24/08/2015 - As Word of God

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For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2.13

There are victories that people whom we have led to faith in Jesus reach which cause us to thank God continuously. Of course that, just as Judas proved to be a thief and a traitor even though he had walked with Jesus, unfortunately there are some who chose the same path as Achan, Balaan, Jezebel, and many others who did not perceive the greatness of God’s calling. However, no one should abandon the work because of such foolish people.

Our mission is not always pleasant, for there will be times when people whom we help will treat us with hostility, suspicion, and sometimes even with meanness. However, we should look to Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. If there were accusing fingers pointed at Him, so many more at those committed to fulfill the mission assigned by the heavenly Father. Therefore, persevere until you find victory.

Paul’s secret was not to preach religion, but the message of God’s Word. The apostle also did something very important: he forgot the things which were behind and reached forward to those things which were ahead, pressing toward the goal, for the prize of the upward call to God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3.13-14). We must always follow his example, for the devil will surely use someone to try to lead us astray.

The people from Thessalonica did not receive Paul’s message as if it were words of men. Take heart, because the same will happen with those to whom the Most High sends you to preach. However, the content of the message should not come from your heart, but from what the Lord tells you through His Word. Do not send personal messages to anyone, but minister according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Be faithful to the words of the Almighty.

The Lord’s mission is fulfilled when we speak the Word of the Most High and not what we consider to be right. Even if you have beautiful or correct thoughts and in spite of science teaching you to keep people on your side, do not contaminate the message with human thinking. Bringing profane fire to the altar of God already took two brothers sooner to the grave (Leviticus 10.1-2). The worst is not death, but the eternal damnation which every liar will suffer.

When the Gospel is received, it starts to work in the life of the person who accepted it. It is a joy to see people, whose lives had once been a wreck, come to church, be restored, and soon after be used by God to bless others. Our goal is to turn those who have sinful and problematic lives that God sends our way into victorious people.

The people of Thessalonica believed and, therefore, they saw the glory of God at work in them just as it worked in the Son of the Most High. The same will happen to everyone who the Creator allows you to lead to Jesus. Your walk with Christ is a great blessing.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares