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We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 1:3 (I Thessalonians)

Thessalonica was a thriving port city, the capitol of Macedonia, along the Egnatian Way. Still today it is a thriving city. The churches here were established on Paul’s second missionary journey, but he was only able to stay a short period of time before local Jews began protesting and persecuting the new converts. For the safety of all, Paul fled, but quickly became anxious for the young congregations and sent Timothy back. Through his friend’s news, Paul learned this church was persevering through its difficulties and writes his first letter, I Thessalonians, to encourage them and give guidance where there might be weakness.

Believing in a risen Savior was great reason to put aside a life of pagan indulgences. While lives were changed there was still a mystery of life after death for the faithful. This concept was new, theology primitive and teaching limited. It was Paul’s desire they understand life is eternal and uninterrupted. In his closing remarks, 5:12-24, Paul gives detailed instruction for correct living.  He points out in chapter 4 verse 8 that all sin is against God. For those who feel justified to use or abuse, remember, mans’ actions toward others are essentially an expression of his sentiments toward Jesus.

With every reason to fail, the congregations of Thessalonica succeeded and thrived. In Paul’s salutation he acknowledged their work founded in faith and love, and perseverance for the things they hope for, but have not seen. Work, sacrifice (labor for which there is no personal gain) and endurance are directly connected to Faith, Hope and Love. Science may teach that all things are made of matter, but the only thing in life that does matter are these…….Faith, Hope and Love.

Happy Weekend,

Gretchen

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the LORD of Heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:24-25 (Acts 16-18)

After writing to the Galatians, Paul is compelled to visit these people, accompanied by Silas. They meet Timothy who becomes Paul’s steadfast companion and mentee. This trip is referred to as Paul’s second missionary journey and Luke, (the author) indicates he began traveling with Paul at this time. 

Paul begins revisiting the churches he previously helped begin. After a vision of a man from Macedonia, Paul went there. Women were near a river praying, so Paul spoke and a woman named Lydia was converted. Paul and company stayed in her home during their stay.

Another day as Paul and Silas were going to a place of prayer, a slave girl with an ability to foresee the future kept calling out to them. For days the men ignored her outbursts, but on this day Paul called to the spirit to leave her.  Her owners were furious over loss of income and had the men arrested. Without trial they were beaten and put in prison. Throughout their night of incarceration they sang praises while the other prisoners listened. About midnight an earthquake freed them from their chains and stocks. The prison guard was terrified for his life, but instead of leaving him in despair, Paul and Silas delivered a message of salvation and he and his family were saved.

Paul journeyed to Athens while Luke remained in Philippi and Silas and Timothy stayed in Thessalonica. In the capitol of philosophy, literacy, science and art, the hub of pagan idolatry, Paul delivered a message of the living God who needs nothing from man, but instead, gives abundantly. Soon, Paul departed for Corinth where he spent one and a half years, supporting himself as a tentmaker with Aquilla and Priscilla, Italian Jews who were forced to flee Rome’s persecution.

Paul was relentless. He was not starting a religion or cult, nor was he pounding out a new morality. He was telling a story of the most wonderful Person the world has ever known. Nothing could keep him, or others, quiet. They knew love and through this they had the key to eternal life. Who can help but share it with the world. May we all refuse to hush!

Love,

Gretchen

“I do not set aside the Grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through The Law, Christ died for nothing.” Galatians 2:21 (Galatians 1-6)

Galatia is a Roman province where Paul’s evangelism has seen many gentiles come to believe. Soon, Jewish teachers who believe all Christians must first become Jewish proselytes, wreak havoc in the new churches. Paul is distraught by this false teaching and pens his most strongly worded letter, paralleling the content of the recent Jerusalem Conference, encouraging a return to salvation through faith, a new covenant relationship with Christ and freedom from The Law.

The argument made by the Jewish leaders is that of Abrahamic heritage made known through shared culture, namely circumcision and dietary restrictions. Paul defends it as faith that made Abraham a man of God and our sharing this faith brings us into kinship with him and his heritage. Anyone who believes Christ is the Son of God and Risen Savior is a child of Abraham and of God.

By restricting salvation to obedience to Jewish Law, these misinformed people attempted to trademark Jesus, yet again, for their personal agendas. The Gospel, the Law of Christ, is known only through faith and manifested in Love.

Have a Lovely Day!

Gretchen

They preached the Good News in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” They said.  Acts 14:21-22 (Acts 12-15)

To the great delight of the Jews who did not believe Christ was the Messiah, Herod Agrippa I unleashed brutal persecution against Christians. The first disciple to be martyred was James, Son of Zebedee, brother to John. Peter was to meet the same fate, but while awaiting execution in a high maximum security prison, an angel arrived and ushered him out. A night of high drama ended with humor when Peter walked to a home where people were holding a prayer vigil and the servant girl, Rhoda, answered the door, couldn’t believe her eyes and ran to tell others, leaving Peter locked out in the alley.

