WHAT IS THE GOSPEL

52.6 I Thessalonians 1:5

Pastor/Teacher Charles E. Whisnant

What is the Gospel? Just ask the typical American evangelical or fundamentalist the

question? Here is what you will likely hear: “Believe in your heart that Jesus died for your

sins and you will be saved.”

NOTE SOME SCRIPTURES ON “WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?”

o Mark 1:14-15 and Matthew 2:14

Jesus was saying then, that the gospel is preaching the kingdom of Christ, kingdom of God

which was breaking into this present world through the life, death, resurrection and

ascension of the Messiah. The Gospel, then, is the message of the Kingdom. Repenting and

believing is the means by which we are included in the gospel story of God‟s work

throughout history.

God is redeeming for Himself a people out of a fallen world: we enter into the gospel story

by grace through faith alone.

o Romans 1:1-6

We think of the Gospel as “the way of salvation.” There is another idea: “Redemption

accomplished.” is another way of saying the same.

There is a “history of salvation:” i.e. what God has done objectively throughout Biblical

history to accomplish the redemption of the world and of His people. The history of

salvation is found in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The first verse to mention the

process of salvation is Genesis 3:15.

REDEMPTION APPLIED: This is how the redemption purchased by Christ becomes real in

the life of the believer.

Generally, all we ever learn about the Gospel and Salvation is “to repent and believe and be

baptized.” There is so much more to the process than this.

THE WORD GOSPEL MEANS „GOOD NEWS” Isaiah 52:7. Cf. Psa 93:1, Rom. 10:15.

MARK 1:1 “The beginning of the gospel <2098> of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

When was the beginning of the gospel? If the historical events of Jesus Christ did

not happen, then Christianity does not “work”. For the good news is that God has entered

the human “now” (history) with the life of the world to come.

Jesus Christ and the Gospel are the same. Jesus does not bring the gospel – He is

the gospel – because the gospel is that God has broken into history and accomplished

everything necessary for our salvation.

The gospel: “the gospel of the kingdom.” cf Luke 16:15, Matthew 4:23, 34:14.

The gospel is the message about the Kingdom of God entering into this world

through the ministry of Jesus Christ on our behalf.

THEN THE QUESTION BECOMES, HOW DOES ONE ENTER INTO THIS KINGDOM?

Matthew 18:3

How do I become a part of the new creation? cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17

What must I do to be saved? Cf. Acts 16:30 The answer of course is:

o “Repent and believe the gospel” mark 1:15

SO THE QUESTION WILL THEN BE: how does the gospel become real in our lives? i.e.

how is redemption applied to us?

The term “redemption” is used to express how one becomes a Believer, a Christian, and is

born again.

WHY IS THE GOSPEL SO IMPORTANT TO PREACH?

Because we see that all human beings are incapable of entering into the kingdom of god

on their own – that is – for us it is impossible to merit our own salvation. We are wholly

dependent upon the graciousness of our god for our salvation in every step along the

process described in Romans 8:28-30.

PREACHING THE GOSPEL? It’s the Christian life. It is the way in which we communicate

the work of Christ to others, so that the story of their life might be found within the

grand story of god’s redemption.

Is your story found within the story of god’s redemption? Have you become a part of the

grand narrative in which our lives tell he story of His glory and His redeption.

THE GOSPEL is, but more than “being saved” It’s redemption accomplished. The story of

Jesus, is how our salvation was accomplished by the work and words of Jesus Christ. The

story how God is redeeming His people for Himself to live in His New Heaven and New Earth

(Heaven)

FIRST THESSALONIANS SERIES

PASTOR/TEACHER CHARLES E. WHISNANT

FOUR INGREDIENTS THAT MAKE THE GOSPEL EFFECTIVE

1THESSALONIANS 1:5B 52.8

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in

the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; 1 Thess 1:5 (KJV)

THE SETTING FORTH OF THE GOSPEL MESSSAGE MUST HAVE FOUR INGREDIENTS TO

OPEN THE DOOR TO SAVING FAITH.

1A “THE GOSPEL CAME: NOT UNTO YOU IN WORD ONLY”

1B The GOSPEL must be preached IN WORD.

Romans 10:17, Mark 16:15-16, 1Corinthians 9:16-17, Acts 11:14, Titus 1:2-3, I Corinthians

1:21, Romans 10:13-15.

2B BUT NOT IN WORD ONLY: Not merely a dramatic speech (a hollow and heartless

rhetoric.) But with right content and meaning.

