Parkwood Baptist Church :: Weekly Devotional (May 22, 2006)

Weekly Devotional
Monday, May 22, 2006

1 Thessalonians 1:8
For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

The faith of the Thessalonian believers had grown to the point where their testimony reached far beyond those in their community, city, or region. In both word and deed, this church became known for their unfaltering obedience to Jesus Christ.

We can be certain that it wasn’t any great philosophical arguments or political discourses that made this church known, rather it was their good deeds motivated by faith. As they recognized the Lordship of Christ in their own lives, they began to act on that belief. The way they treated others, took care of needs, and shared the Gospel all reflected their faith in the unshakeable authority of Christ.

Imagine for a moment what your church would look like if its members lived every moment in awareness of and submission to the Lordship of Christ? Would it not affect the way in which we approach our jobs? Interact with our neighbors? Drive our cars? And it is not possible that these actions would be so different in nature from the actions of others that your fellowship would begin to earn something of a reputation among its community? This is exactly what happened with the Thessalonian church.

And, indeed, this is the standard that the New Testament sets for all churches. Anytime a group of people gather as followers of Christ, they are to be salt and light [Matthew 5:16], leaving unmistakable impressions on the world around them for the sake of the Gospel.

Have we so quickly forgotten that we were purchased by Christ’s death on the cross? That his very blood is the price paid for us? Brothers and sisters, living a life of words and works dictated by faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ is not optional. It is our sole purpose and privilege.

The Scripture makes this clear: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price” [1 Corinthians 6:19-20] and again when it says: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” [2 Corinthians 5:20]. What kind of appeal are we making? Do others find the Gospel message of Christ more attractive because of the manner in which we speak, act, and live?