Beloved, I am glad to share with you today the above theme from 1 Thes 1. 2-3 and following. Indeed, Acts 17:1-5 tells us of Paul and Silas’ (or Silvanus) short visit to Thessaloniki. There they had proclaimed and lived the gospel. And the Thessalonians who received it lived it in their turn. Their work was proof of their faith (John 2:17-24); their work confirmed their love; their patience proclaimed what great hope alone could sustain them. So much so that everyone knew that there were Christians in Thessaloniki. Does everyone in my neighborhood or workplace know that I am a Christian? A conversion is the public sign of the new birth, the visible change of direction that corresponds to the divine life received in the soul. By turning around, one no longer has the same objects in front of oneself (Gal 4:6-9). The Thessalonians now turned their backs on inert and deceitful idols, to contemplate and serve a living God, a true God.
The wooden or stone idols of the pagan world have given way to the more refined ones of the “Christianized” world. But it is always true that one cannot serve two masters (Luke 16:9-13). Who do we serve: God or our lusts? And what are we waiting for? The Son of God or the wrath that comes?
The outrages and abuses suffered by Paul and Silas at Philippi (Acts 16:16-25), far from discouraging them, had filled them with “all boldness.” The adversary’s furious reaction proved precisely that their work was not in vain. Yet they had not employed any of the usual methods of human propaganda: seduction, cunning, flattery, efforts to please (2 Cor 2:14-17). Sometimes the gospel is presented in an attractive and sentimental light, or as a side of a social work. Nor was Paul’s ministry animated by one of the three great springs of human activity: the pursuit of personal glory, the satisfaction of the flesh, and material profit. On the contrary, the apostle’s sufferings testified to a complete selflessness (Acts 20:29-35). Two feelings animated him: the continual concern to please God, and love for those who had become “his own children.” Like a mother, he had fed and cherished them. Like a father, he exhorted them, consoled them, taught them to walk. But it is first and foremost their relationship with God that he wants them to be fully aware of. What a position theirs – and ours! God calls us to nothing less than His own kingdom and glory.
When it comes to hope, we find exactly the opposite; it focuses on a single object, Jesus Christ, because He alone is worthy to fix it. Thousands of Christians ignore this hope; they have the hope, often uncertain in their eyes, of being with Jesus in heaven when they die, but all else is “the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ”, the expectation of His coming, the certainty that He himself comes in person, He, the Son of God, to delight us with Him. The apostle and the Thessalonians regarded any obstacle to their hope as despicable. It is said in hebrews: “We who have fled to grasp the hope proposed.” Just as the Thessalonians, having escaped judgment, had only one thought: to wait for the Lord Jesus, the Hebrews had only one goal: to reach Him in the sanctuary where He had preceded them.
The following verses have been compiled for your edification and grouped together for your better understanding.
The life and faith of the Thessalonians:
- Good works, examples
Mt 25:35-36 For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; 36 I was naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me. Mt 26:10 Jesus, having noticed this, said to them: Why do you hurt this woman? She has done a good deed to me;1 Thess 1:3 constantly reminding us of the work of your faith, the work of your charity, and the firmness of your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before God our Father. Rev 2.2 I know your works, your work, and your perseverance. I know you can’t stand the bad guys; that you have tested those who call themselves apostles and who are not, and that you have found them liars;
- Spiritual power
-Give men courage to repel sin Mi 3:8 But I am filled with strength, with the spirit of Jehovah, I am filled with righteousness and vigor, To make Jacob know his crime, and Israel his sin.
-Stronger than the physical force Lk 4:14 Jesus, clothed in the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and his fame spread throughout the surrounding land.
Accompany the baptism of the Holy Spirit Acts 1:8 But you will receive a power, the Holy Spirit coming upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 2:2 Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like that of an impetuous wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
-Allows men to speak with authority Acts 4:33 The apostles bore witness with great force of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And a great grace rested on all of them. Acts 6:8 Stephen, full of grace and power, performed wonders and great miracles among the people.