2A BUT ALSO IN POWER: <1411> Divine Energy. Truth announced in divine energy. 2

Corinthians 4:3-4. Matthew 22:29, 1 Corinthians 4:20 Luke 1:35.

“POWER” our word is dynamo, or dynamic.

The dynamic of the Gospel: Phil 3:10, Act 1:8, Eph. 1:18-19. Power of the resurrection.

The dynamic of the Gospel that works inside believers: Romans 1:16, 15:13, 2 Corin. 12:9.

The dynamic of the Gospel must come into your heart.

The dynamic of the Gospel came into their life and changed them. Galatians 2:20.

3B IN WORD, IN POWER, IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Paul preached with conscious power and the Spirit was with them, and they experienced an

overwhelming conviction of the truth of their message. 2 Corinthians 2:1-5. Acts 1:8

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO EXPERIENCE THIS POWER:

An unusual energy in your heart.

An unusual clarity in your mind.

An unusual facility with words.

“A sense God is pulling all the factures, all the dynamic of communications together and

something is happening which transcends you.” Quote. Isaiah 55:7.

4B IN WORD, IN POWER, IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, IN MUCH ASSURANCE

<4136>

In full conviction, full assurance, and confidence. Colossians 2:2, Hebrews 10:22, Acts

17:31, Hebrews 6:11.

When they preached, they knew in that experience God was working and God was working

through them to affect something in those to whom the powerful message came.

Paul, Timothy, and Silas believed the message that he preached. They were powerful, Holy

Spirit driven, confident, and assured of the message they preached.

And they knew by their experience, in these four areas that those in this church were

elected by God.

WHEN someone has sat under the powerful, Holy Spirit anointed, convicting

preaching/teaching of the true Gospel, and they really understood it and came to them in

the energy of the Spirit of God, that is a good indication that they were dealing with the

reality of salvation.

FIRST THESSALONIANS SERIES —

Pastor/Teacher Charles E. Whisnant

Results of A True Reception of the Gospel 52.9

The spiritual technique that made the gospel effective in such a hostile environment.

Four Things Need to be present to make the Gospel effective: vs. 5 In Word, In Power In the Holy Spirit, In Assurance.

1A "AS YOU KNOW."5e Silas, Paul, and Timothy lived what they

were recommending the Gospel would do.

2A "WHAT WE WERE AMONG YOU . " They knew what kind of men

they were. They knew them well to be what they preached

Like Christ: Matthew 8:27, Acts 20:18,19, 33-35 I Corinthians 2:1-5

TRUE SAVING FAITH WILL MANIFEST ITSELF IN THESE WAYS:

1B PRODUCTION 2B EFFECTION 3B CONTINUATION 4B PRESENTATION

HOW CAN WE KNOW IF WE ARE A TRUE "ELECT" CHURCH :

1B Active Faith 2B Love Labors

3B Patient Hope 4B Preaching Powerful

These points in messages 52.4, 5, 6, 7

Vs 6 "AND YOU BECAME<1096> FOLLOWERS<3402> OF US.

o Next mark of a True Believer: “A NEW TRANSFORMATION. "

3A “A LIFE THAT IS NEW" . vs. 6

o They became "imitators" of Paul and of Christ."Followers." Gr. "mimetos" or word mimic, imitators, or little copies. "You became little copies."

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR ONE TO BECOME A LITTLE COPY?

HOW DOES BEING BORN AGAIN SHOW UP IN THE LIFE OF ONE WHO HAS BEEN SAVED? In the moment of Salvation comes newness.

o They copy the godly instead of copying the ungodly. They "made us their model of life, even as we are in Christ." Paul said.

They were nothing till the Gospel came. "You're nobody till somebody loves you." the old song goes. Well, you are nobody until Jesus loves you, and saves you and then you become a somebody.

The gospel came; you believed and received. Gal. 2:20. Isa. 53:6, John 1:12 Mark 1:17.Like a model believer. I Cor. 4:6, Php 4:9 2Cor 5:17 and Gal. 6:15. They mimic the preacher. Mimic me.

The ideal of imitating Christ applies to three things:

Holiness, Love, Suffering I Peter 1:15

4A THE LIVING OBSERVATION OF CHRISTIAN CHARACTER; JOY THAT TRANSCENDS . VS. 6b

"HAVING RECEIVED<1209> THE WORD<3056> IN MUCH AFFLICTION <2347> WITH JOY <5479> OF THE HOLY GHOST

No matter how tough the experience, they never lose the joy because the Spirit dispenses that joy in His own.

