The Other Reason For Church by Phil

Did you ever think that your walk with the Lord might not just be about you? It’s easy to be so focused on ourselves that we overlook one of the key purposes of the church. To understand my point, let’s journey back with the apostle Paul.

Paul had planted a church in Thessalonica and he was concerned about the new believers there. He knew they were suffering under persecution and he was afraid they would abandon their newly formed faith. Unable to visit in person, he sent Timothy to report on their situation. That’s where we find Paul in today’s scripture...

“But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.” - 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8

Paul was encouraged not because the Thessalonian believers had sent a special gift or even news they had been praying for him. Paul was thrilled to hear these new Christians were living and growing in the Lord! I love how he says this news gave him and his partners in ministry “new life.” I know how he feels. The excitement when someone new in the faith discovers a profound truth is contagious. It reminds me of the joy I feel every time God reveals a bit more of Himself to me. When I hear someone recognizing God’s hand in their life instead of just calling it a “lucky coincidence,” my soul is stirred. I am reminded of God’s goodness and challenged to not to settle for complacency in my own walk with the Lord.

God established the church as a place where we can learn, grow, laugh and cry together. We come along side each other to help carry one another’s burdens. But we can also celebrate each other’s victories. We should encourage our brothers and sisters to grow in the Lord, and in the process, we are encouraged and strengthened in our own faith! It’s a win-win situation.

So to all my new Christian brothers and sisters, don’t be afraid or ashamed to share a new truth God has revealed to you. You may think we already know, but we always need to be reminded. And for those of us who have been walking this path for a while, don’t be quick to write off those just starting their journey. Listen and rejoice with them in the goodness of God. That may be one way God answers our desire David so eloquently described in Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.”

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Still learning every day,
Phil and Pam

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