Jan 30th | Congrats Church!
Today we spent some good times together celebrating the first four years in the life of Vista, and what a grand time it was! I was especially happy that Pastor Jim, from our mother church – Heritage – could make it by with his wife, Beth, today. Much of whatever might be good about me as a pastor, comes from his influence. I also enjoyed, very much, the time we took to specifically thank some of those that have served so faithfully. I’ve already thought of a few I could easily have mentioned as well…and truthfully, we could’ve gone on all day.
The sermon came from some simple verses in 1 Thessalonians 1. The first 3 verses…Paul’s warm and meaningful greeting to the young and tender church at Thessalonica. Having only enjoyed the company of Paul for three weeks, their experience living out the New Truth…the resurrection of the One, and defending Jesus against the vicious establishment was a tall order. Paul was forced to leave as a result of the nasty reaction, but a piece of his heart remained for these special people. Upon hearing the report from Timothy, Paul was compelled to write one of the first letters to a church thatbwe still have record of.
He begins with a salutation that suggests to the Thessolonian church to receive Silas and Timothy as ambassadors for him. That they should, with great confidence, trust and defer to their leadership. Unable to return personally to care for and defend this New Community, he entrusted the job to faithful men.
As a church it is wise for us to take a lesson from this simple salutation. Pastors, professional ministers, key Christian leaders need always remember that it is not what they can do for Jesus as much as it is how well they can equip and trust others to expand the Kingdom. The irony of a volunteer celebration today is not lost on me…without a shadow of a doubt, I understand that only on the backs of the many, many faithful and dedicated followers and servants of Jesus at Vista, are we in the good place that we are. “Oh, God, may we keep your Word and the critical action of church work in the hands those you intend…the whole church.”
Finally, we read the words that Paul wrote and realized that they were born out of the good report Timothy had brought. Of course, the church was being persecuted, breaking Paul’s heart, but the church was holding firm! They were neither folding under the enormous oppression nor biting on bait of slander being cast upon Paul.
He offered warm words of praise for their work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. And it with that same sentiment that I, this morning, offered the time of appreciation for all that you, the Church, have done for one another and others. Not only for those relatively few things We know of, but for all that you do for Jesus that maybe no one will ever know.
What a wonderful thing it must have been for the young Thessalonian church, to hear the sincere words of encouragement along with the two powerful words in his salutation, Grace and peace…
Grace and peace to you, Vista. Grace and peace…
What have been some of the most encouraging words that you have ever received?
Who would benefit from some simple words of encouragement from you?
On a scale of 1-10, 10 being high, how would you evaluate your value to your church? Have a discussion about your ratings, after first referencing 2 Cor 12:12-27 as necessary.
What area of passion might God be calling you to serve in? What steps would be necessary to get into that space?