“HAVING RECEIVED THE WORD." The gospel.

They seem to have been thrown into the flames of persecution. Acts 17:1-9 tells the story. They stood up under the heat.

"MUCH AFFLICTION" Gr. thlipsei. tribulation. Intense pressure, confining pressure. Heb. 6:12, I Thess. 3:14.

It cost them something I Thess. 3:3. They had real problems as a result of receiving the Word. After becoming a Christian, they had to pay for it.

HOW DID THEY RESPOND TO AFFLICTION?

"With love of the HOLY SPIRIT” “I see the Joy of the Holy Spirit”

Supernatural joy. A joy that transcends earthly happiness.

How can you have affliction and joy at the same time?

o First Peter 1:6. Matthew 13:5-6

o The sower and the seed. Some at first receive the Word with joy, but when the pressure comes, they are gone. Here is a false joy, an emotional joy.

o Rom. 5:1-2, Acts 5:41, Gal. 5:22-23, Phil. 4:4, Rom 14:17. Neh 8:10, John 15:11. The believers received the Words of the Gospel, with its power, by the Holy Spirit, with much assurance, with much tribulation, and yet also had "the joy of the Holy Spirit. This could be called JUBILATION. 52.9

FIRST THESSALONIANS SERIES—Pastor/Teacher Charles E. Whisnant

God's Little Copies Sounding Forth

52.10 RIVERS OF JOY BAPTIST CHURCH 10/12/08

THE BELIEVERS WHO HAD THE RIGHT STUFF TO MAKE A POWERFUL LOCAL ASSEMBLY.

They not only had the evidences that they had been "elected," but also had the necessary character to make a local body of believers what it ought to be.

WHAT IT TAKES TO HAVE CONTAGIOUS CHRISTIANITY! 52.1 - 52.11

THE CHARACTERISTIC OF A REAL BORN AGAIN SAVING FAITH: Production, affection, continuation, presentation, transformation, jubilation. (52.3, 5, 7 and 8 , 9 messages)

TODAY: vs. 7 "SO THAT <5620> YE <5209> WERE <1096> ENSAMPLES <5179> TO ALL <3956> THAT BELIEVE."

NO. 7 A LIFE THAT IS EXEMPLARY: vs 7

1A THE RESULT OF BEING IMITATORS:

IB "SO THAT." conj. clause to introduce a actual result.

Because they had become imitators of Paul and the Lord and they continued to receive the Word of the Lord in much tribulation but with joy in the Holy Spirit, they had become

2B YE WERE "ENSAMPLES." noun Gr. tupous.

This word is rendered, pattern, copy, a blow, an impression, a mark of a blow. John 20:25, Acts 7:44, Heb 8:5, ICor 10:6, Php 3:17, IThess 1:7, ITh 3:9 and ITim 4:12. This term could be rendered, fashion, figure, form, manner, print, model, image, status.

They were not disciples only but imitators. They were set in type by the Printer, and the copy came out in exact reproduction.

This congregation itself took on a copy of the Gospel of Christ. This call for an exemplary life: IPet 5:3, Titus 2:7.

IMPRINTS: This congregation became exact reproduction that they were imitating. They were not perfect, they lacked in maturity.

The believers were stamped with Christ's likeness and thus became the die for others.

A LIVING ILLUSTRATION: Show me a picture of a believer! One living copy of a believer is worth a 1000 sermons to an unbeliever.

Christians are not lifeless skeletons....a dry, lifeless bulk, exhibiting nothing of person, place, time, or matter, but rather motion, rendering truth in the reality.

Christians are virtuous examples, informed, animated, alive and in motion.

WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN IB A GOOD SERMON. 2B A GOOD BOOK.

3B A CHANGED LIFE FROM SOMEONE YOU KNEW WAS A SINNER BUT BECAME A REAL CHRISTIAN.

3A "TO ALL." They model the pattern of Christ. They were known for their example of Christ, not Caesar

NO. 8 A WITNESS THAT IS STRONG: vs. 8

vs. 8 "FOR FROM YOU SOUNDED <1837> OUT THE WORD <3056> OF THE LORD. NOT ONLY IN MACEDONIA AND ACHAIA BUT ALSO IN EVERY PLACE YOUR FAITH <4102> TO GOD-WARD <2316> IS SPREAD <1831> ABROAD <1831> SO THAT WE NEED NOT TO SPEAK ANY THING."

1A "SOUNDED OUT." Gr. execheo. Sound-forth. A continuing activity noun. A word that suggests an echoing like thunder or sounding out as a trumpet.