-Allows to accompany great miracles of healing Acts 19:11-12 And God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 to the point that cloths or handkerchiefs were applied to the sick that had touched his body, and the diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out. 1 Thess 1:5 our Gospel has not been preached to you in words alone, but with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with full persuasion; for you are aware that we have shown ourselves in this way among you, because of you.
- The Good Example
Jn 13:15 for I have given you an example, that you may do as I have done to you. 2 Thes 3:9 It is not that we do not have the right, but we wanted to give you in ourselves a model to imitate. 1 Tim 4:12 Let no one despise your youth; but be a model for the faithful, in word, in conduct, in charity, in faith, in purity. John 5:10 Take, my brethren, as models of suffering and patience the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
- Special marks of true testimony
Refers to personal experience Ps 66:16V, listen, all of you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done to my soul.
Count god’s blessings Is 63:7 I will publish the graces of Jehovah, the praises of Jehovah, from all that Jehovah has done for us; I will say his great kindness to the house of Israel, which he treated according to his compassions and the richness of his love. Ps 119:13,46 From my lips I list all the sentences of your mouth. 46 I will speak of your precepts before the kings, and I will not blush.
-Is fed by an inner fire Jr 20.9 If I say: I will no longer mention him, I will no longer speak in his name, There is in my heart like a devouring fire That is enclosed in my bones. I try to contain it, and I cannot. Dn 3:22 As the king’s order was severe, and the furnace was extraordinarily heated, the flame killed the men who had thrown Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed Nego into it.
-A daily duty Mt 9:31 But, as soon as they were out, they spread his fame throughout the country.
Inspired by the Spirit Acts 2:4, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them to express themselves.
Becomes untenable Acts 4:20 because we cannot fail to speak of what we have seen and heard. Acts 5:32 We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him.
-A fruit of faith 2 Cor 4:13 And, as we have the same spirit of faith that is expressed in this word of Scripture: I have believed, that is why I have spoken! we too believe, and that is why we speak;1 Pet 5:12 It is through Silvanus, who is in my eyes a faithful brother, may I write you these few words, to exhort you and to testify to you that the grace of God to which you are attached is the true one.
From all the above, we note that theharmful times we are going through open a vast field for the work of love, but also for the patience of hope. For thefeeling of God’s judgments on the world impels us to desire only one thing: that the Lord may complete, with these calamities, the number of his chosen ones, so that the moment of His coming may come. We do not expect the restoration of peace on earth, or even, at the end of so much mourning and pain, a time of lasting rest in this world. No, the Lord tells us, “I am coming soon.” If necessary, let us patiently endure other trials in the hope of his next return. But let us not forget that, if we want to know the “patience of hope,” we find it perfect in our glorified Lord, at the right hand of God. He waits patiently. He said in Philadelphia, “You have kept the word of my patience”; he is waiting for the Father to give a sign, known only to Him, which will allow Jesus to rise from his throne and come beforehis own onthe clouds. He has only one desire: to have his Bride with Him. For twenty centuries He has been waiting for the moment when He will be able to “brighten up in it with a song of triumph.” He praises Philadelphia (and God wants him to praise us too) that it has the same hope, the same patience as Him, the patience it has drawn from his Word. Beloved, do we desire His coming, in the same way that He desires to have us with Him forever? Certainly; then our prayers accompany you all.
PRAYER FOR ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite every person who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me the following prayer:
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I admit to having sinned against you and ask your forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as Lord and personal Savior. I recognize that you died on the cross of Calvary and rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me every day to the eternal life that you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal yourself to me and strengthen my heart and faith, so that your light may shine in my life right now.
Thank you, Lord Jesus for accepting me into your divine family, so that I may also contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby waterhole to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
All adoration, power and glory are yours, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be happy to respond to any questions and comments you may have, before sharing with you tomorrow”the conduct of Paul and other servants toward the Thessalonians.”
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you abundantly.
