1st Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians ch1 vs9
– ch2 vs16.
The apostle Paul was one of the great preachers of the
Gospel.
He fully valued its message, and was eye – witness to its
life changing power.
Earlier, he saw the wonderful changes in Lydia and also
the Philippian jailor, (Acts ch16), through accepting Jesus Christ as their
Saviour.
There is a great responsibility in preaching the good news
of the Gospel – including plainly telling all unforgiven sinners that they are
bound for Hell – and Paul felt the weight of the ministry.
There are six points here highlighted, showing how Paul so
valued the Gospel and in his sharing of it:
1) He
was “put in trust with the gospel” (ch2 vs4), and saw himself as a steward of
such. Paul was to let the good news be known to all.
2) He
was an “apostle of Christ” (ch2 vs6). Sent by Jesus Christ and Paul wanted
nothing back in return.
3) He
was like “a nursing mother” (ch2 vs7). Paul was helping new converts and such
was his love for them that he was willing to give all for them! (ch2 vs8)
He was whole – hearted and a huge encourager.
4) He
was “like a father” (ch2 vs11 & 12).
In his ministry Paul implored and encouraged them as a father would with his children, to come to maturity as Christians and walk worthy of The Lord.
5) He
was a “herald” (ch2 vs13). The message Paul gave was not the word of mere men, but the truthful, eternal word of
God. All manner of people are clammering to be heard today, especially on
“social media”. Many philosophers give their own ideas on life and death, but
here lies the most important distinction … it is not mortal mans words which are
dependable, but the Word of God, the holy scriptures of truth! It is only the
Holy Bible which has all authority!
“For ever, O Lord, thy word is
settled in heaven”. – Psalm ch119 vs89.
“This is a faithful saying, and
worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners; of whom I am chief”. – 1st Timothy ch1 vs15.
6) He
was persecuted, an exile (ch2 vs15). Paul knew any persecution was not going to
prevent him from preaching the Gospel, such was its importance. Many others had also been persecuted
through accepting The Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. The basis of all
this persecution can be read in Acts ch4 vs23 -31 - which was against Acts ch4 vs23 -31 - Jesus
Christ Himself. However, although these rulers and people thought they were
doing their own will in plotting to do away with Jesus Christ, they were only
fulfilling the great plan and purpose of God!
God’s plan of Salvation to
mankind was known before the foundations of the world! It was that His beloved
Son, Jesus Christ, would lay down His sinless body on The Cross and give His
blood as an atoning sacrifice for everyone’s sins. We all have a great need of
a Saviour, and in His infinite love, grace and mercy, He came from Heaven into
this sin – ridden Earth to save us.
Down through all these years of
the Gospel being preached, millions of men, women, boys and girls across the
world, have in faith trusted Jesus Christ as their own personal Saviour. In
being sorry for their sins against Holy God, they have repented and also known
the great change brought about in their lives through knowing Jesus Christ in a
daily personal relationship. It is such a different life having made peace with God, knowing all your sins are forgiven, and the joy of looking onwards to an eternal home in Heaven with this most wonderful
Lord and Saviour!
Reader, if you have never yet
settled your own sin problem with God and its eternal consequences, please do
so tonight by accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour. The Gospel of Jesus
Christ is the best news you can ever receive!
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