WHAT IS SOUNDING OUT FROM BELIEVERS?

An exemplary life which tells others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What is sounding out? Like a radio transmitting station...the Words of the Lord is coming forth.

2A "YOUR FAITH WAS GOD-WARD."

THIS GROUP OF BELIEVERS WERE GOD'S TRUMPETS:

They were blasting forth the Gospel. The Word of God was sounding-out, clear, loudly.

What was sounding out? The note of purity rang out. Some are loud talking about the Gospel and live in vain the gospel. These had a loud talk and a loud witness.

3A "IS SPREAD ABROAD."

They were in a city where people were coming in from all over the Empire. And those people saw the Gospel being sounded out. They were known by what they preached. A holy life is the best transcript of the Word.

4A "SO THAT WE NEED NOT TO SPEAK ANY THING."

They were coming up to Paul and telling him of their faith and life, he did not have to say anything about them.

Let me ask, do you desire a local assembly that is contagious??

It starts with you, do you have the character of a true born again elect believer? Remember this group of believers were young in the Lord, little leadership, no preacher at the on staff at that

time. The character of a local assembly is found in the body of believers in that body. A contagious Christianity is bound up in the sounding forth of the Gospel by the believers, in word and in deed

THE TRUMPET CHURCH OR THE SOUNDING BRASS CHURCH

1 THESSALONIANS 1:7-9 52/11

8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your

faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves show of us what

manner of entering in we had unto you 1 Thess 1:7-9 (KJV)

For (A)

the word of the Lord has (B)

sounded forth from you, not only in (C)

Macedonia and (D)

Achaia, but also (E)

in every place

your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. 9For they themselves report about us what

kind of a (F)

reception we had with you, and how you (G)

turned to God (H)

from idols to serve (I)

a living and true

God,” (NEW AMERICAN STANDARD VERSION)

Cross references:

A. 1 Thessalonians 1:8 : Col 3:16; 2 Thess 3:1

B. 1 Thessalonians 1:8 : Rom 10:18

C. 1 Thessalonians 1:8 : Rom 15:26

D. 1 Thessalonians 1:8 : Acts 18:12

E. 1 Thessalonians 1:8 : Rom 1:8; 16:19; 2 Cor

2:14

F. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 : 1 Thess 2:1

G. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 : Acts 14:15

H. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 : 1 Cor 12:2

I. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 : Matt 16:16

What kind of sound was coming out of the church body of believers? Clear notes:

No hesitation in their witness A Penetrating Sound

An Musical Sound An Rousing Sound

WHAT WE KNOW OF THIS CONGREGATION, Paul said, “The whole world is ringing with the voice of the Word of God sounding from you.” Some talk loud about the Gospel and walk the Gospel live in vain. Some talk loud with a holy, righteous witness. A TRUMPET OR SOUNDING BRASS?

IT TAKES BREATH TO BLOW THE TRUMPET? We are the trumpet the breath to sound the trumpet is God.

The indwelling Divine Holy Spirit dwelling within us, breathing through us that the harsh discords of our natural lives become changed in to melody of praise and music of witness for Him.

HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN IN THE BELIEVER?

Keep Christ near. Live in communion with God. Let Him breathe through you.

WHAT IS SOUNDING OUT?

The Word of God. The best transcript of the Word is a Holy Life.

PULPIT REFLECTORS – The Gospel truth, was reflected in the holy lives of the church body.

YOU FAITH IS STILL ROLLING ON…. GOD’S TRUMPET THERE WAS LITTLE SPIRITUAL EROSION

1b No hesitation in witness.

2b An penetrating sound.

3b An musical sound.

4b An rousing sound.

5b It takes breath to blow the trumpet?

“The indwelling divine Holy Spirit dwelling within us and breathing through us. That the harsh discords of our natural lives become changed into melody of praise and music of witness for Him.”

1c Keep Christ near.

2c Live in communion with God.

3c Let Him breath through you.

WHAT IS SOUNDING OUT?

A holy life is the best transcript of the Word. The best advertisement for the church is the message of the Christian in the workplace.