David Feze, Servant of the Lord of Hosts.
mentioning you in our prayers, … »
Beloved, I am glad to share with you today the above theme from 1 Thes 1. 2-3 and following. Indeed, Acts 17:1-5 tells us of Paul and Silas’ (or Silvanus) short visit to Thessaloniki. There they had proclaimed and lived the gospel. And the Thessalonians who received it lived it in their turn. Their work was proof of their faith (John 2:17-24); their work confirmed their love; their patience proclaimed what great hope alone could sustain them. So much so that everyone knew that there were Christians in Thessaloniki. Does everyone in my neighborhood or workplace know that I am a Christian? A conversion is the public sign of the new birth, the visible change of direction that corresponds to the divine life received in the soul. By turning around, one no longer has the same objects in front of oneself (Gal 4:6-9). The Thessalonians now turned their backs on inert and deceitful idols, to contemplate and serve a living God, a true God.
The wooden or stone idols of the pagan world have given way to the more refined ones of the “Christianized” world. But it is always true that one cannot serve two masters (Luke 16:9-13). Who do we serve: God or our lusts? And what are we waiting for? The Son of God or the wrath that comes?
The outrages and abuses suffered by Paul and Silas at Philippi (Acts 16:16-25), far from discouraging them, had filled them with “all boldness.” The adversary’s furious reaction proved precisely that their work was not in vain. Yet they had not employed any of the usual methods of human propaganda: seduction, cunning, flattery, efforts to please (2 Cor 2:14-17). Sometimes the gospel is presented in an attractive and sentimental light, or as a side of a social work. Nor was Paul’s ministry animated by one of the three great springs of human activity: the pursuit of personal glory, the satisfaction of the flesh, and material profit. On the contrary, the apostle’s sufferings testified to a complete selflessness (Acts 20:29-35). Two feelings animated him: the continual concern to please God, and love for those who had become “his own children.” Like a mother, he had fed and cherished them. Like a father, he exhorted them, consoled them, taught them to walk. But it is first and foremost their relationship with God that he wants them to be fully aware of. What a position theirs – and ours! God calls us to nothing less than His own kingdom and glory.
When it comes to hope, we find exactly the opposite; it focuses on a single object, Jesus Christ, because He alone is worthy to fix it. Thousands of Christians ignore this hope; they have the hope, often uncertain in their eyes, of being with Jesus in heaven when they die, but all else is “the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ”, the expectation of His coming, the certainty that He himself comes in person, He, the Son of God, to delight us with Him. The apostle and the Thessalonians regarded any obstacle to their hope as despicable. It is said in hebrews: “We who have fled to grasp the hope proposed.” Just as the Thessalonians, having escaped judgment, had only one thought: to wait for the Lord Jesus, the Hebrews had only one goal: to reach Him in the sanctuary where He had preceded them.
The following verses have been compiled for your edification and grouped together for your better understanding.
The life and faith of the Thessalonians:
- Good works, examples
Mt 25:35-36 For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; 36 I was naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me. Mt 26:10 Jesus, having noticed this, said to them: Why do you hurt this woman? She has done a good deed to me;1 Thess 1:3 constantly reminding us of the work of your faith, the work of your charity, and the firmness of your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before God our Father. Rev 2.2 I know your works, your work, and your perseverance. I know you can’t stand the bad guys; that you have tested those who call themselves apostles and who are not, and that you have found them liars;
- Spiritual power
-Give men courage to repel sin Mi 3:8 But I am filled with strength, with the spirit of Jehovah, I am filled with righteousness and vigor, To make Jacob know his crime, and Israel his sin.
-Stronger than the physical force Lk 4:14 Jesus, clothed in the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and his fame spread throughout the surrounding land.
Accompany the baptism of the Holy Spirit Acts 1:8 But you will receive a power, the Holy Spirit coming upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 2:2 Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like that of an impetuous wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
-Allows men to speak with authority Acts 4:33 The apostles bore witness with great force of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And a great grace rested on all of them. Acts 6:8 Stephen, full of grace and power, performed wonders and great miracles among the people.
