“Power and Joy in Ministering God’s Word”

May 27, 2012 1Thess 1:4-6, 2:8-13,19-20  Play AUDIO (32 kbps mp3)

POWER: WIRED TO RECEIVE GOD’S SIGNALS

●    router conforms to signal sent by laptop for communication
●    “word” suitable method by which God as Spirit expresses Himself
●    humans made in God’s image, with spirit-component that corresponds to God’s nature
●    God’s word provided to us for our benefit
●    actively pierces to our deepest core, where soul and spirit meet
●    Thessalonians experienced God’s word coming with power, deep conviction, working in them

PRIORITY OF THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

●    ministry of the word, and pastor-teacher office, vital from church’s origins
●    hold firmly trustworthy message, encourage by sound doctrine, refute opponents

PRODUCT OF THE PREACHING

●    Paul lived out message with toil, hard work
●    not burdensome but helping
●    holy, righteous, blameless
●    live lives worthy of God
●    Mother Teresa: choosing the poorest shoes

PRECIOUSNESS OF THE PASTORAL RELATIONSHIP

●    loved dearly so willing to share lives as well
●    mother’s gentleness, father’s encouragement / comfort / urging

THE PERFECT PASTOR

●    appearance to suit everybody; always visiting, always available
●    chain-letter approach not guaranteed