Jonathan Edwards

Very tragic when churches prohibit the gift of prophecy. Much of this stems from false prophets coming into the church and causing problems. Mentally unbalanced church members, sad to say, think they have a prophetic message, in essence, they don't a genuine word inspired by the Holy Spirit. The other problem is that people involved in the occult portray themselves as genuine Christians, but secretly are involved in occult practices. The other issue is that a number of churches actually believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased centuries ago. History proves that glossolalia, prophecy, miracles, eta have occured throughout the centuries. Prophets are you speak 2 or 3 messages, letting others to judge whether or not they have spoken the truth. Basis of judgement is the written Word of God. Any message in tongues or prophecy not in harmony with the Bible, or doesn't come to pass, then it is to be judged false, the speaker most likely was speaking from his own spirit.

At times, we do offer verbal prayers of praise; other times, we have silent times of praise. Though we may have times of sorrow, our prayers though short and simple, touch the heart of God. I believe that the "gift of tongues" should be part of the prayer life of the believer; we pray with "unutterable groanings". During times of dilemmas, we may not know how to pray, we are indeed baffled! Quietly we can pray in tongues; we offer up a sacrifice of praise as we intercede for those in need of salvation, desperate cases, and divine healing. We need to draw nigh into God with Thanksgiving despite going through dark times. There is a constant Bible pattern--praise of God wroughts miracles. The late healing evangelist KATHERINE KUHLMAN constantly stressed the importance of praise. In her healing services, there were reverential times of praise prior to her getting words of knowledge in regards to healings taking place. Christ had a heart of praise during His ministry; He knew what was going to happen on Calvary. Despite numerous rejections, persecutions and sufferings; Christ gave praise to His Father.

They loose their joy in the Lord, prayerfull watchfulness goes out the window. Bitterness, resentments and other negative things deter these believers from focusing totally on the Lord Jesus Christ. The fruits of the Holy Spirit ! The Christain cannot afford to let hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife and seditions to take root in his or her heart. St Paul knew how terrible the works of the flesh were; he knew that the local church would be negatively affected. Not a good witness for the Lord when a church goes on a constant condemning people constantly. We are to be patient to ALL MEN. How we conduct ourselves is very important to those outside the church. Very important to witness for our faith just by how we live each day. Acting kindly and appropriately testifies to the wonderful work of grace in our lives.

The mission of the local church collapses; it's evangelistic mission gets compromised. The pastor could be good as gold; but if the people persist in rebellion against a godly pastor, more problems will ensure. Many times, when there was lack of respect for those shepherds; these shepherds were not esteemed exceedingly abundantly. St Paul knew how crucial it was for the Apostles, prophets,teachers, pastors and the Ministerial staff to be respected and loved for their work's sake. Disrespect will just spread. Endless problems. St Paul knew how crucial it was that there would be agape love present in the local church. 1 Corinthians 13 would be the glue that would hold many congregations together during times of persecutions. Without that type of charity, many new Christians would backslide or just join another cult among the numerous Mystery religions current in Macedonia. A mere replacement is not quick solution unless the congregation and the board of Elders/Presbyters are humble enough to take on a "servant" attitude. Having a holy awe of God is extremely important; the things of God are very sacred. To repeat the sins of Korah can spell disaster for a church or ministry. At times, sadly-a pastor or pastoral team needs to be replaced due to issues of heterodox doctrines, immoral behaviours or just deep problems of matching a congregation with a particular pastor, or a pastoral team/music leader with a different congregation from a different cultural or demographic background.

Each day, the Christian needs to be circumspect. Indifference and being unfaithful have no part in the life of the true believer. We have to have "niptike theoria". We must be recollected in Monday as we tend to our daily duties. Faithful in Bible study and daily prayer. Each day, we don't permit ourselves to be overthrown by temptation. We are a sober people. We aren't like the pagans who indulged in drunken proclivities prior to their conversions to Christ. The Thessalonians were very much involved in such drunken religious rires before they got saved. Watchfulness is very crucial. We are always alert and live godly in Christ. Deep in our hearts we are in prayer even we are driving or shopping. By our lives, we are living Epistles, a sweet aroma, glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ. We are diligent as Christian believers. In this present life, salvation we must sow in the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the Holy Spirit need to bear forth in our lives. At the end of our lives, salvation will be an unforfeitable eternal possession.