-Allows to accompany great miracles of healing Acts 19:11-12 And God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 to the point that cloths or handkerchiefs were applied to the sick that had touched his body, and the diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out. 1 Thess 1:5 our Gospel has not been preached to you in words alone, but with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with full persuasion; for you are aware that we have shown ourselves in this way among you, because of you.
- The Good Example
Jn 13:15 for I have given you an example, that you may do as I have done to you. 2 Thes 3:9 It is not that we do not have the right, but we wanted to give you in ourselves a model to imitate. 1 Tim 4:12 Let no one despise your youth; but be a model for the faithful, in word, in conduct, in charity, in faith, in purity. John 5:10 Take, my brethren, as models of suffering and patience the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
- Special marks of true testimony
Refers to personal experience Ps 66:16V, listen, all of you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done to my soul.
Count god’s blessings Is 63:7 I will publish the graces of Jehovah, the praises of Jehovah, from all that Jehovah has done for us; I will say his great kindness to the house of Israel, which he treated according to his compassions and the richness of his love. Ps 119:13,46 From my lips I list all the sentences of your mouth. 46 I will speak of your precepts before the kings, and I will not blush.
-Is fed by an inner fire Jr 20.9 If I say: I will no longer mention him, I will no longer speak in his name, There is in my heart like a devouring fire That is enclosed in my bones. I try to contain it, and I cannot. Dn 3:22 As the king’s order was severe, and the furnace was extraordinarily heated, the flame killed the men who had thrown Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed Nego into it.
-A daily duty Mt 9:31 But, as soon as they were out, they spread his fame throughout the country.
Inspired by the Spirit Acts 2:4, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them to express themselves.
Becomes untenable Acts 4:20 because we cannot fail to speak of what we have seen and heard. Acts 5:32 We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him.
-A fruit of faith 2 Cor 4:13 And, as we have the same spirit of faith that is expressed in this word of Scripture: I have believed, that is why I have spoken! we too believe, and that is why we speak;1 Pet 5:12 It is through Silvanus, who is in my eyes a faithful brother, may I write you these few words, to exhort you and to testify to you that the grace of God to which you are attached is the true one.
From all the above, we note that theharmful times we are going through open a vast field for the work of love, but also for the patience of hope. For thefeeling of God’s judgments on the world impels us to desire only one thing: that the Lord may complete, with these calamities, the number of his chosen ones, so that the moment of His coming may come. We do not expect the restoration of peace on earth, or even, at the end of so much mourning and pain, a time of lasting rest in this world. No, the Lord tells us, “I am coming soon.” If necessary, let us patiently endure other trials in the hope of his next return. But let us not forget that, if we want to know the “patience of hope,” we find it perfect in our glorified Lord, at the right hand of God. He waits patiently. He said in Philadelphia, “You have kept the word of my patience”; he is waiting for the Father to give a sign, known only to Him, which will allow Jesus to rise from his throne and come beforehis own onthe clouds. He has only one desire: to have his Bride with Him. For twenty centuries He has been waiting for the moment when He will be able to “brighten up in it with a song of triumph.” He praises Philadelphia (and God wants him to praise us too) that it has the same hope, the same patience as Him, the patience it has drawn from his Word. Beloved, do we desire His coming, in the same way that He desires to have us with Him forever? Certainly; then our prayers accompany you all.
PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite every person who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me the following prayer:
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I admit to having sinned against you and ask your forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as Lord and personal Savior. I recognize that you died on the cross of Calvary and rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me every day to the eternal life that you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal yourself to me and strengthen my heart and faith, so that your light may shine in my life right now.
Thank you, Lord Jesus for accepting me into your divine family, so that I may also contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby waterhole to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
All adoration, power and glory are yours, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be happy to respond to any questions and comments you may have, before sharing with you tomorrow”the conduct of Paul and other servants toward the Thessalonians.”
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you abundantly.
David Feze, Servant of the Almighty God.