WHEN TRIALS COME

In every life some clouds will form
And tears may fall like summer rain
The questions that bring most distress
Are wounds that rob us of our rest.

The loss when we must say goodbye
To those we hold so very dear
And never have another chance
To bid farewell or give them thanks.

Yet far more painful are the words
That crush the spirit from a friend
Creating anguish and despair
When they no longer seem to care.

Is there a lesson we can learn
When uninvited trials come?
Is God concerned with my distress
As I walk through this wilderness?

His answer echoes loud and clear
He is conforming us to Him
So we can clearly point the way
To others who might go astray.

So don't forget when storm clouds come
God's promised rainbow will appear
And you will shine far brighter still
As you reflect His glorious will.
--B, Pent

DEVELOPING A CARING COMMUNITY - (I Thess.2:1-9)

The Thessalonian Church was transformed by the message of God's redeemed grace in Christ. Paul, Silas and Timothy risked their lives in order to bring the gospel to them. Today's Church wants to avoid conflict! Involvement in ministry is relegated to the paid pastoral staff. But that was not the N.T. model! The world took note that these Christians exemplified authentic faith even under persecuted. They became a caring community . If the Church today is to rediscover this kind of community, at least three steps need to be taken.

I. AVAILABILITY -- (vs.1-2) "Our visit to you was not a failure"
A. It Takes Time - (v.1) "Our visit"
B. It Takes Risks - (v.2a) "we had previously suffered & been insulted"
1. They suffered severe scourging with a roman whip
2. Paul was a Roman citizen & according to their law should not have been whipped
3. At midnight, He and Silas sang in a Philippian jail after being scourged
C. It Takes Effort - (v.2b) "we dared to tell...in spite of strong opposition"
1. "Dared" means "boldness, courage"
2. "Opposition" (Gr.agon). It is a metaphor taken from the Olympic games & sport arena
Heb.12:2, "run with patience the race (agon)"
I Tim.6:12, "Fight the good fight(agon) of faith"
2 Tim.4:7. "I have fought a good fight(agon)"
II. CREDIBILITY -- (vs.3-6) "the appeal does not spring from
error or impure motives"
A. It Includes Integrity - (vs.3,5,6)
1. Not from error or impure motives- (v.3)
2. Trickery was not their method - (v.3)
3. They did not use flattery or a mask of greed - (v.5)
4. It was not for self-effort or praise - (v.6)
B. It Includes Sincerity - (v.4) "we speak as men approved by God...who tests our hearts"
1. Godward Sincerity
2. Inward sincerity
3. Outward Sincerity
III. ACCOUNTABILITY -- (vs.7-9) "we were gentle among you
like a caring mother"
A. Caring - (v.7) "we were gentle..like a caring mother"
1. The spirit of gentleness is part of the fruit of the Spirit - (Gal.5:23)
2. The spirit of tenderness as seen in a nursing mother
B. Sharing - (v.8) "not only the gospel but our lives as well"
C. Reaping - (v.9,19) "you remember our toil & hardships..you are our crown"
The lives of the Thessalonian Church were turned upside down because they were
transformed by the power of the Holy spirit. Their focus changed from themselves to
Christ. They modeled true Christianity. This same message needs to be implemented and
reintroduced in today's church if we are to develop a caring Community.

LOVE'S MYSTERY

I do not understand the mystery of love
Nor do I claim to know what makes it bloom and grow.

Is love a Cupid's glance that sparks a gambler's chance?
Or is a touch to blame that sets the heart aflame?

Does marriage give a clue that seals a kiss for two?
Or is conjugal's embrace like soaring into space?

Love is more than simple words. Its actions form the frame
It gives without return and doesn't seek the same.

To really understand the mystery power of love
The spirit must embrace the fullness of God's grace.

It's through the death of Christ this priceless Gift was made
So sinful man could know His grace and peace below.

So if you really want to have this mystery love
Go to the One Who holds the key. He reigns above!

Then you will have a clearer view each day you live
Of mystery's grace so others know God's love below.
---B. Pent

THE KING ETERNAL

O King Eternal on Your Throne
With contrite hearts we humbly bow
May holiness cleanse every part
So we may worship from our heart.

While lost in wonder of Your grace
We long to meet You face to face
So all the praise we lift on high
May bring You glory in reply.

How awesome is this hallowed place
Where from our spirits we embrace
Your holy presence here below
With hearts aflame our thanks to show.

So Holy Father, blessed Lord
And through the Spirit Triune One
May all we are or hope to be
Bring praise and glory unto Thee.
--B. Pent

THE EVIDENCE OF AN EMPOWERED CHURCH (I Thess.1:8-10)

The Church of Thessalonica was both a "reflector" (v.5) and a "transmitter" (v.8) of the gospel. They had a faith which was Godward, a love which was outward, and a hope which was inward. Verse 8 tells us that "the Lord's message rang out." This word is only found here in the N.T. It is a metaphor that describes a "blast"of a trumpet or a "clap of thunder" that keeps reverberating.