A FAITH THAT WORKS

A LOVE THAT LABORS

A PATIENT THAT STAYS

EXPERIENCE PREACHING THAT WAS POWERFUL

A LIFE THAT IS NEW

A JOY THAT TRANSENDS

A BEHAVIOR THAT IS EXEMPLARY

A WITNESS THAT IS STRONG

AN ALLIGNENCE THAT SUBMISTS

HOW DO WE KNOW THEY WERE THE ELECT? THEY WERE CONVERTED

FROM IDOLS TO CHRIST

Pastor/Teacher Charles E. Whisnant 52.12

9For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, NEW AMERICAN STANDARD

9 For they themselves shew (SHOW) of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from

idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus,

which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thess 1:8-10 (KJV)

THEY THEMSELVES. People in general.

they themselves (have the start of us in speaking of you, and) announce concerning (so the Greek of 'show of' means) us, what manner of (how effectual an) entrance we had unto you.

“SHOW “ <518> they continued to report “to us” of your faith toward God. Bring word (again), declare, report, shew (again), tell.—

‘WHAT MANNER OF ENTERING” The act of entering, rather than the means of entering.

The starting of an assembly, or a church is foundational. Five non-negotiables. You ought to know what

the Gospel is and you should know how the Gospel operates. I Corinthians 15:1-5.

HOW DOES THE PREACHING ENTER IN TO YOUR MIND AND SPIRIT?

TRUTH COMES IN SEVERAL WAYS:

1. It affects the understanding.

2. It affects the consciences.

3. The emotions are aroused – Repentance called forth

4. The proud person is broken down – the hard heart is softened

5. The heart and spirit and soul is captured

HERE IS HOW THE NEW LIFE BEGINS.

Verse 9 “AND THEY TURNED <1994> TO GOD”. Verb/action. “To turn one’s self to or toward.

Acts 3:9, 9:35, 11:21, 14:15, 15:19, 26:18, 26:20, 20:18.

THE TECHNICAL TERM FOR CONVERSION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS. Repentance and

Conversion: Acts 26:17-20.

“True conversion not only involves saying “yes” to God, but it also includes saying “no”

to sin.

Galatians 4:8-9 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no

gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak

and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? James 5:19-20.

CONVERSION: 2 Corinthians 3:16 Whenever the Israelites turn to the Lord, who is the Spirit of the law, the veil is

taken off their hearts in the presence of the Lord: as the literal veil was taken off by Moses in going before God: no longer

resting on the dead letter, the veil, they by the Spirit commune with God and with the inner spirit of the Mosaic covenant

(which answers to the glory of Moses' face unveiled in God's presence Conversion is the turning completely around of a

person to hate what he loves and love what he hated. It is the turning to God distinctly by an act and deed of the mind and

will. Exodus 34

Reformation is not enough, there must be a revolution. Old thrones must fall down and a new

King must reign.

SALVATION:

“YE HAVE BEEN CONVERTED.”

Vs. 9 “FROM”

Mark 4:12, Acts 26:18, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of

Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by

faith that is in me.

Luke 22:31-32, James 5:19-20, I Peter 2:25

There is a transformation of allegiances. Not changing your mind about God, but involves

changing your allegiance. Your direction has changed. Your thought pattern has changed.

Vs. 9 “IDOLS” (G1497) an image. Deities. 1Corin 12:2, I John 5:21, “Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried

away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.” Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

You set aside those things that took the place of Christ before Salvation

Vs. 9 “TO SERVE <1398> THE LIVING <2198> AND TRUE <228> GOD”

TRUE: real, genuine, John 3:33 „He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. „

LIVING: as opposed to the dead and false gods from which they had "turned." Alive and living who

gives life. A New Life of Redemption. Of the conversion of idolatrous Gentiles at Thessalonica; —

SERVE: bond-slave. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a

living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1

o A living God demands a living service:

o A true God must be served with truth.

Converted by the Word, the Spirit, by Faith in Christ

From “your labor of love (vs3) to serve the living and true God.”

You are not an ornamental Christian, but a functional Christian.

SERVING THE LORD OUT OF GRATITUDE UNTO THE LORD AND OVERFLOW OF A GRATEFUL LIFE.

1 Sam 12:24

I Chron 29:5

John 12:26

Rom 7:6

Eph 6:6-6-7

Psa 2:11

Psa 100:2

Acts 20:19

Rom 12:11

Hebrews 9:14

Daniel 6:20

Matthew 6:24

Romans 1:9

Romans 14:18

SERVE:

Be a slave Romans 6:6 ”Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be

destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”

Be subject: Romans 16:18 “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by

good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple”

Be read to serve: Colossians 3:24 “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for

ye serve the Lord Christ.”

SERVANT OF GOD

Spiritual, moral, ethical, conditions.

