Day 10 - The Church

DAY 10 - THE CHURCH

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
"For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come."

The Church at Thessalonica

1. Paul’s message to the church at Thessalonica was not mere words, but it was characterized by demonstrations of power and the comfort and life giving ministry of the Holy Spirit - v5 "…For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance…"
2. Paul’s message produced Christ followers who remained FAITHFUL and GRATEFUL in the spite of dire circumstances - v6 "…And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit…"
3. As a result of their steadfast, unwavering faith, the church at Thessalonica became a MODEL for other believers and churches in their region - v7 "…so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe."
4. Their faith became a testimony and benchmark for Kingdom service to the entire region - v8 "…For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything."
5. Ultimately, this produced TRANSFORMATION, ELEVATION and patient PERSISTENCE in the lives of all those who heard and heeded the gospel message in Thessalonica and beyond - v9 "…and how you turned TO GOD from IDOLS to serve the living and true God…"

HOW TO PRAY

1. Pastors Keith & Sheila, CCC pastoral staff & pastors and church/ministry leaders around the world · A Shepherd’s Heart – Jeremiah 3:15, 23:4, Matthew 9:36· Integrity and Skill – Psalm 78:70-72; Psalm 77:20; Jeremiah 9:23-24; · Wisdom, Foresight & Clearly Articulated Vision -1 Chronicles 12:32; Proverbs 29:18; Habakkuk 2:2-3; Joel 2:28;
2. Marriage & Family – Ephesians 5:22-30; 1 Timothy 3:4-5; 1 Timothy 5:8; Colossians 3:18-21
3. Unity in the Church at large (The Body of Christ) - Psalm 133:1; John 17:9-11; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:3
4. Power & Influence to Effectively Engage Culture - Luke 4:18-19; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-8; Nehemiah 8:8; Mark 4:33-34; Acts 2:47; 6:8-10; 9:31; 16:5
5. Faithful, T-Rated Servant Leaders - Colossians 3:22-25; 4:17; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Hebrews 6:10-12
6. Phase 2 – The Frisco Cathedral · Provision – 1 Chronicles 29:1-9; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 · A House of Prayer, Worship & Transformation - 2 Chronicles 7:15-16; Mark 11:17
7. Blessings, Breakthrough & Elevation · Spiritual/Emotional – Ephesians 1:3; Romans 12:1-2· Physical – 3 John 2; 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:4-5; · Material/Financial – Deuteronomy 1:11 (CEV); Job 36:11; Psalm 35:27; 65:11; 66:12; Philippians 4:15-19;

Following hard after God,


Keith A. Craft

Day 10 - The Church