Tag: Thessalonians

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Words with power

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on pexels

Some “through the bible” thoughts from 1 Thessalonians 1.

“Our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

It’s easy to forget that the gospel is more than just words. It is the power of God to change lives, produce hope, and inspire faith. The gospel itself is very simple: Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). But that simple message speaks of profound love, unequaled power, unfailing hope, and an amazing future. It’s a simple message that has changed the lives of young and old for millennia.

I find the power of words fascinating. Words can make me burst out in laughter or well up in tears. They can create images in my mind. Strung together they tell memorable stories. Words stir some to action. They may help others calm down.

We anticipate the first word of a child. We remember the last thing a loved one said to us before their death. We’ll look through dozens of greeting cards in search of the one with just the right words. Some permanently tattoo words on their bodies. Others creatively paint words on the sides of boxcars.

I find the power of the gospel fascinating, too. It’s a story. But Jesus makes it my story. It covers my past and reassures me of the future, giving me two secure handles for today. The same God who spoke creation into existence and called the dead back to life speaks into my life with power, the Holy Spirit, and conviction.

What a blessing!

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Walking Worthy: Exhortation and Growth in Faith

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Kasper Rasmussen on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from 1 Thessalonians 2.

“We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

How much of the Christian faith involves the involvement and encouragement of others? Much more than we realize!

We’ve known for a long time that the most successful evangelism strategy is a simple invitation. Research shows again and again that most people go to a church because someone invited them. It’s not the music, the preacher, the building, the donuts, the children’s program, or the free gift for first-time visitors. It’s the encouragement of friends or family. Of course it’s not a fool-proof strategy. Not everyone will accept the invitation. But it’s the best we’ve got.

A personal relationship with God will always connect us with others who know him, trust him, listen to him, talk about him, and worship him. Sometimes just being with other Christians influences us. It’s like seeing what someone has ordered at a restaurant and saying, “I’ll have what she’s having.” Other times it’s their exhortation and encouragement. The only reason I ever sang in a choir, taught children, wrote devotional material, served on a board of directors, or went on a mission trip is because someone asked me to do those things. I’m glad they did, because with each experience, I grew in my faith and met some great people.

When Paul wrote these words to believers in Thessalonica, he wanted them to know how much he cared about them. He wanted them to experience the kingdom and glory of God. So he exhorted, encouraged, and challenged them to “walk in a manner worthy of God.” He urged them to be the people God had created and saved them to be.

I’m thankful for the many who exhort, encourage, and challenge me, too.