"Peace and safety" will be heard. Mistakingly people will think by getting rid of Israel will be no further wars (Zechariah 14). Vainly they think a period of peace and prosperity is on the horizon, but the Lord will come suddenly when Jerusalem is half taken and sudden destruction will be on all the nations at Armageddon (Zechariah 14; Joel 3; Revelation 19:11-21. Unbelievers are going to be in a state of inertia, life for many will continue and resist the conviction power of God. But the wrath of God will occur suddenly much to the surprise of many.

Christains at death go to heaven immediately to await the resurrection of their sleeping bodies. The saints who are in heaven will come back with Him and be reunited with their bodies which will be resurrected in a moment(v 14; 1 Corinthians 15: 51-58). All the Holy angels will accompany Christ to earth (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10), to gather Israel (Deuteronomy 30:4; Isaiah11:11-12) and separate the tares from the wheat (Matthew 13:38-50).

Christ will return on clouds of heaven as specified by Prophet Daniel; Christ ascended to heaven (Acts 1:11). Christ descent will be exactly like His Ascension, actual, bodily, literal, visible with clouds. Men will again see Him with natural eyes (Zechariah 14:1-5; Matthew 24:29-31; 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). The title "Son of Man" is very important. It refers to man's dominion of the earth. Christ is the New Adam; He has come to reconcile the worm like state of man to it's original status prior to the fall. The Christological aspects are amazing! Truly Christ died on the Cross; no phantom, not a made up story. Christ bodily rose from the grave; therefore, the Thessalonians have a real hope, such a cause for joy ! Those asleep in Jesus will be resurrected due to Christ, the instrument through which God brings the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:21; John 5:28).

Connected with idolatry. Apostle Paul knew so well how idolatry and the list of concupiscence we're connected. The Thessalonians came out of such environment. All throughout the Old Testament, we read the terrible consequences of fornication and idol worship. The consequences were devastating;. it was the cause of the demise of King Manasseh, King Solomon and countless others. It against Leviticus 19:2; 2Peter1:4; it is against God's holiness,the Divine nature of God. Inconsistent with the design of the Gospel of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Also it is a sin against the soul. Intrinsic disordered acts have fatal consequences: wasting of the body, wars against the soul, causes shame, eventually poverty will come, and excludes from the Kingdom of God. We must treat our physical bodies with due honor. We are God's workmenship, vessels unto honor and temples of the Holy Spirit.

Yes! It's God's will that men and women live in self control. This is a common teaching in the Judeo-Christian religions including Hinduism. Strict Hindu teachings are explicit in regards to sexual ethics; Chasity is upheld by many of ancient Hindu sages, including Buddhists. But they are not aware of the Holy Spirit who enables us to live in holiness all day long. We don't resort to yoga to be chaste; we rely on God's grace alone to live holy. Rebellion against God and the natural law. Many people don't have understanding how intrinsic disordered acts grieve God and are beneath one's dignity. Marriage is holy. Secret sins will ruin the spiritual lives of Christains. What a tragedy; many Christain couples have tolerated some rather unorthodox things in their marriages. Due to pseudo theological reasonings and modern psychology; people have allowed the Enemy to ruin their marriage covenants. Without boundaries in accordance with the Holy Bible, people allow ungodly behaviours and thoughts that defile their characters and physical bodies. Many cases are full of details of the snares of sins; via the internet, books and bad friends, Christians backslide, they lose their focus. Daily altar and Bible study are neglected.

We are consecrated, separate unto God from a profane, secular and carnal use to be used by God. 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 PETER 2:9 explains this very well. The Prophet Ezekiel constantly reminds us about holy living;. secret sin cannot be tolerated by the Lord God Yahweh. His visions and prophecies and sermons are clarion calls to personal holiness as well as corporate holiness. Those who harbor secret sins cannot be truly sanctified until they repent. We have put on Christ; we wear our baptismal robes. We fulfill our calling to be holy in accordance with 1 PETER 2:9. The "old man" has been crucified. As we grow spiritually, we are formed in the image of Christ. We go from glory to glory as we study the HOLY BIBLE and partake of Holy Communion. The enlarged life means that we go deeper with God; we want more of God....deeper understanding of the Holy Bible and discipleship. We cannot remain in the state of "secret sins". This entire subject of living chastely is incumbent both on single and married peoples. Despite heterodox teachings with many Christain churches that condone sexual aberrations; we must stand on the Word of God 100 %.

We walk in holiness because of the love of God. We want to walk in holiness due to the fact that we are conscious that we have been foreordained before the foundations of the world. Yes, we have rules to go by; however, we focus on the love that has for us. St.Augustine used to stress this theme in his writings. Love of God just transformed his stoney heart, and delivered him from Manicheanism and immoral behaviour. St Mary of Egypt is another great example how the love of God transformed a prostitute into a saint. Mere following of rules for holy living can be a chore. Without the love of God in one's heart, and the grace of the Holy Spirit; we cannot confirm to the Sermon on the Mount. Many people are stuck in Romans 7: they don't know the victory of Romans 8:1 and Acts 2....cannot forget 1 PETER 2:9!

