Church hurt is real. Members and pastors either intentionally or unintentionally hurt one another. We all recognize that unintentional hurt happens from time to time and most of us are willing to forgive unintentional words or actions. It is the intentional words and acts that create lasting scars. Here’s the dilemma we feel: As Christ followers. we know that we are supposed to be part of a church; however, past experience tells us that the longer we stay and the deeper we grow relationally with others, the more the emotional pain will be. Thus, we protect ourselves by disengaging emotionally and relationally. Many others have experienced worshipping inside of a church building, but have never experienced being part of a healthy church community. Beyond needing community, I Thessalonians 2 presents another reason we must belong to a local church; Christian community nurtures within us a faith that endures. This intentional and soul-caring community can be likened to a campfire. Eventually the flames burn out with one individual log; however, when two or three logs are together the flames burns hotter, brighter and longer. Grace Life, if we are going to follow the pattern of the Thessalonians and build this enduring faith, we must make three commitments. The first is…
We must intentionally nurture with the Heart of a Spiritual Father
According to Acts 17, Paul, Silas and Timothy had only been in Thessalonica for three weeks spreading the Gospel where many converted and became Christ followers (Acts 17:4). However, many others rejected the gospel, formed a gang and ran Paul, Silas and Timothy out of town (Acts 17:5-8). As a result of these hostilities, they were unable to return. Despite the short time that Paul had with this community of new believers, Paul demonstrates that he had the spiritual heart of a father for them (1 Thessalonians 2:11). This is reinforced a few verses later when we see Paul’s deep longing to once again see them face to face (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18). Brothers and sisters, this is not blind flattery, but rather a spiritual father who, despite only spending three weeks with a group of people, is affirming and encouraging his sons and daughters in the faith in the midst of extreme trials. These Thessalonian believers were Paul’s pride and joy! This same hope, joy and crown that we see in this passage will be fully seen at the second coming. Christian, do you have spiritual children in the faith that you could call your hope, your joy, your crown of boasting? Who are you nurturing with the heart of a spiritual father? O, that each of us would extend ourselves in giving the gospel to others (as Paul did) so that we could speak like this!….
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