Things To Do In Order To Be A Highly Effective Christian Series

THINGS TO DO IN ORDER TO BE A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN

1 Thessalonians 1:1-4

INTRODUCTION: We are always searching for something more effective, something to do the job better. Magazines, shows, radio stations, etc. are full of contests, trials, and surveys seeking to find the best of something in every category imaginable. Paul, here in the book of 1st Thessalonians is giving high praise to the church in Thessalonica. Rare is this level of praise from Paul. So, one could say that we have a “best of” church here. And we should look to this church as a model for behavior, activity, purpose, and resolve. Now being the best does not mean to be devoid of problems, but that the problems are far overshadowed by the positives and those problems that are there are not inhibiting ministry, and are being dealt with.

So, in the time we have this morning, I would like to share with you 5 things to do for the highly effective Christian!

1 Thessalonians 1:1-4 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. 2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,

I REMAIN FAITHFUL TO CHURCH

A Paul writes his letter and his praise to the church in Thessalonica, not the believers of Thessalonica!

B Does not mean believers are not good or not doing good things but that the focus of positive effort is associated and accomplished through the church.

C Included in your bulletins today is a recent “Counselor” from Dr. Dick Sparling that deals with the issue of church attendance, please let me quote you a couple of areas

1 “Now to be fair, there are those who have legitimate reasons for not being able to attend, …but these are in the minority.”

2 “The Scripture admonishes us, "Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together (as believers) as is the habit of some people, but admonishing - warning, urging and encouraging - one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching." (Heb. 10:25 AMP). That could not be clearer. Assembling is not a choice but a responsibility. It is where we fulfill our responsibility to God for worship but also our responsibility to fellow Christians to encourage or strengthen them, and to be encouraged. “

3 “So concerning the matter of attendance comes the question, what do we believe? Is it a matter of choice or responsibility?”

SO AT THE VERY ONSET OF THIS MESSAGE, I NEED TO ASK YOU IF YOUR ARE FAITHFUL TO THE CHURCH? DO YOU SEE AND EMBRACE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY?

ARE YOU FAITHFUL TO THE CHURCH?

II BE CHURCH PEOPLE

A Paul writes “to the church of”

B Church is not a building, but people

C Our church should be a church

1 that is comprised of all the people.

2 that is built upon all the people.

3 that acknowledges the importance of all the people.

4 that involves and uses the gifts of all the people.

5 that recognizes and esteems the presence and contribution of all the people.

D Being church people involves service as church people

1 As a church we have ministry positions that need people in order to run effectively

2 As a church we have people that are qualified to fill ministry positions in order that these ministries can run effectively

3 Yet, when asked, they say no.

AND SO I HAVE TO ASK – ARE YOU REALLY BEING A CHURCH PERSON? ARE YOU ABLE AND QUALIFIED TO ASSUME A POSITION OF MINISTRY AND LEADERSHIP AND AT THE SAME TIME REFUSING TO STEP UP, OR PURPOSEFULLY KEEPING YOURSELF FROM SERVING?

ARE YOU MISSING FROM MINISTRY?

III BE GROUNDED ON THE RIGHT FOUNDATION

A Grounded on God the Father

1 The Image of Father is an image our Security in God

2 The Image of Father is an image of our love from God

3 The Image of Father is an image of our strength from God

B What we Believe determines whether we are a church or not!

1 The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

the Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day He arose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven