The Greek word for church is ‘ekklesia,’ which literally means ‘the called-out ones’ and in this case ‘the chosen ones.’ I wish you could be crazy about this and say to yourself: I am chosen by God!”
In 1 Thessalonians, Paul seems to point out some characteristics of a model church. We will examine five(5) below:
1. A model church is a Word-based Church! (v5)
“For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” ~ 1 Thess 1:5
- It is a place where God’s word is taught with power, clarity, and the Holy Spirit’s conviction.
- Ever been to church and you feel the Pastor is speaking to you personally? That is God’s Word with the power of the Holy Spirit.
- This Word is the Gospel (Good news). Please find a place where God’s word is taught in all its wholeness.
2. A place where lives are truly transformed! (v9)
True conversion takes place in a model church. As you fellowship, your life will get better, day by day, week by week, month by month, etc. Because the word of God changes our lives (v9). People will tell how you have been transformed!
"For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." 1 Thess 1:9
- There is a turn from some sort of idol to serve the true and living God!
- These days our phones, movies/series, relationships, etc., have become idols.
- Most people go to various places these days, but do not change. That is not the model church described in the Bible.
True transformation takes place in a model church. The Holy Spirit will work on you and change you. With the Holy Spirit comes a new heart, a change of mind, and a change of direction! May that be your story as you fellowship in Church.
3. A model church is a Praying Church!
A model church is a place we go to make our plea to God. It is not a place of gossip nor fashion, but a place of prayer! Prayer is the lifeline to our deadline. Prayer to the believer is like air to a living being – without it, your spiritual life will die.
And as He (Jesus) taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” ~ Mark 11:17
- So a model church is a place where we offer constant prayers for each other.
- Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
And listen, Prayer Works! When push comes to shove, everyone calls on God! You wait till it gets to the point of life and death, you’ll see that everyone in this life believes in prayer.
4. A model church is a Working Church! (v3)
"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father..." ~ 1 Thess 1:2-3
- It is a place where everyone works for God (v3). Dear friend, there is nothing as fulfilling as working for God!
- Don’t be a pew warmer. Whatever it is you’ll do in life, please make it an aim to work for God!
- Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. One day, you’ll look back and smile.
“For God is not unrighteous to forget or overlook your labor and the love which you have shown for His name’s sake in ministering to the needs of the saints (His own consecrated people), as you still do.” ~ Hebrews 6:10 (AMPC)
Invest your life in the things of God! God sees it, and your reward won’t elude you (Hebrews 6:10)! He said to the Ephesian church in Revelations 2:3, “I know your works, your labor, your patience…”
5. A model church is a heavenly-minded Church! (v3)
For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. ~ 1 Thess 1:9-10
- Dear friend, life here on earth must be lived with eternity in mind.
- Life on earth is useless if you miss heaven (v10). Jesus is coming soon, perhaps today!
- Let’s set our minds on Heaven’s glory and wait in earnest for that glorious day!
Prayer: Pray on the five points above; pray that you will be a top model for the Lord!
Hey, you're blessed and highly favoured and dearly loved!
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