Discipleship as exemplified by the Apostle Paul Intentional (vs 1) A. traveled 770miles till the Lord told them to go somewhere in the will of the Lord (Paul knew that God had placed them in that region for the explicit purpose of sharing the gospel) B. Capital of all Macedonia, 2 major ports and 2 major Roman roads made it trade hub and business center. (Paul used discernment in whom he should go speak to "do not put pearls before swine" Matt 7:6) C. Wherever God has placed you (he has placed you there) let your relationships and your witness there be intentional D. Where has God placed you to further the Gospel? Who has God put in your life to grow in the Christian faith? 2. Boldness in our God (vs 2) A. The story of Paul and Silas in prison singing is what he's talking about here. B. Despite these afflictions Paul still had the will to share the gospel. Not because he wasn't afraid, or that he we a adrenaline junkie, but because he had boldness in His God. This boldness came from the many triumphs and victories that he has had through God in his life as a Christian. When you start doing things God shows up, and when God shows up you have the confidence to start doing things. C. Paul was preaching and teaching some unpopular things at the time. Christ being crucified and raised from the dead, Jesus hadn't become popular and mainstream yet. He was at the risk of his life. Further when Paul begin to teach the Thessalonians about their sin (4-5) these things are hard to say but are need, or when Paul talks to the Corinthians about their allowing sin in the church these were hard things (1 Corinthians 7:8) D. Bold- Courageous or daring. The Apostle got his courage and strength in the Father. He didn't have it always but asked others to pray for him. When they asked for prayer requests Paul said, "pray that I would have the words and boldness to preach the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19) E. What has God done for you to show you His greatness? Are you willing to tell the truth even when its not popular? 3. Teach the Word of God (vs 3-7) A. Paul spoke the inerrant word of God to the people of Thessolonica. His Gospel he spoke God had entrusted him to (Ephesians 3:2). This is important to know because he did not change the gospel to make the Thessalonians happy (saying sins were okay) but brought the truth of God, in a way that they could understand it. And this is all for God's glory B. Paul is not there to make the Thessalonians feel good, as some people pleasers are, he is there to bring the unaltered true word of God. How many times flattering a part of the way people speak, many times it is a way to get what you want, flattery always is in terms of greed. Paul emphatically tells them that he did not do this to gain something though he may be owed (this no doubt a discipleship relationship) ***And further Paul expresses his humility in respect and light of the Gospel because he does not seek to be praised though His position warranted it. (2 Corinthians 10) "You shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing, and the worker is worthy of his wages" (1 Timothy 5:18). C. Paul's desire was to genuinely see these group of pagan gentiles (some were orthodoxy Jews, and some gentiles believing in the God of the Jews) grow strong productive Jesus followers who would serve and teach others the way Christ did. He wanted them to be the best looking and best acting followers of Christ. If you genuinely want to see people grow and develop to be amazing people in Christ then some of things we do will be less important and the way we do things will be more gentle and with greater joy than we could have perceived to have done it in. D. What gospel do you teach? What are your desires behind it? 4. Out of Love. (vs 8a) (greek to see you joined or connected with) himiromai A. The reason for all of this was love. God demonstrated His love to Paul and Silvanius and Timothy and therefore they did exactly the same. (1 John) When we love another brother we perfect (make complete) the love of God in another. This is the intentions of the Christ. To share his love and mercy to all. If love is not present in these actions then the actions we do mean nothing, or are worthless or unfruitful. Love is the greatest of things that will remain. B. Are your Christian relationships built upon love? How is your love when the other doesn't reciprocate. 