Herod came from a long line of evil minded rulers. His grandfather, Herod the Great, had infant boys put to death to make sure he wasn’t threatened by Jesus’ birth. His son, Aristobulus IV, murdered him. Uncle Herod Antipas beheaded John the Baptist and joined Pontius Pilate in mocking Jesus. A great deal of wickedness in that family tree, but they all met a dark demise, including Agrippa who took ill and died after an especially arrogant season of self worth. Despite the enormous oppression and threat to life, the church expanded exponentially.

Twelve to fourteen years after Paul’s conversion, (he has now adopted the Roman pronunciation of Saul) he preaches a sermon much like Peter’s Pentecost message. Gentiles are now recipients of Grace, but the Messianic Jews struggle with tradition and law and how it applies to moving forward in worship with people of a different culture. There were many that felt Gentiles should be circumcised and become all things Jewish. A conference was created in Jerusalem and after prayer and reflection, it was discerned that Gentiles would not be circumcised, but would respect the dietary restrictions of The Law so there was no interruption in fellowship among all Christians.

The title Christian was first applied at Antioch. This city became the headquarters for Paul’s missionary work. From here he went and here he returned to give accounting of his evangelism. A major pagan hub became the anchor for Christianity. My what God can do when people choose to pray together, get along despite their diversity, and love for the greater good.

Have a Lovely Day,

Gretchen

Then Peter began to speak, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. Acts 10:34-35 (Acts 9:32-11)

The Grace of God had thus far been extended to three groups of people: Jews, Samaritans who observed Jewish Law and proselytes (gentiles who converted to Judaism.) All work of evangelism had been focused here. Now, God introduces a new dimension to His plan to bless all nations. Through a vision, Peter’s entire concept of obedience is reset. He sees much more food as acceptable for ingestion and the appropriateness of interacting socially among gentiles. Cornelius, a Roman military officer who believed in The One True God and gave generously to the poor, sent for Peter and when he arrived to preach, The Holy Spirit fell on those of Cornelius’ household, the uncircumcised. Cornelius became the first non-Jewish convert.

Through the miracles of the Apostles, many came to believe, but for those who already new of Grace and Mercy, God sent visions to redirect their perspective and mission, and to erase preconceived notions that hindered the fulfillment of The Abrahamic Covenant, to Bless all nations. In the near future the Christians all around the world would come into crisis and those with a shared faith would be vital in the sustenance of their brothers and sisters in need. God began to love away prejudices and misconceptions as He extended His hand through His Body, The Church.

There is a thing called Folk Theology. It is a spiritual foundation solely built on hearsay and tradition rather than scripture. Personal engagement with God, through His Word, is essential to correct Christian development and growth. These men had no Gospels or Epistles. They didn’t need them because they walked in person with Christ. Make your Bible the personal belonging that wears out the quickest.

Love,

Gretchen

Those who had been scattered preached the Word wherever they went.  Acts 8:4 (Acts 8-9:31)

The church was probably a year to two years old when Stephen was stoned. This single act unleashed vicious and severe persecution of believers, many of whom remained in Jerusalem following Pentecost to worship and learn from Christ’s apostles. Jewish authority may have been jealous of the fellowship, angered by loss of power and influence, or simply felt annoyance toward an inconvenient Truth, but all realities combined created an extremely dangerous atmosphere in Jerusalem.

This horror did nothing but bring blessing. The early church scattered for their own safety, but they did not halt their testimonies as was expected. They carried the Gospel throughout the known world. The Apostles were too popular and well known to persecute, so they remained in Jerusalem, with the exception of Philip, who traveled to Samaria and had great success in evangelism. Peter and John later followed and brought the Holy Spirit to the new converts. While traveling, Philip met the treasurer of Ethiopia. This man heard the Good News and was reading Isaiah but needed instruction and insight. Philip was available and as a result, the work of the Church entered the African continent.

There was no greater threat to believers than a pharisee named Saul. He was wealthy, educated, influential and made it his life’s work to wipe all remembrances of Jesus off the face of the earth. As he left Jerusalem on a quest to imprison and torture those who had escaped, Jesus met him in person and changed the direction of his mission. Ananias was sent to heal Saul’s blindness and bring him into fellowship with other believers. Like them, he was soon a wanted man, but, for the rest of his life he served the Christ he once tried to destroy with a devotion unmatched in human history.

What man meant for evil, God makes a blessing…….. EVERY SINGLE TIME!

Love,

Gretchen

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to Heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see Heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55-56 (Acts 6-7)

As the church grew, so did its resources. What a lovely thing to have so much to share both spiritually and physically. BUT! There was dispute over the dispersion of assistance among the widowed and orphaned Jews of Jerusalem and the non Palestinian Jews, specifically the Greeks. Those who knew Jesus personally and witnessed His miraculous life were needed to spread the Gospel, so seven trustees were selected, among them, Stephen, a brilliant scholar and orator, to administrate the growing community of believers. This act increased the growth of the early church significantly.