Value of special speakers are very good; a particular speaker may just have a certain methodology that can touch a certain group of believers. I was in the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship for years; we had different speakers that fulfilled Romans 1: 10-11. Each speaker via testimony about Christ Jesus edified countless of souls in need of consolation in sufferings or just be introduced to the Gospel message. I am a firm believer in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Certain speakers are endowed with certain charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit. The late Kathryn Kuhlman was a prime example. She was gifted to reach such a cross section of society. Her memories are eternal. Rev Billy Graham had a particular calling from God; he was able to relate to so many peoples, and so many came to faith in Christ. Perhaps pastors do get stale at times; there fore a new speaker that is prayerfully and living in holiness can bring revival to a church. We are blessed with the Charismatic Pentecostal gifts of the Holy Spirit to be used forthrightly and in utmost seriousness.

They loose heart quickly. Their interior motives come to light when trials, persecutions and sufferings come along. When they take 1 PETER 2:9 seriously, things will get rough. Pressure from their families, neighbors and even from "church congregation" or "deacon board" will discourage the man or woman of God from fulfilling their ministries. School of the Holy Spirit educates us slowly at times. It took 40 years in the desert for Moses to be refined and made ready for his prophetic call. During our seasons of trial and mysterious events; we draw nearer to God. God knows that the inworking of grace must do outworking; our characters need REFORMATION. No unconditional grace. God is under obligation to saints only when they walk in the light and remain true to the Gospel. Grace teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly here and now.

Timothy had to further catechize the Thessalonians in matters of faith, and comfort these new believers in the midst of sorrows and confusion. Indeed his role was very crucial; these Thessalonians needed further instructions on matters pertaining to the Faith. So Paul sent his dear friend to Thessalonia to further catechize them, and comfort them during persecutions. Timothy had his work cut out for him. He had to minister to people who were going through tough times; wondering why tragic things are going on. The persecutions from family and neighbors. Timothy's ministry was indeed sensitive; he was able to use the "balm of Gilead" to confirm and comfort those in sorrow. Timothy was anointed by God for this holy task. The Ministerial assignment was just right for this young minister;. he knew that he had to be prayed up and to seek the Lord constantly. There were no magic bullets no fancy church seminars: just relying on the HOLY SPIRIT to anoint him during this challenging time. This delegation is so essential in the ministry. The Thessalonians needed support during trying times. Apostle Paul was in a tight spot; he had to do something. So he chose Timothy to be his right hand man. The Thessalonians meant the world to him, and he didn't want them to backslide.

It comes down to the word "love". We look forward to rewards due to God's amazing love for us. Origen, an early Church Father and preacher from Alexandria, Egypt wrote eloquently about this profound topic in his commentary on the Song of Songs. We are beckoned to pursue the Bridegroom, our Lord Jesus Christ. The souls won to Christ by his preaching was reward. A crown of glory which cannot fade away. Apostle Paul yearned so much for the Second Coming of Christ; the newly converted would be presented to Christ. We need to have that same apostolic and evangelistic fervor that Apostle Paul. We too feed the flock and preach the Gospel willingly and with a ready mind. We don't vascillate nor pay heed to those who want to engender strife, and engage in useless fables and genealogies . The souls that get converted under our ministries are our crowns of rejoicing because we regard them as trophies of the victory of the Gospel that we preached.

A true father will be a spiritual leader for his spiritual sons and daughters; a shepherd that leads and provides for his family. Melchizedek the High Priest in the Book of Genesis is a prime example. Despite the idolatry that was going on; Melchizedek upheld monotheism and righteous living. Prophet Abraham revered him highly after winning a battle. A spiritual father called by God will be zealous to propogate the Gospel; he is imbued with an agressive spirit to win souls for Christ, and to zealously pastor the new converts. As a father, he has a heart of empathy for those suffering; well aware of the tribulations and heartaches of his spiritual children. Yes indeed! Women have been called throughout church history to be "father figures". A number come to mind: St Catherine of Siena, St Joan of Arc, St Theresa of Avila and women evangelists during the Holiness movement late 19 century. 14th century was indeed very chaotic ! Plagues, church problems, eta--St Catherine was a very remarkable leader that wrought reconciliation amongst foes. St Joan of Arc dressed in soldier's armament and fought valiantly for the glory of God. The church has been blessed by the Holiness preachers in the late 19 th century:. a number of women in the Methodist holiness movement were called to preach, and spread the message of sanctification. In many ways they were "spiritual fathers";. it wasn't common back than for women to be preachers and leaders of churches.