5. Be open fully (share your life) (vs 8b) A. This is born out of love. True gospel relationships that are built between brothers are born through the gospel and out of love. First Paul was desirous of them, wanting them to see the peace of God and the fullness of life that can only be given through the Son. B. Having a ministry of vulnerability is vital in a relationship of others, it makes people aware that in the things they are going through they are not alone. Once you find that more people are struggling with the same issue it opens up the door for healing. Being open in life helps to bear another's burden. C. In sharing the lives of another it also brings about true life friendships. In the end these relationships we have in discipling bring about a joyous and beautiful friendship that will last because it goes into eternity. D. Is anybody open and honest with you? How does that make you feel? 6. Walk the walk (vs 9-10) A. Paul was a Tent Maker by trade (Acts 18:3) and supported himself in doing so in the community of Thessolanica. He was making himself an example of a hard worker worthy of his wages nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have the right, but to give in ourselves an example to imitate. (2 Thessalonians 3:8-9) B. Paul's lifestyle was holy and blameless among the people. And these things he did in Christ were done in the presence of the people. This is a profound thing because many times the teacher teaches but none ever sees his working, they only hear about it. Paul made absolute certainty to bring the action of the ministry of the gospel to the eyes of the Thessalonians, this way in he may instruct them they know he has walk in that path. Paul is willing to wade in the water, he can't expect you to if he doesn't But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:27) C. Paul was not doing these things just to be in the presence of others he does these things in private. As the text says "God also". Paul's lifestyle of holiness extended to all realms of his life that he may truly be that which God has called him to be. D. Is your leadership by mouth or by foot? How is your public and private holiness? 7. Then teach them how to walk the walk (be a spiritual father) (vs 11-12) A. Paul became as a father to them. He essentially brought them into rebirth through Christ and now is raising them up in His admonition. This a reproductive process (not productive) where the goal is to reproduce children that can reproduce themselves. This teaching was started with openness in the relationship coupled with example and now with teaching. These things go hand and hand and are necessary to gain the kind of followers of Christ that are continual dynamic relationships that are reproducing. B. Paul exhorted the brothers there. He gave them firm instructions and advice in how to live their lives. Telling them of what is good that they should live, and what is bad and that they should let die. He began to encourage them in their abilities they have to help them grow in those areas. Allowing the spirit to manifest Himself in the places in which God had blessed them with gifts. And he displayed his authority and instructed them to live lives that are worthy of the Gospel. That is shining the light of God in a darkened world C. Are you spiritually fatherless? Are you spiritually sterile? 8. The goal is true followers fruit bearers (vs 13-16) A. When the Thessalonians heard the Gospel of God, with all its power and greatness united with the love openness and example of the Apostles it began changing lives. It is true that only God can change lives but he changes lives through the hearts and lives of men. The power of God is in a changed life because Jesus is the only agent of change. Paul thanked God because he knew it was not of himself but only of God. B. Paul goes further in telling them of their true following in encouragement through the sameness with the great churches of Judea. These are the founding churches in which even Paul himself was sent out of (Acts 13) and to be compared to those would have brought great joy and strength to the resolve in Thessolanica. But this encouragement during their trials is not a false one but a very real act of fellowship and worship due to the bond made through Christ. C. Do you have true acts of a follower? Have you been a tool used to reproduce followers? 9. The reward is them to present before the Lord (vs 17-20) epithumia A. Paul being a beautiful writer begins to elaborate upon the persecution that took him away from the Thessalonians and then articulates his love and adoration for them in an amazing way. B. Paul then says that his reward is presenting these grown (spiritually) men and women in Christ to him on his coming. This is what Paul says is his present for Christ. What can you take with you to heaven? not much but to reach people and grow them in love and adoration of Christ is one thing that does go. However, how would it look or be if when you see those who you presented to Christ in heaven don't know one thing from the other in Christ, this will not be such a great present. We must continue to grow and lead and develop those in Christ to their full potential, and in doing so does the beauty of the beloved church shine in the glory of Christ eye. C. What will you present before God on that faithful day?

