ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES
God-glorifying Testimony Of A Local Church
Text: I Thessalonians 1:1-10 IBCSS March 26, 2006
By Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
A godly testimony which is being exhibited by a particular Local Church surely produces a powerful impact to the lives of people in its surroundings. Its influence will serve as a guiding conscience of the community. Consequently, the Lord Jesus Christ will be magnified and be received in the hearts of men. How beneficial it would be to others if only Christians have the consistency to proclaim their belief and confirm it through appropriate practices. The world indeed is in need of strong Local Churches to demonstrate the love of Christ and show true image of Christianity.
In I Thessalonians 1:7-8, it is written, So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. (KJV These verses remind us that Christians have the potential to shine for Christ not only in their own locality, but also in regions beyond.
(I) Must Be Continually Prayed For
I Thessalonians 1:1-2
-Must be thanked for
Christians must be thankful to God for their God-given privilege to shine for Christ. Serving God is a great honor and having a good testimony for the Lord gives glory to God. We really thank the Lord for giving us opportunity to be associated with His righteousness.
-Must be a part of our prayers
In I Thessalonians 1:1-2, it is written, Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; (KJV) Every Local Church must be thanked for and be prayed for to God. The Apostle Paul was a classic example of a man who earnestly and consistently prayed for the Local Churches’ spiritual growth and strength during his lifetime. We strongly believe that continual praying for our Local Churches today is a must.
(II) Must Not Be Forgotten
I Thessalonians 1:3
Must-see in a Christian life
-Work of faith
-Labor of love
-Patience of hope
A remarkable testimony for the Lord is not easily forgotten, but preserved in the hearts of people whose hearts the Lord has touched. In I Thessalonians 1:3, it is written, Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; (KJV) This passage from the Bible points out the importance of a living faith. Dead faith has no animated results, but living faith produces good works. Dead faith goes to its own grave, but living faith soars up like an inspiring eagle in the sky. Labor of love and patience of hope are undeniable proofs of true faith in Christ. The above marks of a living faith in Christ shown by the Thessalonians in the days of Paul were admirable and unforgettable. May these essential evidences remain visible in our daily walk.
(III) Must Be Credited To God
I Thessalonians 1:4-6
-The mindfulness of God
-The power of the Gospel
-The power of the Holy Ghost
In verses 4-6, it is written, Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: (KJV)
Without God being mindful of the fallen human race, we cannot be saved, but remain in our sins and bound to hell. We praise God for His mindfulness and loving grace for us sinners whom He saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought to give thanks to God for the Gospel shared to us by His faithful servants and for the wonderful working of the Holy Ghost in us. May our hearts keep on singing “To God be the glory great things He has done.”
(IV) Must Be Amplified As An Example To Others
I Thessalonians 1:7-10
-As a living testimony
The Bible tells us that the believers in Thessalonica became examples to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia, and from them, the Word of the Lord was sounded out beyond their place. Their undeniable faith was also known in other places. What a living testimony they had in Christ.
-As a manifestation of genuine conversion
In I Thessalonians 1:9, it is written, For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; (KJV) The life-changing effect of the Gospel was perfectly demonstrated through the lives of the Thessalonians.
Apparently, the mushroom-like growth of questionable religious sects these days contributes much confusion to our generation. They promise religion but not true salvation. True salvation is a free gift from God and can be received by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Obviously, genuine conversion is manifested through a dramatic change of life. May our life-changing faith be seen with clarity so it may give strength to the testimony of our Local Churches.
-As an encouragement to others until Jesus comes
Christians’ superior image in this dark and dying world should not be fading, but brightly shining so people may clearly see and extremely admire the principles of Truth. Worldliness creeping into our Local Churches threatens the high-level image of true Christianity and it blurs our distinct identity in Christ. We must be watchful and prayerful so we may not lose our good name and authority to speak loudly for the Truth. Our testimony must be undeniable for the glory of God.
As we wait for the glorious coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, may our work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope be continually displayed through our lives. We must then be consistent in displaying the banner of truth as we labor together for the furtherance of the Gospel. The Bible says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH
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