Will not forget my days as a cell group leader back in 1981-1982. Home group Bible studies were a great venue to excercise these motherly qualities. Patience and gentleness are important qualities for a Christian leader; the fruits of the Holy Spirit are developed as well. The Thessalonians were regenerated by the Holy Spirit to such a degree that these qualities were so evident. From worshipping idols and living in sin; they wore their Baptismal robes ! They have put on Christ. Male disciplers could be mentored as they lead a home cell group or when they are out ministering at a jail or nursing home. Training on the job! I will not forget my early days as an outdoor evangelist, and ministry at hospitals. I credit my growth when I was in the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International. Ministering at altar calls, and being a FGBMFI president, I learned a great deal.

Deceit:. Fraudulence, straying from Orthodox church doctrines, teaching cunning fables contrary to the HOLY BIBLE. That which deceives naive believers. Uncleanness: ministering to corrupt passions. Guile: Romans 1:29...falsity, take the bait. The Thessalonians were high and above deceit, uncleanness and guile. Deceit is present in false and heterodox preaching and teaching. Today that is common amongst various churches. Many are not like the Berean church, they don't carefully examine the HOLY BIBLE on matters of faith and morals. This is the downfall of even renowned Evangelical seminaries and churches. Somehow the wheel fell off the cart. It troubles me deeply to see what is happening to churches that should no better. Even the Waldensian church condones Lqbtxyz agendas...a historical pre-Reformation Evangelical church. Even the Methodist Church USA has fallen into deceitful teachings that condone things that are contrary to the HOLY BIBLE and traditional Orthodox teachings. I must continue to be a diligent Bible student always studying and praying overwhat I have studied. This way, I stay clear of deceitful teachings.

Personal courage is essential for both the discipler and the disciple due to the fact that we are not living in a garden of roses. As in other challenges of life, personal courage is intrinsic to getting the job done. The Gospel ministry is not easy; fulfilling one's ministry in accordance with 1 PETER 2:9 demands courage. I can attest to that fact during my years of evangelistic preaching outdoors as well as ministering in skid row in NYC. It was the GOSPEL OF GOD--that captivated the very hearts of Paul, Silas and Timothy. It wasn't just another religion nor another fable. This Gospel was from on high ! They were able to stand for the in the face of strong opposition that proved the very highest value of that their ministry wasn't in vain. Lack of courage is a sign of inertia in the church. Complacency slowly sets in, and the work of evangelism creeps to a halt. 2 Samuel & Isaiah 32 illustrates this very well. King David went into a complacent state of mind as long, and a myriad of troubles ensued. In Isaiah 32, Prophet Isaiah preaches to the complacent women; they were in a state of inertia, not seeking the Lord, they were at ease in Zion. This complacent attitude is the beginning of back sliding. Courage and good old "stickutiveness" are absolutely needed in outdoor evangelistic preaching. The Word of God goes forth despite the hardheartedness of people, and even derision from fellow Christians.

The Christain faith was no passing fancy for the Thessalonians. Their hearts were full of expectation for the Second Coming of Christ. Though they were undergoing persecutions, they firmly believed that the Resurrected Christ is in heaven, to reign, Christ is our Joshua--our heavenly High Priest,preparing a place for us. The Thessalonians had a firm understanding of the connection between Christ's Resurection and our deliverance from the wrath to come at the Second Advent. Christ. We are blessed by the continuous deliverence from the wrath to come. Christ is our PRESENT DELIVERER from the power of sin who will deliver us from the punishment of sin. The Thessalonians were so full of zeal and love for the Parousia of the Lord Jesus Christ. They truly wanted to be ready for the Rapture; despite tribulations and sorrows, they had a true expectation that Christ is the Deliverer. The Thessalonians were not caught up at that time in regards to concise future eschatological events. Issues such exact times and prophetic events were not top on the list. The doctrine of the Parousia is what caught their hearts and minds. Due the election of God and graces given, the Thessalonians radiated the Gospel light by their carefull conduct amongst a crooked and perverse generation. Church of God...Be Rapture ready! Churches have fallen into the "cheap grace" syndrome. The parables of the wide and foolish virgins and the fig tree illustrate my point. Many don't have the fruits of the Holy Spirit,nor do their fulfill their ministries in accordance with 1 PETER 2:9. They have lost their calling to be preachers, prophets, pastors, Apostles. Much of this stems from lack of understanding of the Epistle to the Hebrews: we are called to enter the Holiest of Holies.

