May 12, 2021: SOAP #4178:  2Samuel 21-23; 1Thessalonians 1

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 1:6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore, we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

OBSERVATION: These verses describe early church growth.  In a day when much of the Bible had not been written and what was written was not available to the believer, their lives set the example for others to follow.  

Those in Thessalonica imitated Paul and what they knew about the Lord Jesus.  Their lives became examples for believers in Macedonia and Achaia.  Their lives were the original audio-visual presentation of the gospel.  People could hear a witness of Jesus.  People could watch how their lives changed by accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord. 

APPLICATION:  I should live my life as an audio-visual presentation of the gospel.  Listen to how I talk.  Watch how I live.  Without ever opening the Bible, people should hear and see enough in me to make them want to know more. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, impress in my mind and heart how I should talk and live.  May your presence in me make me a witness for Jesus.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!