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An Apostolic Age

An Apostolic Age. George Hunter on these combined realities (Asbury) Christendom largely dissolved; peoples of Europe and North America mostly secular. Enlightenment, which provided the worldview for the West, is spent.

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An Apostolic Age

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  1. An Apostolic Age George Hunter on these combined realities (Asbury) • Christendom largely dissolved; peoples of Europe and North America mostly secular. • Enlightenment, which provided the worldview for the West, is spent. • Once again, we are in an Apostolic Age ―much like the age that Early Church Christianity encountered. (Church for the Unchurched, pg. 23) Christianity moves from North/West to South/East

  2. India Church Growth

  3. Two Illustrations Millions of churches are being planted! But many are not lasting. • 400 churches planted in Cambodia, now down to 50, and they too are failing. • Redoing the church planting in Janacholi of Haryana

  4. The Concern • Christians, families are not established • massive lack of leadership in the 2nd generation. • major nominalism in the 3rd generation. • syncretism in 4th generation • no more old Christians in 5th generation and new evangelistic activities start

  5. Numerical Growth in the Early Church 2:41 3,000 men added into them 4:4 5,000 men added 4:32; 5:14 multitude / many / in large number 6:7 the Word of God grew and multiplied 9:31 the churches enjoyed peace 12:24 the Word of God grew and multiplied 16:5 the churches were established and grew 19:20 the Word of God spread 28:31 From Jerusalem to Rome Romans 15:19 From Jerusalem to Illyricum

  6. 1st Century Churches 2nd Century Churches 3rd Century Churches Turning the World Upside Down Eerdman’s Handbook to the History of Christianity (Berkhamsted, Herts, England: Lion Publishing, 1977), pp. 66–67

  7. Churches Established Acts 16:5 “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.” Qualitative and Quantitative Growth

  8. Pauline Cycle of Church Planting* Evangelize Strategic Cities Entrust to Faithful Men Acts 13:1-14:28 The Pauline Cycle Establish Local Churches *Jeff Reed, BILD - International

  9. Paul’s Strategy of Establishing • Paul prayed for the churches • He revisited the churches (Acts 14:21; 15:41; 18:23) • He sent his team members (Timothy, Silvanus, Titus) • He wrote 13 letters

  10. The Process of Building Strong Churches Paul’s Early Letters Paul’s Middle Letters Paul’s Later Letters Strong Mature Households and Leaders 1 Timothy Titus 2 Timothy Strong in the Gospel Galatians 1 & 2 Thessalonians 1 & 2 Corinthians Romans Strong in the Mission/Vision of the Church Ephesians Colossians Philemon Philippians • The Epistles – Tools to Establish* Founding Strengthening Establishing *Jeff Reed, BILD - International

  11. The Big Idea The thesis… Paul’s strategy of establishing the local church community at Thessalonica in the gospel plays an important role model that the local churches in any culture, time and place should be established that they should live out their gospel faith in their formation days.

  12. The Author’s Intent Paul wrote two of his early letters to the churches at Thessalonica with the intent to establish them in their living out of their gospel faith while they were suffering persecution, going through moral lapses, open to wrong teachings on the second coming that triggered them toward disorderly life as busybodies doing nothing.

  13. Paul’s Concern Paul’s concern was that the church should be established in the gospel on its formation years. He insisted that his instructions / commandments/ “tradition” should be followed.

  14. Early Summer 51 Jan to May 51 (6 months) Nov 50 to Jan 51 (3 months) Establishing History Mid Summer 51 1 Thessalonians from Corinth Paul’s founding the church and initial teachings Acts 17:1-9 2 Thessalonians from Corinth Timothy and Silas’ Follow up ministry Acts 17:14, 15; 18:5 1 Thessalonians 3:1-6