Too often today's church is content to pay a staff to do the witnessing. In the New Testament Church, everyone was involved in sharing their faith. Their consistent walk with Christ authenticated the message they shared. There are three reasons for this:

I. THERE WAS A CHANGE IN DIRECTION - (v.9a)
The word "turned"(Gr. aorist tense) means "they turned once and for all."
A. They Turned To God - That is first step leading to salvation. Their turning to God
made them aware of their sinful condition. That made them aware that only through
Christ was salvation possible. Their lives were changed through faith in Him (2 Cor.5:17).

B. They Turned From Idols - The evidence of authentic Christianity is repentance. True
repentance leads to self-dethronement. Today's Christians too often want God along with
their idols. Is that authentic faith? A faith that doesn't demand repentance may be a bogus
faith. You may be religious but not truly born again.

II. THERE WAS A CHANGE IN PURPOSE - (v.9b)
Verse 3 stated that theirs was a "labour of love." Their service was prompted by love
A. They Had A New Master - "the living God" Their former master, Satan, kept them
enslaved by the idols of fear, retribution, habits, and death without hope. But when
they met their new Master, Jesus Christ, they were freed from the past, the present
and the future. Their lives drastically changed (2 Cor.5:17).

B. They Had A New Message - "the true God!" Their whole motivation changed because
they experienced authentic love. The gospel (1 Cor.15:3-4) is not only the power of God
unto salvation to everyone who believes, but it is that "love that constrains/motivates us"
(2 Cor.5:14) to share the gospel with our world.

III. THERE WAS A CHANGE IN FOCUS - (v.10) "wait for his Son from heaven"
The word "wait" means "to await someone with patience, confidence and anticipation."
Waiting involves activity and endurance. Some of the Thessalonian Christians quit work
and became lazy, inactive, and busybodies. In his second Letter Paul had to rebuke them
and strengthen their misinterpretation of that word "wait." Waiting doesn't mean quitting
or being lazy.
A. Jesus Must Be Central In Our Living - "Jesus whom he raised from the death"
He must be our focus if we are to win others to Christ. Its not about us, our church of
our programs. Its all about Him and for His glory alone.

B. His Coming Must Be Crucial In Our Serving - "wait for his son from heaven"
While waiting we pray and serve. His imminent return, out of love for Christ, must be our
incentive. But we must never forget that "the wrath to come" is the warning for those
who refuse His wonderful salvation. The "great commission" (Matt.28:19-20) call for
our involvement in His kingdom ministry.

SHEKINAH GLORY

As we gather in Your presence
Pressed by cares this world imparts
May the fullness of Your Spirit
Drive life's burdens from our hearts.

Praises crown Your Throne with Glory
Where all darkness fades from sight
We lift holy hands before You
Bathe us in Shekinah Light.

O Eternal, Sovereign Master
Lord of all we crown You now
Fill these temples with Your power
As before Your presence bow.

Now in full and glad surrender
Offering praise we take our stand
Triune God in One proclaiming
Worship to the risen Lamb.
--B. Pent

THE MODEL TO FOLLOW (I Thess.1:4-7)

Fall fashions are streaming into our Malls: the latest styles in dress, jackets, shoes & make up. The new TV series and movies introduce us to the latest flavors of sex, violence, and a thousand other doses of perversion to add to our corrupt society.

The Thessalonians lived in a fast moving society too! A constant stream of traffic flowed between Rome on the west, to Istanbul on the east as one followed the Egnatian Highway. This put Thessalonica in direct contact with many other important cities by land as well as by sea. It was one of the most important centers of population in Paul's day, occupying a strategic location both governmentally and militarily. Yet the world of that day is no different from our 21st century world. The real question as Christians is who or what will be our model for living?

I. The Purpose Of His Choice - (v.4) "But we know he has chosen you"
A. Salvation - "brothers, loved of God" means that His act of salvation frees us from the
the penalty of sin, from the power of indwelling sin as we daily yield to Him, and, one day
at His return, from the very presence of sin.

B. Security - "brothers, loved" denotes a spiritual relationship with God and others within
the Body of Christ. "Brothers" is mentioned 15 times in I Thess. (28 times in both Books)

C. Service - "he has chosen you" to bring forth fruit and praises to Him (I Pet.2:9; John 15:16)

II. The Power Of His Call - (v.5) "the gospel came in words, with power, in the Holy Spirit,
and with deep conviction"
A. The Power Of The Word - (Heb.4:12; 2 Cor.10:4-5)

B. The Power Of The World - (I John 2:15-17)

III. The Plan Of His Will - (v.6-7) "you became imitators of us and of the Lord"

A. Imitators - "mimites" means "to mimic, follow, imitate." Eph.5:1 "Be imitators of God
as dearly loved children." Paul wanted the church at Thessalonica to follow their spiritual
mentors. Spiritual mentors are those who consistently follow Jesus Christ.

B. Change Agents - "you welcomed the message with joy given by the Holy Spirit." Obedience
to God's Word results in Joy through God's Spirit.

C. Models - "you became models to all the believers." "Tupon" means "type, fashion, figure,
pattern, example." Titus 2:7 states, "showing yourself a pattern of good works." Christ is
and always will be the supreme Model for us to follow. The lime-light should never be
focused on a person, church or program. That leads to egocentricity. 2 Corinthians 4"18
reminds us that as we "behold Him, we are changed from one degree of glory to another,
even as by the spirit of the Lord." All glory and praise must be Christocentric. Its all
about Him and not about us. Are you truly modeling Him?