Messages
Fresh Faith - Pastor Stuart Price
Fresh Faith
For this reason, when I could no longer endure it. I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labour might be in vain.
1 Thessalonians 3:5
Paul had a great concern for the faith of the church he had planted. It was a baby church, and he had to leave town because of persecution. He wanted to go back, but satan hindered him 1 Thessalonians 2:18 So he sent Timothy to go and see them and bring a report back to him. Please Read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10 to see the whole story. Paul reveals that his primary concern is for faith level of his precious converts. He wants to take a temperature reading of their spiritual health, and faith is what he is looking for.
Verse 2 - and encourage you concerning your faith
Verse 5 - I sent to know your faith.
Verse 6 - Timothy brought us good news of your faith and love.
Verse 7 - We were comforted concerning you by your faith.
Verse 10 - Perfect what is lacking in your faith.
Paul didn’t want to know - How many in the church. How much money they had to pay bills. Do you have a nice building. Good sound system etc.
NO = HOW IS YOUR FAITH?
Paul, Silas and Timothy had been chased out of Macedonia, but they did not abandon the infant churches they left behind. Pastors who love their flocks want to see the people of God standing firm on their most holy faith given to them by God. Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.
That is what faith is. Totally trusting God for every area of your life, whether you fully understand it all or not. The battle of the Christian life has always been not just to believe, but to keep on believing. I see in Acts 14:22 Strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith. Overtime discouragement can creep in and choke out our faith and confession. If we linger in discouragement it can be costly. It’s sense of defeat and hopelessness saps us of energy and vision. I say that discouragement will bring less joy, less strength, less motivation, less attention span, less courage. But encouragement, will bring more faith, more joy, more strength, more motivation, more courage etc.
How is your faith? Has it grown cold & gone dormant etc. Let me encourage you to go again and seek for fresh faith and fresh fire. To go to God’s word and read and study. For faith comes by hearing and hearing through the words of Christ. Romans 10:17
If you need healing or to be set free, start to pray for yourself. Get verses and speak them out, as you release your faith in all the promises of His word. See Romans 4:20b But was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.
If you need prayer, please email me stuart@slcchurch.com.au and I will pray for you, and encourage you in your walk.
Have an amazing faith filled week.
Pastor Stuart & Colleen