Acts 16:17, Titus 1:1, I Peter 2:16, Romans 7:3, 15:3

SERVANT OF CHRIST

o Romans 1:1, I Corinthians 7:22, Galatians 1:10, Ephesians 6:6, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 4:12,

James 1:1, Second Peter 1:1, and Jude 1:1

When God converts a man He changes the entire person, not just the emotions, yes, but to forgo your

former life of sinfulness. He changes the will so that you do desire to serve God.

The act of conversion involves a change of direction of the will.

PROOF POSITIVE OF YOUR SALVATION?

A TRANSFORMED LIFE TRANSFORMED ATTITUDE

HAVE YOU TURNED FROM LIFELESS IDO LS TO SERVE A LIVING AND

TRUE JESUS CHRIST?

I Thessalonians 1:9 52.13 Pastor/Teacher Charles E. Whisnant

I am told that the average length of a church life holding to its biblical standards is 40 years. Then

there is a chance that they will deviate from their original intent. This church is in some sense 50

years old. While Rivers of Joy Baptist is 16 years old, it seems like a new beginning. A church

should be growing into maturity.

During this next year at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church, its members should be growing in their love

for the Lord Jesus Christ. There should be a measured standard whereby we can see there is

growth. There should be a process of becoming larger and more mature in the Christian life

through the spiritual nutrients of the Word of God and the teaching of the Word. There should be

a process of expanding or developing of the local church.

The sad fact is the church decreases in number, and loses its effect in the community. (Definition: A

change or changed state occurring as a direct result of action by somebody or something else.) The church is

showing the effects of prolonged spiritual malnutrition.

POWER OF INFLUENCE

Success in bringing about a change in somebody or something, or the ability to achieve this.

Many desirable changes are needed now to bring about the effect that would bring about

change.

IMPRESSION

An impression produced in the mind of somebody who sees, hears, or reads something,

especially one that is deliberately intended or engineered. The purpose of our church, our

Bible study, our building, the way we set up our rooms, is to give an impression.

Something done to produce a desired response or add to the realism.

IN EFFECT

Used to indicate that what is being said represents the truth of the matter, even though the words used may not be those that other people would choose.

IMPLEMENTATION, CARRYING OUT, COMPLETING, FINISHING.

AS TO THE CHURCH, THERE IS THE SAME IDEA IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE:

The Christian life today should reflect the growth process that should be occurring in the life of the Christian believer. A twenty year old Christian (that has been (past participle) saved for 20 years) should give indication that there has been growth in their walk with Jesus Christ. As the local church life should reflect that same impression.

HERE IN 1 THESSALONIANS 1 THE CHANGE IN THE PEOPLE WAS, THEY TURNED TO GOD FROM IDOLS.

As there is a time you enter into the physical world, there is a time you enter into the spiritual world. THERE IS A NEW CAREER BEGINNING.

At one time we were all LOST, a term used in the Bible. You may have been a good, nice lost person, but nevertheless LOST. But at some point you were Born-Again.

9 For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye

turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 1 Thess. 1:9 (KJV)

9For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to

God from idols to serve a living and true God, nasv

NOTE: They turned to God from idols, not from idols to God. There was no mere switching of religious affiliation or changing of philosophies such as the heathen might do.

NOTE: “TURNING”.

Luke 1:16-17, Acts 3:19, 9:35, 14:15, 15:19, 26:18,20, 2 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Peter 2:25. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your

souls. 1 Peter 2:25 Religious turning involves turning “away from” one thing and turning “to another.” The Greek term is “conversion.” True conversion is saying yes to God, and no to sin. Isaiah 59:2

Whenever someone gives his thoughts and life a new direction, it always involves a judgment on your previous views and behavior.

OLD TESTAMENT USAGE OF THE TERM “TURNING OR CONVERSION”

A turning from evil to the Lord. Jeremiah 18:8 and Mal 3:7 Man can be so permeated by evil (Hosea 5:4) that he resists such turning (2 Chron. 36:13) 2 Chronicles 36:13 He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar who had made him swear allegiance by God But

he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD God of Israel. God gives the impulses to conversion: Jeremiah 31:18, Lamentations 5:21 God used the prophets to help bring about conversion: Nehemiah 9:26, Zechariah 1:4 AS A NATION IS CALLED FOR A CHANGE, CONVERSION so is the individual called for

conversion: Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 11:19, 18:31, 36:26, 37:14

HAS THERE BEING A CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE? HAVE YOU TURNED TO GOD FOR YOUR STARTING PLACE FOR LIVING YOUR LIFE?