Damary Alembi

(1 Thessalonians 2:3-6) Which of the character flaws mentioned in these verses is the greatest problem in the church? These character flaws are insincerity and dishonesty. We have seen that all these leads to i.e. misguided belief, impure motives, Trickery, intentional deceit, men-pleasers, flattery, greed and reputation or fame. Why do you say that? This is because Christian workers are not immune from it. People have been confused. Some have begun to serve God and do his will but later they come to see ministry as a job, a profession, and a way of earning a living, enjoying status and exercising power. They have become corrupt. How can you prevent one of these character flaws from overtaking you? I can prevent one of these character flaws from overtaking me by not allowing myself to remain a child but endevour to grow in Christ by learning more of his word.

(1 Thessalonians 2:2) Why is personal courage such an important character trait for a disciple -- and for a discipler? Courage enables one to take risks. It helps a lot in the spiritual warfare, it comes in handy especially when facing trials and hardships. Courage helps one to speak freely, openly, and fearlessly. It is vital to the success of Christ’s kingdom. It enables one to be strong and fearless. How does lack of courage prevent evangelism? One will not be able to fight as there are many challenges that one faces and without having courage, one cannot succeed. You will meet resistance and hardship of sorts that will need fighting through. Unless you are courageous you cannot continue and therefore, unable to take risks necessary to propagate the Christian faith. How does lack of courage prevent a congregation from being healthy? Lack of courage prevent a congregation from being healthy in that no one will dare come out and defend the purpose. It causes the number of believers to dwindle as there is no one to stand up to the task.

What does verse 10 teach us about the Christian faith? 1 Thessalonians 1 verse 10 teaches us to learn to wait for God’s Son, Jesus Chirst to come from heaven, whom he raised from the dead. Who rescues us from the coming wrath. Which of these elements are most important? The most important element is faith and patience in waiting upon the lord Jesus Christ. Which are underemphasized by the church in our day? The reality of sin and that the wrath of God against sin is surely coming.

How important is imitation in the formation of a new Christian's spiritual life? Imitation is important in the formation of a new Christian’s spiritual life. This is so especially when the one you want to imitate is a good role model or mentor. Imitation is derived from good mentorship, role model. It is important especially if you know the character of the one who is being imitated. It is a follow in the steps of the one leading or teaching. Why is the character of the mentor or leader so important to the health of the church? The character of the leader or mentor is important because if it is not so then the imitators will have twisted characters. The leader/mentor must imitate and have faith in Christ. Must be one who is convicted. How well do people grow in Christ who aren't part of a Christian community? It is difficult for people who are not part of a Christian community to grow in Christ. The Christian faith portrayed for us in the bible exist in community. People who isolate themselves from the Christian Community miss out on vital character formation that Christ intended. i.e (i) Role model to emulate and (ii) Spiritual gifts in the body to build and help us grow healthy. The Christian church is God’s plan to help mature us and to involve us in Christ’s mission to our communities. In what way is your character important to your family and spiritual children? My character is important to my family as I am expected to provide a good example to those who will pattern their lives after what they see in me. This is a guiding factor for imitation since I expect them to imitate me. I have to portray the best character of me that I would want those who will pattern their lives after what they see in me to emulate; to be a model. No one would want to be a bad role model. We expect to get the best out of our families and so it is our duty to do all that it takes to bring the best out of it all. One expects to harvest bounty of what is planted.

Q2. Why is the Holy Spirit's working so necessary to effective ministry? The Holy Spirit’s working so necessary to affirm God’s power and presence. What is the role of miracles in Paul's evangelism? Miracles is the power of conviction that results in repentance and faith. The role of miracles in Paul’s evangelism is evident enough because of whom he believes in and also preaches to others. It is a power-house to strengthen/stress on the preaching. What would happen if we saw miracles in evangelism in our day? Deep conviction would result in repentance and faith. Without revival, so many of the conversions we see are intellectual and emotional in nature and often they do not get to the inner person. What is hindering this? Unbelief in miracles. People have refused to believe God for miracles as some think that, that was a thing of Old Testament. Those who are gifted are neglected. We need to seek out those gifted people and nurture them. We need to learn how to pray and trust God, listen to his voice, hear what he is saying and obey (do as he has commanded).

I am a Kenyan currently working in Somali as a Peacekeeper. I am exited to learn the word of God

Q1. Why do you think there was so much strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica? There was so much strong opposition to Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica because the Jewish people were not happy with him as he was attracting such a large following and so seek to stop him. He was converting even people of high class caliber i.e. wives of high rank officials and wives of city officials as well as Gentiles from the working class. He was converting both the Jewish and the Gentiles. Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him? God had chosen Paul through the power of Holy Spirit that became unique. Paul had a call and conviction of preaching the word of God. One cannot resist if called to do God’s work. The Spirit of God was with Paul. Does a violent reaction to our ministry necessarily mean we should stop? A violent reaction to our ministry does not necessarily mean we should stop preaching the Gospel as long as we are preaching the right word. All we need is to stay focused.