1 Thessalonians 2-6. The Secret of Success

How has it already been another week??

Well, like most of the nation, Ft Worth is under a deep freeze and several inches of ice, so church was only online today so that folks like me down in Vidor were amazed to see such! I don’t think people have been stuck worshipping from home since COVID! It was a wise decision that may have even saved lives, so good for management.

Today’s message is from BCBC -Bear Creek Bible Church because it’s my home church and because I forgot that church in Florida starts an hour early from Texas.

I believe Pastor John and maybe a camera crew actually did venture to the church, but music ministry broadcast from home. It worked great!

He began service by telling a story about missionaries to Africa that were coming home after 40 years there. On the same trip was Teddy Roosevelt who was getting all the attention. The missionary said to his wife that really burned him up that they would not even be recognized or get any attention after all their years of faithful service. She told him to go into the bedroom and tell God all about it. He came out looking much different and she asked him what happened?

He said that he felt like God put his hand on his shoulder and told him, “But you’re not home yet.”

Paul, Silas, and Timothy had much the same to say about being in Phillipi where they faced false teaching and great opposition to the message. They related this to the Thessalonians. However, the experience wasn’t a total disaster. Even the jailer where Paul was being held received the gospel and it changed his life!

Paul had stayed true to the message no matter the opposition. God made the way for him to escape with an earthquake. I meant to take a picture of the actual cell they were in which today looks like a sort of ruined cave. But I did take a picture of the map at that time to illustrate where Thessalonica and Phillipi were.

Also, you can see Corinth too.

1. Our Ministry Has a Purpose, is Done at Great Expense, and Will Make a Difference. 2:1-2

Paaul had pure motives and was not trying to trick anyone. He was speaking the truth about Jesus being the risen Messiah and had literally met him and was taught by Him so he was speaking from experience.

He wasn’t looking for praise even though he could have asserted his authority.

People listened and were changed, which comes from a place of grace.

Pastor John also talked about and commended our various ministries known by the acronym SWEET AROMA.

Serving one another.

Worship

Equipping adults

Educating children

Teens

Adult ministries

Reach-in

Out-reach

Missions

Administration

Whew! Thats a lot of different ministries and they take a lot of people who are dedicated to the cause.

Paul also spoke of having the right motives, and being approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.

2. We Should Have the Right Motives and the Right Foundation in Our Work for God.

We shouldn’t be trying to please people. We preach to an audience of one. Our message should be pleasing to God.

When you try to please people you SINK but when your motives are pure, you SWIM!

Paul did use the right methods in his teachings. He didn’t flatter or manipulate. He wasn’t trying to get money either. In fact, he was a tent maker and the proceeds he earned were what funded his ministry. That and the kindness of others.

3. We Should Not Only Know Who We Should Seek to Please but Be Aware of Who Not to please. 2:6

Paul challenged everyone to live for and to search out God, not try to cater to the wants of the people.

Thank you for being here and please stay safe and warm inside until this weather event passes. Want to see how I’m staying warm inside the bus?

In bed, under the covers fully clothed with a warm scarf around my neck. Even with propane to give us some heat, plus our space heater, its cold. We have a thermostat now, so we can watch the propane level – we can’t afford to run out! In fact, we will probably have to take the bus to a nearby Tractor Supply to get it refilled because NOBODY delivers propane to RV parks in our neck of the woods.

I’m also keeping up with my exercises and getting up to move around frequently to keep my back from hurting any worse than it already does, but it’s hard when you can’t get outside. Do your best. Get up every 15-30 minutes and stretch and walk around.

I’ll admit, we aren’t near as chilly as people north of us. I’m just extra sensitive to it for whatever reason. It feels like 25 outside although it’s made it up to 43 with the sunshine. ☺️