There was regional prejudice among Jews in addition to resistance to the New Covenant and the Christ. Opposition to Stephen’s work grew. He was brought before the same counsel that condemned Jesus to death and like Jesus, he was wrongly accused of blasphemy. Stephen’s defense against those who had been paid to give false testimony was a recital of Old Testament, Jewish History, read in Acts 7:1-19. His face shown like an Angel as he spoke. He pointed to Jewish leadership’s habitual rejection and persecution of God’s prophets and teachers. As he pointed to their sin of injustice in Jesus’ crucifixion the authority became furious and ordered Stephen to be stoned.

Stephen knew his end was near and so, he kept his eyes on Jesus. He repeated the words of Christ, “Don’t hold this sin against them.” Grace and Mercy were not just the words he spoke, but the life he lived and died. As Heaven opened and Stephen met his Savior, Saul, a young pharisee, soon to be brutal persecutor, was watching the church’s first martyr stand firm. Quite possibly, Saul witnessed both Jesus’ and Stephen’s corrupt trials and executions and his heart became ready to receive the vision on the road to Damascus that changed the course of Christianity for all time. Did Stephen’s sacrifice change the world? Yes, and yours will too, guaranteed!

Love,

Gretchen

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6 (Acts 3-6:7)

Each day the new believers met at the Temple grounds. Their astounding growth alarmed the Jewish leadership, who was held in check by the positive opinion of the crowds. One day, as Peter and John walked by the Temple gate called Beautiful, a cripple was begging. Peter heals him, but the Jewish rulers become jealous and question the man. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, explains his miraculous power. Peter, the weak man that very recently allowed fear to deny any knowledge of Jesus, now courageously faces down his master’s murderers, preaches repentance and reminds the Jewish people they are heirs of the prophets and created to bless all nations.

There was trial and tribulation within and without the young Christian community.  Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple, sold some land and pretended to give all the proceeds to the disciples to share with everyone. Their false piety brought an immediate death sentence from God. This did not deter the progress of evangelism. Peter and John were arrested, then freed with a warning, arrested again, freed by an Angel and then flogged with a final warning to cease and desist. They didn’t! There was work to be done.

Acting without formal organization and prompted only by their commitment to Christ, the early Christians multiplied through brotherhood, fellowship and devotion to spreading the Good News. As the Pentecost crowds went home and the city quieted back to normal, God had other plans. This New World Order of love and sacrifice was changing the way life was lived for those who knew salvation. It’s amazing what a little love and sacrifice can do.

Happy Weekend,

Gretchen

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under Heaven. Acts 2:5 (Acts 1-2)

The Acts of the Apostles, written by Luke, give the history of the first 30 years of spreading the Good News and the work of the Church. The disciples were instructed to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. The Feast of Pentecost, or The Feast of the First Fruits followed 50 days after Passover. It was a required celebration so Jerusalem was filled with Jews from all over the known world, each with his/her own native language. Peter began to preach Jesus as the Messiah and resurrected Savior. Miraculously, everyone begins hearing the message in a tongue they understood. Peter indicts the Jews for demanding and allowing Jesus to be crucified, but followed with the hope of forgiveness. Thousands repented of their sin and were baptized.

This event marks the beginning of the Church. There was an immediate sense of community for sharing and sustaining one another, The Body of Christ began to live life to its fullest.

Jesus knew the perfect moment in time and place to present a message that would go throughout the world. It is known that many of those who came to believe that day, returned to their homelands and waited years before the first missionaries came and helped them build congregations to teach and encourage. Yet, they persevered because their lives were transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and a message that was not bound by man’s language. Heaven’s Love, Mercy and Grace brought a new life’s order, hope worth waiting for and a faith that could endure for all time.

Never forget, YOU too, are the church. YOU are one of them!

Love,

Gretchen

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

As Jesus ascends into Heaven His followers are directly instructed to evangelize the world through their personal testimonies regarding His life, death and resurrection. Let’s take a close look at this plain and simple command.

Therefore: Because of one thing, another must happen.

Jesus has been given all power in Heaven and on earth. He commands action from those who have experiences His power.

Go and Make:  Verbs, meaning to proceed from one place to another and bring something into existence by changing and shaping existing parts.

Disciples: Lifetime followers of Christ.

Jesus rose, never more to die and is with us, guiding and protecting. The Gospels were written to preserve the teachings, life and miraculous works of Jesus so every generation of every nation may know and believe. The commander of all Heaven and earth is personally connected and involved in every person’s life. He commands those who know to go and spread the Good News.

Despite initial questions and doubt, time proved each one of this original group stood faithful and became the vibrant force that is Christianity, the Church, the Body of Christ, but the call is as eternal as the age. We must go!

Stayin’ Busy,

Gretchen