God’s Instructions to a mission minded church (I Thessalonians 4)

Finally, then, brothers,^[a] we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.  I Thessalonians 4:1

It was early Monday morning when I first read this chapter.  I had on my mind our day that was coming.  We were headed to the village of Mpyupya.  I have been there many times.  It is one of the darkest and driest places in Malawi.  But God has planted a church and an orphanage in that place. This is where FBC Jackson and Highland Park have invested themselves in adopting children.

I anticipated our visit knowing that you never know what to expect when you get to that village.  But praise be to God, we found once again a mission minded church.  The church was ready for us.  The local pastors had gathered, the children had gathered, and God was in the midst.

Question:  “Can we say our churches are mission minded?”  As Paul wrote to this church, we see his wonderful Spirit directed instruction:

• He directs them concerning their Christian walk, Vs: 3-12.

There is the challenge to walk in the will of God.  God’s will is that we would do the following: we would love one another, we would live quietly, we would interfere in others lives, we would work hard for God.

There is the challenge to be a witness for the glory of God.  We are called to live out what God has liberated us for.

• He directs them concerning the Second-coming, Vs: 13-18.

Because of Jesus resurrection believers will have life beyond the grace.  This is amplified by the glorious return of our Lord.  Because of Jesus Second-coming you and I can be bold in our faith.  This life is not all there is and it is not the end.  We have an eternal future.  We know that Satan will be destroyed and Jesus will rule forever.

Brothers and sisters, this must have been why the church at Mpyupu had so much joy.  Brothers and sisters as a church walks in the will of God for the glory of God, that church will be mission minded.  Brothers and sisters, when a church understands God’s Second-coming, that church will storm the gates of hell without fear!!!

I am honored to serve at First Baptist Church of Jackson Ga.  A mission minded church.