24 June 2018
Two-Minute Features | 01 July 2018 | 17 June 2018

God Calls Each Church Member Individually (TMF:920)

Friday, June 29, 2018
Peace to Live By: God Calls Each Church Member Individually (TMF:920) - Daniel Litton
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       Verses 4 & 5a: “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (ESV). God chose to establish this church, and chose each member individually—which as a whole, is the church. Paul would say in Romans 7: “My brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God” (Romans 7:4, ESV). Each of us belongs to Christ. God knew beforehand that he was going to call each one of us, and he did call us, and we are now his. And not only this, but he obviously is still calling others into his body. And we, as Christians, just like Paul and those with him, are responsible to spread the good news of the Gospel of Christ to the dying world around us, so that more people can come to know Jesus as personal Lord and Savior.

The Church was Waiting on the Jesus' Return (TMF:919)

Thursday, June 28, 2018
Peace to Live By: The Church was Waiting on the Jesus' Return (TMF:919) - Daniel Litton
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       And Paul also points out the fact that this is also a church waiting on the return of Jesus. Yes, that’s an important part of the Christian life. When it comes down to it, we must realize that this life is temporary, and it is preparing us for the next. Paul said elsewhere, in a letter to another church: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4, ESV). All of us should be waiting for Christ’s return, the Rapture, since we really belong with him. And again, Paul would say also, “We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved” (Romans 8:23-24, ESV).

What were the Great Things God was Doing? (TMF:918)

Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Peace to Live By: What were the Great Things God was Doing? (TMF:918) - Daniel Litton
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       Surely, Paul and his companions had to be on fire to see the great things God was doing. And what exactly was the church in Thessalonica doing? Well, Paul recalls that they were a church of great faith and works done in love. You see, faith is critical for the success of the collective body of the church, as well as for the lives of individual members. Faith means the people of God are bold enough to follow the leading of his Spirit, and to do good things, works, through love for each other and love for others (both others belonging to Christ and people who are not Christians). Remember, faith is the opposite of fear. Where there is fear of doing something good, there is a lack of faith. Faith is the driving force that allows a church and individuals to be bold for Christ. Faith is stepping out with the belief that God is on your side, and the belief that God will help you accomplish his will—whatever good work you are doing for Christ.

Paul Gives God Thanks for the Believers (TMF:917)

Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Peace to Live By: Paul Gives God Thanks for the Believers (TMF:917) - Daniel Litton
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       1 Thessalonians 1:3, 4: “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (ESV). What could be more important for the help and the support of a church than prayer? Now, some might have been thinking of money—but it’s not money. Constant prayer is an essential part to the success of any church. And Paul’s group offering up prayers surely had a profound impact on their success as a church. It is really amazing the difference that prayer makes in people’s lives. Personally, I see it all the time. The harder I pray, the more I confess good things for people, the more I see the power God working in people’s lives. And, of course, the prayer began with thanksgiving in this case. How it must please God when we offer up to him tremendous thanksgiving for the good things that he does in us and through us. Surely, Paul and his companions had to be on fire to see the great things God was doing.

Paul Wishes Grace & Peace to the Believers (TMF:916)

Monday, June 25, 2018
Peace to Live By: Paul Wishes Grace & Peace to the Believers (TMF:916) - Daniel Litton
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       And so Paul wished grace, undeserved blessings, to be upon the church in Thessalonica, and he also wished for peace of mind. All Christians are made right before God through trusting in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and this is the grace that we live by. This grace from Christ’s blood has been bestowed upon us, free of charge, by God because we have trusted in Christ’s death and resurrection to save us. God calls us his own sons and daughters, and now highly favors us as individual persons. He has even made us co-heirs with Christ, which is a truly amazing thing (see Romans 8). And grace is so essential to living out the Christian life. None of us in this life are perfect at anything we do, so we need grace daily from God as we don’t measure up to God’s standard of perfection, which is Christ. Without grace, life is hard, and the rules can be rigorous. But rather, Jesus said on one occasion, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30, ESV).