THE TESTIMONY OF A LOVING CHURCH. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Transcription

1 THE TESTIMONY OF A LOVING CHURCH 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

2 1 Thessalonians 4: Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,

3 1 Thessalonians 4: and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

4 The 5 Asian Love Languages 1) Words of Affirmation = Lecturing. 2) Quality Time = No time to play. You play piano 3) Physical Touch = You get B+? You get spanking. 4) Acts of Service = You have enough to eat? Here, you eat more. 5) Gifts = I pay for your tuition. I make you food. What more do you want? Sam Louie, Psychology Today, 6/28/14

5 I. The Foundations Of A Loving Testimony Begins Within The Church 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

6 A. A Loving Testimony Is Consistently Observed By Others 9a Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you,

7 4 Greek words for love Agape sacrificial love Phileo friendship love Stergo family love Eros sensual love

8 B. A Loving Testimony Imitates God s Love By Reaching Out As Christ Did 9b for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, John 15: This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

9 Thom Rainer Autopsy of a Deceased Church The church refused to look like the community. The church had no communityfocused ministries.

10 How To Reach Your City: Know your City Engage in your City Communicate in your City Pray for your City

11 Know your City Read the local papers or websites/tweets Know the demographics

12 Belmont Population 25,835 (2010 US Census) 10,575 households 30.7% households with children under 18, 53.2% married opposite sex couples, 7.8% female (no husband), 3.7% male (no wife), 4.8% unmarried opposite sex partners, 0.9% same sex partners Average Household size: 2.3 Average Family size: 2.9 Racial profile: White (67.6%/17,455), Asian (20%/5,151), Hispanic/Latino (11.5%/2,977), African American (1.6%/423), Pacific Islander (0.8%, 198), Native American (0.3%/72), Other Races (6.1%/1,572)

13 Religion in Belmont 46.12% religious 34.66% Catholic 1.87% LDS 1.14% Baptist 1.51% Presbyterian 4.2% other Christian gion/city/california/belmont 0.81% Jewish, 0.95% Eastern, 0.62 Islam

14 Engage in your City Volunteer in school Volunteer in community events Set up a church booth at a walk-athon or festival Operate a preschool in the church Put on a Senior Luncheon Participate in food distribution Participate in local politics and civic organizations Day Camp Sports

15 Communicate in your City Participate in community meetings Get to know the teachers in your school and care for their needs Go on a police ride-a-long Hang out at a coffee shop or café with the intention of meeting people

16 Pray for your City Prayer walk your neighborhood and downtown Pray for local leaders, teachers and other evangelical churches

17 C. A Loving Testimony Is Focused On Meeting Needs Of Others 10a for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia.

18 II. The Features Of A Loving Testimony Extends To Our Community 1 Thessalonians 4:10b-12

19 A. Make Peace Rather Than Waves 10b But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11a and to aspire to live quietly,

20 B. Mind Our Own Business, Don t Be Nosy Or Gossipy 11b and to mind your own affairs, 2 Thessalonians 3: For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

21 C. Demonstrate A Good Work Ethic So We Don t Depend On Outsiders 11c and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 We commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

22 Conclusion: 1. How can you sharpen your testimony in the workplace, school or community? 2. How would you like to be involved in shining the light of Christ in your community?