Despite much opposition and many attacks on the church over the past 2000 years, the church of Jesus Christ is still going strong. So how is this possible? The church, both local and universal, is the unique agency that God works through to achieve His purposes. Governments, politicians, businesses, philosophers and philosophies come and go but the church of God is key to changing the world for good. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 “I will build My church and the gates of hell will not overcome it.” All over the world God is raising up churches in the midst of troubled times who will model the kingdom of God in and from a given community of people.

As we come to Acts 17, the apostle Paul and his companions arrive in Thessalonica. We see from this chapter, and also the letters Paul later wrote to the Thessalonians, how Paul with his companions planted and established a great church in Thessalonica in times of trouble. It is important that we should look again at what a model church is so that we can be reminded of our vision for this local church, King’s Church International, in Windsor, Robertson and London.

1. A church that knew God’s love (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4)

2. A church committed to prayer (1 Thessalonians 1:2; Acts 4:31; Acts 6:2-4; Acts 13:3; James 5:16-18 AMP)

3. A church committed to both the word of God and the Spirit of God (1 Thessalonians 1:5a; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5)

4. A church of reality and accountability (1 Thessalonians 1:5b)

5. A church that multiplied disciples (1 Thessalonians 1:6a; 1 Corinthians 11:1)

6. A church that kept its joy in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 1:3,6b)

7. A church that saw results (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

a. A church that became a base for world mission (1 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

b. A church that saw people turn to God at home base (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; Acts 17:4)

Apply

Have you personally experienced God's great love? The Christians in Thessalonica knew that they were loved by God and in turn, their church work or labour was ‘prompted by love’ (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4). Love is central to church. The early Christians, for all their humanity, truly loved each other. They daily met together; they shared their lives and possessions. They prayed together. They stayed together and lived life together. And sometimes, when persecuted, they even died together. This is what we are to be about: our hearts first touched with God’s love and then we take that love to others, starting with our own family and friends but reaching out to all people everywhere. Love is the heartbeat of the church, and the love of Christ will bring healing and reconciliation to the world.

Do you pray everywhere? Are you committed to building a prayer base in your personal life, in your cell group and in the church? Do you faithfully attend the Thursday prayer meetings? The early church lived a prayer lifestyle and saw incredible miracles and growth as a result (1 Thessalonians 1:2; Acts 1:14). Prayer is mentioned in 20 out of the 28 chapters in Acts. Through prayer, the early Christians were filled with the Holy Spirit and enabled to share the gospel (Acts 4:31). Church leaders were also determined not to be sidetracked from the priority of prayer (Acts 6:2-4). And they saw apostolic ministry to the nations, and through the generations, launched through prayer (Acts 13:3). It is impossible to over-estimate the power of prayer. Prayer has always been outstanding in every move of God through history. And your prayers are powerful (James 5:16-18 AMP). As a church we continue to meet for our weekly online Thursday night prayer meetings because prayer is absolutely key to building great churches at all times, but especially in times of great trouble. So the church and church members must be given to prayer.

Are you committed to both reading and living out the Word of God, the Bible, and to living in unity

Episode ID: 1000534441941

GUID: aeebeb3de798f12c7702418e103954d5

Release Date: 05/09/2021, 11:00:00