Sun 6 Dec

What do you look for in a church? If you were to move to another area, be it city or regional or country what would you seek in a church? These are questions we are challenged to think through when we move from place to place.

The apostle Paul was keeping tabs on a church he and his mission team had planted in the Greek city of Thessalonica. The planting of the church had not always been smooth and eventually the team had to leave, leaving some very young in the faith Christians behind to carry on the task of proclaiming the good news.

As Paul draws this first letter to a close he reflects on what makes the Christian church distinctive. He considers what is important in the church. We may take many of the instructions for granted, but remember most of these young in the faith Christians did not come from a Christian background, they were coming out of pagan belief systems.

Even we would struggle with some of the instructions. Respect those in leadership. Live in peace with each other. Be patient with everyone. Do not pay back wrong for wrong. Be kind. Give thanks in all circumstances. Do not quench the Spirit’s fire. Test everything. Be open to the sanctification God wants to work in your life.

Hang onto the promises God gives you. “The God who calls is faithful and He will do it.” What would you look for in a church?