Thank the God of truth for each and every stirring sermon, instructive doctrine, family devotion and private reading – these are Gospel means by which the Holy Spirit brings us to our knees, draws forth earnest prayers, floods our souls with light, so we might be stirred to grow in grace in the knowledge and power of Christ.

If you could get rid of all the traditions and build a church from scratch what would it be like? Do you have one particular blueprint, template or model in mind? Would the principle focus be the pulpit, pew or program? I suspect there are as many different shades of opinion on that question as there are Gentle Reformation readers.

If the most biblically-minded, in seeking answers, tend to gravitate towards Acts, the resounding example Paul gives is that of the Thessalonian Church. He begins his letter with thanks for self-evident, genuine faith: he then continues a confident boast, in the election of these saints, with some marks of God’s “Model Church”. Let me just mention THREE:

Firstly, the Power of the Truth

If, by contemporary standards, Paul’s earthy expressions lacked rhetorical polish, this preacher packed a punch – his message, as 1:5 indicates, was Spirit-empowered, Scripture-unfolding, Christ-portraying, mind-enlightening, conscience-penetrating, guilt-inducing, soul-awakening and salvation-bringing.

Our Gospel came to you not only in word but also  in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.

Thank the God of truth for each and every stirring sermon, instructive doctrine, family devotion and private reading – these are Gospel means by which the Holy Spirit brings us to our knees, draws forth earnest prayers, floods our souls with light, so we might be stirred to grow in grace in the knowledge and power of Christ.

Secondly, the Pattern of the Cross

If Silas and Timothy remained for follow-up discipleship, sound foundations were laid in Paul’s initial, intensive, three-week, mission event.

Read More