Spirit of God

Have you ever seen anyone that's just pumped up for God?  I mean the type that they are loud, crazy, and passionate about their God? The kind that is just an authentic outpouring of the Spirit of God?  I know a few guys that are like that.  It's an awesome and powerful thing to see and be a part of.  One I just read his testimony the other day, the other I heard his, and the final I miss since I don't get to be around him as much soaking up some of that spiritual pressure he emits.  It is great to see these young babes in Christ be growing at an immense rate. It is because the Holy Spirit is actively working in their lives. I read this verse today

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.  1 Samuel 16:13

Its cool to study the life of King David.  He did some tremendous acts for the his Lord GOD.  He also did some pretty horrible things too.  But what he didn't do was turn away from God.  See when King David got touched by the Spirit he was changed.  From that point forward King David did not cease striving to let the world know about his God.

We get this same Spirit that lives within us when we accept Jesus as the leader of our lives.  Each person is given a measure of His Spirit.  This Spirit we receive gives us knowledge in all things (1 John 2:27), tells us the paths in which we should take (Isaiah 30:21), helps us to pray (Romans 8:26), and also is how we worship Him (John 4:24).  God gave us a tremendous asset to follow Him.  And when we get this spirit we should use it.  I remember when first coming back to Christ I made a vow that when I heard His voice I would not turn away as I use to but would listen and submit for the glory of His name.  *And that same Spirit still drives me today with passion and conviction.  That passion may not always be carried out emotionally because emotion is the least  part of our human existence.  But it will be carried out in our actions. Because actions are dictated by faith.

So today let us live by the Spirit.  But not only in word but let us LIVE (come alive) in the Spirit.  Let us put forth fruits of the passion and power that God has put in our lives.  I charge you to let each action be guided by the Spirit of God in us but grounded to the Word He's given us.  Because Jesus says those who are planted firmly will bear fruits 30 60 and 100 fold (Matthew 13:23), which is a tremendous harvest.

*Note:  I have given examples of many young Christians because of how the Spirit seems to emanate from them so powerfully because they are new to this feeling.  I am still new because I have only come to have a year and four months of following Christ yet I believe that this passion will continue to grow more and more each day.  It is as a relationship with a spouse (as ours with Christ is compared) where when we learn more about the characteristics, personalities and desires in their hearts we begin to love them more.  We will love Christ more everyday because (if we pursue him) we will see how much He loves us, all that He's done for us, all that he has in store, and all that He is each day.

Do you Love God?

I love my parents and respect them. This is evident in how I live.  When Mother's day or Father's day comes around I get them a gift.  When their birthday comes I treat them to something special.  And even on other days I get them something just for being my parents.  I believe that they enjoy those things.  But that is just part of showing my love for them.  The other part is obeying their instructions for me to live by.  As a child I had been growing up with rules, these rules now are understood and those I should follow.  And if I break a rule here or there they will correct me, however when there is a direct order given I am expected to follow this.  They are my parents.  The other day I was asked to make my little brothers bed up so that my neice could sleep in it.  What if when they got home from picking her up the bed wasn't made and I just said I didn't make it because I spent all my time baking a cake for you so that when you arrived we could have a party?  A party would sound good on any other occasion. To have a little fun in honor of my parents would be great. However, at this time my mother would not care for the party because her mind would be fixed on the bed not made for my neice.

In 1 Samuel 15 Saul was givin a direct order to take over Amalek and completely destroy everything.  I mean everything animals and people (3).  He doesn't though.  Saul keeps the best of the animals and spares the kings life (9). As soon as that happened God spoke to Samuel and told him how greived he was about appointing Saul as King (10).  Then Saul and Samuel had some conversation back and forth about why he didn't do what God had told him.  King Saul says he didn't do it but the people did it for God (20-21).  But Samuel drops the hammer on him in the verses following.

Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.

King Saul disobeyed a direct order from God.  I remember in boot camp that if you disobeyed a direct order from a D.I. then it was an automatic write up.  And this order is from God the Father.  How many times do we disobey direct orders from Him?  When the Spirit calls us to do a certain job, or to speak to a certain person about our faith, do we just ignore Him?  This is a direct order given from the King of our faith, God.  And who are we to disobey this?  But we do.  Even made more perfect than a felling inside us is the living Word of God, the Bible (2 Peter 1:16-21). When do we see something in this and decide it does not pertain to my life but only for those in that time.  I believe in Heb. the writer says Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

So today let us not discard the Spirit as he urges us to do things.  Let us not count it as a mere request but a command givin by the ultimate Authority.  And I charge you as brothers in sisters in Christ to read His word and not just read but to act upon what is written.  Because Jesus states those who love me follow my commandments (John 14:15).  Now the question becomes "do you love him?"

Leadership

At this present moment I am discipling a new Christian.  It is an amazing thing that God has me being a part of.  I  get to see him grow and mature in his faith.  I also get to help him deal with struggles that are a part of his life.  This bond between us grows stronger each day as Christian brothers and as friends.  What if I were to suddenly become engulfed in self.  What if I were to take money from the offering plate at church and he is sitting next to me.  Or what if when we were riding to Joplin I would have flipped off one of the drivers who had cut me off.  What would my friend's reaction had been to that?

