hearsay in a commendation letter.  We see that here in spades.  What do people say about us?  What is our reputation?  Can you imagine getting a letter of commendation like this letter that Paul, Silas, and Timothy wrote to the church in Thessalonica?  Amazing.

        They were new creations in Christ and it showed.  They were known for their hospitality.  Their faithful work, loving deeds, and enduring hope that Jesus reigned in heaven and was building His Kingdom.  He was in AD 50 and He is doing the same thing today.  Because of the Thessalonians’ bold stand for Christ, the word of God rang out all over the place.  Everyone was talking about the way they turned from sin and turned away from worldliness.  They showed their faith by their actions.

        And they did it together, as a team, a community, a church.  Ministry is a team sport.  We do it together and the Holy Spirit works through us - particularly in our unity in Christ.  This chapter shows the humble characteristics of those changed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  They did not have divided loyalty.  They were loyal to God alone.  May that people be us today.

        Lord God, let us imitate you today.  Let us turn from worldliness and choose to believe in your goodness, grace, and promise of new life.  And give us the courage to reject the desires of our sinful nature and the lure of the world.  Amen.


Celebrating our son, Abraham's, 21st birthday.

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