Consistent behaviour glorifying Christ was indeed a sure testimony to their conversions. They were living evidences of the truth of Christianity. By their purity of life, unselfish behaviour, and patience in suffering; Christ was glorified. The unbelievers saw their witness. The Cardinal virtues affected the Thessalonians to such a degree that the their pagan neighbors eventually became Christian. We imitate our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ not died as a Sacrifice for sins but lived as an example. Christ had patient endurance in His sufferings. The Thessalonians had joy amidst the tears, a holy joy even in the midst of afflictions. The Thessalonians were teachable; they accepted the message of salvation as a message from God. The example of the Thessalonian church spread throughout Achaia and Macedonia. They were the salt of the earth; they didn't hide their candles under a bushel. Their characters were sanctified by the Holy Spirit to such a degree that others wanted to have what they had. The new believers were mentored by more serious and mature believers;. coming out of paganism and immoral behaviours, the new Christians had a new song in their hearts! They weren't groping for answers; they had the songs of Zion in their hearts despite swift, sharp persecutions.

In our age of rationalism and unbelief, people don't see a true demonstration of the power of God. All throughout church history, signs and wonders followed the preaching of the Gospel:. ministries of St Francis of Assisi and the early Franciscans, St Vincent Ferrer and St Thomas, Apostle to India. Countless others thereafter, preached the Gospel and believed in God for miracles. 1 Corinthians 2:5 is our guidepost! We need the gifts of wisdom and knowledge in the ministry. Many times it will be day by day fulfillment of our Ministerial responsibilities; quietly and dutifully we go about preaching, witnessing and persevering as a mother goes about her daily chores maintaining her home. In God's time and way, God will direct us. Perseverance is truly the work of the Holy Spirit. Will power and human ingenuity can only go so far. Unless the Lord builds the house, they who labor, labor in vain. A true lesson learned. I have personally seen that the spiritual formation system of my former college can only go so far. It was up to my former college classmates to grab the torch and carry on with apostolic endeavors. Sadly, a number of these former classmates went off the tracks into doctrinal errors. The role of miracles was integral in Paul's ministry. Many Thessalonians we're former worshippers of idols and were imbued with false narratives of their pagan gods. The day that they heard the true Gospel with signs following. Just ACTS 4:12 and myriads of Bible texts about JESUS CHRIST. True miracles that bore witness to veracity of St.Paul's preaching. Many got saved and were baptized! If there were miracles today, many would come to the Gospel. Expository preaching is very important as it was for the Apostles; however, something about miracles grabs the hearts of unbelievers or lukewarm Christians. The ministry of Katherine Kuhlman will always remain in my memories. Ms Kuhlman had such a deep belief in God's power to heal.! The Thessalonians had faith, not dead, speculative, or professing faith, but real, living, active productive faith. Lack of this type of zealous faith is one of major causes of the lack of miracles. The new converts we're set free from idolatry and from All sorts of immoral behaviour; they put on Christ when they were baptized into Christ. They had a new song, a new expectation of the miraculous.

In our age of rationalism and unbelief, people don't see a true demonstration of the power of God. All throughout church history, signs and wonders followed the preaching of the Gospel:. ministries of St Francis of Assisi and the early Franciscans, St Vincent Ferrer and St Thomas, Apostle to India. Countless others thereafter, preached the Gospel and believed in God for miracles. 1 Corinthians 2:5 is our guidepost! We need the gifts of wisdom and knowledge in the ministry. Many times it will be day by day fulfillment of our Ministerial responsibilities; quietly and dutifully we go about preaching, witnessing and persevering as a mother goes about her daily chores maintaining her home. In God's time and way, God will direct us. Perseverance is truly the work of the Holy Spirit.

We must keep preaching the Word of God despite opposition. We need to pray about a dire situation and use the gift of wisdom. Prudence is always a factor as well. The Prophet Ezekiel has to use pantomime at times to communicate his prophecies and sermons due to the hard hearts of his listeners. St. Paul didn't make it mandatory that the new converts first had to become Jewish. This methodology upset a number of Jews who made it mandatory that new proselytes had to maintain the Law of Moses. St Paul stood his ground and preached the Cross of Christ; Christ alone paid it all at Calvary. St Paul was very Christ centered. Despite so many problems,his heart was so full of love for Christ. It was the love of God in the heart of Paul that kept him going. A man of prayer and steadfastness; St Paul kept his eyes on the Lord.