Teams are important in God's work. But they need to be led strategically under God's authority. That was Paul's job. Yes, he was an apostle, an evangelist, a pastor and a trainer; but he was also a passionate, dedicated and God-appointed team leader. With Silas, Paul had brought the gospel to Thessalonica; and Timothy had also taught what it meant (perhaps he was left there when Paul and Silas had to flee to Berea). The gospel was their reason to be there, working together despite the persecution it stirred up (Acts 17:1-9).
Writing from Corinth, Paul wanted to encourage the new believers in Thessalonica, a busy seaport on the Thermic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. Already some Jews and many God-fearing Gentiles, including important women in the city had put their faith in Jesus (Acts 17:4). They now had important work to do; they were a new gospel team learning to grow together in their knowledge and love of Jesus, and to work together - telling others about Him and urging them to receive His grace.
They were not alone. They were taught and encouraged by the apostolic team, but when they put their trust in Jesus they became part of God's gospel team. The Father and the Son had made their home with them (John 14:23), and the Holy Spirit had been at work within them (1 Thessalonians 1:5-6). And yet, Paul and his team were also part of God's team. In one way it was a different team to that in Thessalonica because they had the responsibility to plant churches and bring them to maturity. But in another way all the gospel teams, whether apostolic or local church based, are all part of Christ's great team with a responsibility to encourage one another.
If you are in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ (and you cannot be in God without belonging to Christ), then you are in His gospel team. You cannot be a solo player. Your vertical relationship with the Lord should be matched by a horizontal relationship with other believers. Wherever you are - find them, get to know them, pray with them and work with them in proclaiming the gospel. You may have support from your church team, or those who pray for you back home, but the Lord is forming a local team wherever you are. Become a part of it, grow in it and serve with the people who know Jesus where you work or study. And then send back a report to the teams who have supported you, and ask them how you can pray for them too (Acts 14:21-22).
Christ promises that he would continue his care of his disciples. I will not leave you orphans, or fatherless, for though I leave you, yet I leave you this comfort, I will come to you. I will come speedily to you at my resurrection. I will come daily to you in my Spirit; in the tokens of his love, and visits of his grace. I will come certainly at the end of time. Those only that see Christ with an eye of faith, shall see him for ever: the world sees him no more till his second coming; but his disciples have communion with him in his absence. These mysteries will be fully known in heaven. It is a further act of grace, that they should know it, and have the comfort of it. Having Christ's commands, we must keep them. And having them in our heads, we must keep them in our hearts and lives. The surest evidence of our love to Christ is, obedience to the laws of Christ. There are spiritual tokens of Christ and his love given to all believers. Where sincere love to Christ is in the heart, there will be obedience. Love will be a commanding, constraining principle; and where love is, duty follows from a principle of gratitude. God will not only love obedient believers, but he will take pleasure in loving them, will rest in love to them. He will be with them as his home. These privileges are confined to those whose faith worketh by love, and whose love to Jesus leads them to keep his commandments. Such are partakers of the Holy Spirit's new-creating grace.
Inspired Words and Inspired Lives
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-6 KJV)
Paul and his team had no doubt about the authenticity of the church in Thessalonica. They were brothers and sisters because they had been born again into the family of God through faith in Christ. That was the result of them welcoming the gospel message which brought conviction of sin – a mark of the Holy Spirit's activity on the people God is calling (John 16:8).
God's Word was not presented in a vacuum. God's servants (Paul, Silas and Timothy - as in (1 Thessalonians 1:1) had lived a different kind of life with different values which validated the gospel message which they brought. The gospel they preached was the same gospel they had believed. It transformed their lifestyle and was a great model for the new believers.
The apostolic team believed the gospel, lived the gospel and demonstrated the power of God in their lives. They were inspired by the Holy Spirit, presenting a compelling package of belief and behavior which the Thessalonians wanted for themselves. They were not deterred by persecution or threats that worse lay ahead of them (Philippians 1:29). Indeed they were so full of joy which radiated to the city and beyond (1 Thessalonians 1:7-10).
The world does not need more good ideas. It needs to be convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit and saved through believing the gospel message, trusting in Jesus. When that message is accompanied by people whose lives have been changed by Jesus, others take notice; some will welcome the message and submit to Him (Titus 2:11-14). That should shape our roles as followers of Jesus: to understanding the gospel clearly, to repent and receive our Savior as Lord and to learn to live His new life without fear. The workplace is a good place to practice, so that Jesus will be honored and some will turn to Him.
The Building of God's Habitation
In whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in spirit.(Ephesians 2:22)
The Triune God's making His abode with the believers is for the building of His habitation. Whenever you have had the sweet sensation that you were in the presence of the Lord and that the Lord was indwelling you to the fullest, you also had the feeling that you loved all the believers. According to your realization at the time, you had no problem with any believer and you were ready to forgive every brother's or sister's fault.
What is this? This is the desire to be one with the believers for God's building. Whenever you are in such a situation with the Lord, you are desirous of being mingled with the saints. You will not want to be alone.
The building of God's habitation among men on earth today is altogether dependent upon this experience. Perhaps two brothers have a problem with each other. What can solve it? It is not easy to do. One day, they both begin to love the Lord and they have a deep and sweet appreciation of Him. The Lord gives them a commandment and they take it. Immediately, they are both in the Lord's presence and the problem is over. This is the way in which the Lord does the divine work of building among us. It is not a matter of organization, regulation, or outward teaching. It is absolutely a matter of our loving the Lord and experiencing His manifestation and His abiding with us.
Today's Prayer:In whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in spirit.(Ephesians 2:22)
The Triune God's making His abode with the believers is for the building of His habitation. Whenever you have had the sweet sensation that you were in the presence of the Lord and that the Lord was indwelling you to the fullest, you also had the feeling that you loved all the believers. According to your realization at the time, you had no problem with any believer and you were ready to forgive every brother's or sister's fault.
What is this? This is the desire to be one with the believers for God's building. Whenever you are in such a situation with the Lord, you are desirous of being mingled with the saints. You will not want to be alone.
The building of God's habitation among men on earth today is altogether dependent upon this experience. Perhaps two brothers have a problem with each other. What can solve it? It is not easy to do. One day, they both begin to love the Lord and they have a deep and sweet appreciation of Him. The Lord gives them a commandment and they take it. Immediately, they are both in the Lord's presence and the problem is over. This is the way in which the Lord does the divine work of building among us. It is not a matter of organization, regulation, or outward teaching. It is absolutely a matter of our loving the Lord and experiencing His manifestation and His abiding with us.
God my Leader. Thank You for including me in Your team when I put my trust in Jesus. Forgive me for either being a solo player, or not really participating in the work of the gospel at all. Help me to value those who teach me Your Word, and those with whom I live and work. May I delight in being included in Christ and in a church fellowship as well as the fellowship I find with other disciples of Jesus where I live and work. Help me to worship and work well in the gospel with those You have set alongside me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Biblical Principles in Network Marketing
As a Pastor, Bill Nissen was against Network Marketing for years. In 2003, a friend helped
him see a new perspective. He still dislikes the ethics of many who do it, but he sees a
biblical perspective that allows him to not only support network marketing, but embrace it as
a way to serve people. Watch This Video. It is longer than most (20 minutes) but carries essential information.