In 1 Samuel chapter 8 it talks about this very thing.  The leaders appointed over Israel were doing evil.  They began taking bribes and perverting justice (3).  And in doing so it cause the people to sin.  They turned away from God.  See at this point in time there where judges in the land and the judges would look to God when trouble would rise.  In doing so there comfort would be in the Lord rather than their leader.  However in this day they began to want a king.  They trusted not in the LORD God. (20).  Though they were sinning they were honest in their efforts.  For their leaders they could not trust to guide them unto the LORD or show them the correct path to walk (5).

Today let us walk in a manner worthy in which we have been called.  This passage may seem as if it were for a great leader but in fact these were Samuels sons. We are all leaders.  And in that we must all live each step of life guided by the Father in heaven.  I charge you to take each step in faith depending on the Savior for all your needs, remembering there are those, kids, youth, adults, who are watching the decisions we make and the outcome of each.  Let us not be the ones that lead others astray but let us ground them stronger in our God we trust in.  For Paul wrote in the spirit if it where for us even to stop eating meat we must do it to grow another in Christ that they might glorify His name.  That means rather than doing what we want and sacrificing their faith we must sacrifice our lives to do what it takes to grow their faith.

Faith in God

Faith God
Have you ever told a child a fairytale or a ghost story? They always believe. Sometimes it’s funny because the tales are so outlandish and impossible that it’s a wonder they would even listen. Children possess a greet ability to have faith. That is why at one point Jesus said we must come to him as they do, believing (Mark 10:15). Later the bible says we must h ave this faith to please him (Hebrews 11:6).

Let me tell you a story about a young woman named Hannah. She had no children and wanted one very badly. So in faith she asked God to give her a child. She stated that if that child came she would devote him or her wholly to God. She prayed diligently on her knees and soon she became pregnant. She received the child she had wanted! God had given her a son. And when the child was weaned she gave him to become a priest.

In this story recorded in 1 Samuel chapter 1 three things stuck out to me in this woman’s faith.
1) She had a need (major need) but knew to whom she could take it. She went boldly yet humbly before God. We have got to know that if there is a problem great or small that the Father of Lights is the one who can and will save us.

2) She went to God with humility and passion in her heart. The bible says she continued tonsay “your servant”(10) and that she was deeply destressed and wept bitterly.(11) It even goes on to say that they thought she was drunk because of the passion she showed. When we go before God we should lay it all out before him. Put it all on the line for he cares for us deeply. God doesn’t want just our words He wants everything about us. Our emotions and our passion when coming to him.

3) She honored her vow to God. I believe this is the most important part because it proves her faith in the LORD. She gave up her child to become a priest. Many times we would make promises to God and when they are fulfilled we don’t hold our end of the bargain. That’s like saying that I didn’t believe you could actually heal me (or whatever the need was) God so that’s why I said those things. Faith is bread in action. When Hannah got her baby from God she showed her faith in God by giving that baby to Him. I hope we can all have faith as strong as Hannah’s

Finally I charge you to bring all that you have to God whatever it may be. But don’t bring it half heartedly. I charge you to bring God all you have physically spiritually and emotionally. But most of all I charge you to live in faith. Let your life tell the story of God. When our lives tell the story rather than our mouths (though we still should speak on these things) people tend to listen more.

A Good Word

Today, I woke up sick.  I spent the latter part of yesterday on a chicken farm.  I went into the houses and instantly my nose began to run pools and my lungs folded up like a lawn chair at the same time.  Usually when I work there I wear a mask covering my face and I have an inhaler for emergencies. However, this time I had none.  My inhaler broke because of a door falling on it (weird circumstances) and no mask because I got a new vehicle (thank you Jesus) and I didn't transfer the masked into the car.  Fighting through that work yesterday was a tough ordeal.  After I came home my niece was here (who I love dearly) and playing all night when it feels like you have peanuts for longs is a tall order.  I woke up not feeling good.  And being sick is not fun, but when I turned on my computer I looked on Facebook (the incredible social network) and received a message from a friend.  She said that she had seen something and that it had reminded her of me (something Christian) and that encouraged me.  Proverbs talks about this very thing.

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. Proverbs 12:25

People have heaviness in their hearts.  This world is full of turmoil and trouble because this world is cursed and fallen.  Trouble is everywhere.  How I felt this morning happens a million times a day and as servants of the King we need to take up our responsibility as an encourager. The bible says many times that we should encourage one another, exhort one another and edify one another.  Are we doing this?  I'll probably get better from this sickness (LORD willing)  and be fully healthy, but some have emotionally and spiritually heaviness.  How much more would one need a cheerful word in this?

I charge you today to not live in the light of your own life but to notice the lives of others.  I charge you to bring joy in another persons life, and to bring a word that uplifts and encourages the people around you.  Let us not talk negative to tear down but positive to build up.  Let us not forget the times we felt hopeless and needed encouragement.  Let us spread this encouragement and exhortation to others.  Above all let us bring the ultimate good word Jesus Christ to those in spiritual turmoil because He the only saving grace for humanity.

The Wise and the Foolish

Proverbs talks much about wisdom.  As a matter of fact this book is filled with many sayings about what to do to become wise, how to act if you are wise, and how precious wisdom is.  I ran across some verses today in my daily readings.

Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come eat of my bread and drink of the wine which I have mingled.  Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.  He that reproveth a scorner getteth himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.  Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will in crease in learning.  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:4-10

This I have read previous times and it always hit me a certain way; however, today it seems a bit different.  This is one of those passages where we should start from the last verse and work up.

 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. We must remember where wisdom comes from.  Wisdom comes from God.  We must first honor the King and know in whom we should base our belief system on.  Jesus said "I am the way the truth and the life..."  John 14:6. All truth is Christ.  Therefore if any man or woman has wisdom in anything in this world it has come from the Father who is truth. It is only discerning that truth which becomes increasingly difficult. Let us remember that.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will in crease in learning. Let us learn from each other is next on the list.  Let us tell each other of how to avoid situations how to love better, how to reach certain goals, how to apply things in our lives, how to gain a better relationship with others, how to live more for Christ, and many other things.  Let us learn from each other.  This is why we are part of a body in Christ, to share experiences. The writer of Hebrews (Heb 10:24) said "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works;"  We must remember it is good for us to share with each other in our problems and to gain advice from others in the family of God.  This will help us to live greater for God.  But refer back to the first point because only true wisdom comes from God. Any wisdom we get outside of God's people is not safe to be taken (not to say that some of our non-Christian acquaintances cannot have sound advice, but the can because all truth is of God) and cannot be trusted unless one is able to discern truth from lie.  And this is true because does the world and Christ have to do with each other.  They are enemies (James 4:4).

He that reproveth a scorner getteth himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.  Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. In the context of these words the writer is saying that we should not continue to push wisdom on those who do not want to receive it. And this is true.  I believe that we should try to help those in need, yet if the person denies the advice and begins to argue then it is unwise to continue any further with the conversation. Also we are to choose to whom we present this advice to.  This is to put our pearls before swine.  It must be evident that they will accept this wisdom we give.  And that is the traditional view that I have seen.  However, as I read this part of the scripture today I began to think, what if Solomon wrote this not only to warn of the fool, but also to warn us of ourselves as being the fool.  How many times do we argue when a Christian friend is only giving us advice about our actions or our faith.  He or she is only doing what the bible directs them to do (Gal 6:1).  Maybe these verses are here to warn us of ourselves.  Maybe they are here to bring to light the foolishness that we have.  As I look back on my life I realize that I was the fool many of times.  We should choose to listen to those who give advice (especially elder in the faith) so that maybe we can become greater followers of Christ through their revelation.

Whoso is simple, let him turn in heither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come eat of my bread and drink of the wine which I have mingled.  Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding  Finally I charge you to listen to these words for they are not mine but only interpretations of the Word of God.  But not only my blog but all those that think they know it all, because maybe there is some truth to the words they have to say.  Listen and become wise for what is the price of wisdom? I charge you to see the humility in listening and isn't humility being Christ-like which being gives us better understanding? So let us listen more today and become wise in and through our God.