  15. Founding the Community Shaping the Community Stabilizing the Community • Challenge to Old Traditions • We want to come to you… we sent Timothy (1 Ths 2:18; 3:1-6) • That you may not be quickly shaken… by a spirit or a message or a letter from us (2 Ths 2:2) • Honor the leaders (1 Ths 5:12) • Admonish the unruly (1 Ths 5:14) • Keep away from unruly (2 Ths 3:6) • May the Lord direct your hearts (2 Ths 3:4-5) • Conversion • Not in word only, but in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction.. (1 Ths 1:5 • The Word of the Lord sounded forth from you (1 Ths 1:8) • You turned from idols to serve a true and living God • (1 Ths 1:9) • *Founding the churches in the Gospel, BILD Booklet Paul Establishing the Thessalonians Community* • Concept of Traditions (Commandments, Instructions) • Proved to be gentle among you as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children (1 Ths 2:7) • We were exhorting…as a father …to his own children (1 Ths 2:11) • You received from us instructions…you know the commandments.. (1 Ths 4:1-2) • Stand firm and hold to the traditions..by word of mouth or by letter from us (2 Ths 2:15)

  16. “So, the Word of God Spread” Rome Ephesus Corinth Antioch Jerusalem

  17. To Establish – A Picturesque Word

  18. Gospel and Teachings 1. Paul not only preached (Kerygma) the gospel but he taught (Didache) it. This is evident from their conversion from idols to true and living God, their faith in Christ Jesus, their love for one another, their hope, assurance of eternity and glorification as they were waiting for Christ’s second coming, their witnessing in two provinces and beyond, their joy in sufferings and enduring the persecution for their faith in Christ, And their modeling to others,

  19. Commandments, Instructions Paul gave them instructions, commandments, charges to live a life to please God: 1 Thess. 4:1-2 “Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.” Gr. par-ang-gel-lia = Mandate, charge, command,

  20. Commandments, Instructions Paul gave them instructions, commandments, charges to live a life to earn respect from outsiders: 1 Thess. 4:11-12 “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. Same Greek root, “par-ang-gel-lo” is used here.

  21. Cost of True Discipleship Paul foretold them the cost of true discipleship – sufferings and persecution: 1 Thess. 3: 3b-4 “You know quite well that we were destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.” 1 Thess. 1:6; 2:14; 5:13; 2 Thess. 1:4-6 cf. Acts 14:22 Prosperity Gospel is a false / perverted teaching.

  22. Brotherly Love Paul reminded them of divinely instruction to love one anther: 1 Thess. 4:9 “Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love (agapao) each other.” phil-da-el-phi-ah = fraternal affection, brotherly love, love of brethren theo-didak-tos = divinely instruction, taught of God, Godly teachings

  23. Christ’s Second Coming Paul repeated his teaching on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (the gospel): 1 Thess. 5:1-2 “Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” Since the early church, there were false teaching in two doctrines – Trinity (Humanity and Divinity of Christ) and Parousia (Second Coming of Christ)

  24. The Tradition Paul commanded that the tradition he handed over to them to followed: 2 Thess. 2:15 “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. Oral and written traditions (word of mouth and letter) Gr. par-ad-os-is = transmission, a precept, traditionary law, ordinance, tradition.

  25. The Tradition Paul (and other apostles too) uses the same root of word, but to mean the authoritative teachings of Christ and His apostles which should we Christians should obey. Romans 6:7 the form of doctrine delivered 1 Corinthians 11:2 the ordinances Paul handed over 1 Corinthians 11:23, the teachings and practice of the Lord’ Supper that Paul received and handed over 1 Corinthians 15:3, the gospel Paul received and handed over Jude 1:3 the teaching delivered to the saints

  26. Founding the Community Shaping the Community Stabilizing the Community • Challenge to Old Traditions • We want to come to you… we sent Timothy (1 Ths 2:18; 3:1-6) • That you may not be quickly shaken… by a spirit or a message or a letter from us (2 Ths 2:2) • Honor the leaders (1 Ths 5:12) • Admonish the unruly (1 Ths 5:14) • Keep away from unruly (2 Ths 3:6) • May the Lord direct your hearts (2 Ths 3:4-5) • Conversion • Not in word only, but in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction.. (1 Ths 1:5 • The Word of the Lord sounded forth from you (1 Ths 1:8) • You turned from idols to serve a true and living God • (1 Ths 1:9) • *Founding the churches in the Gospel, BILD Booklet Paul Establishing the Thessalonians Community* • Concept of Traditions (Commandments, Instructions) • Proved to be gentle among you as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children (1 Ths 2:7) • We were exhorting…as a father …to his own children (1 Ths 2:11) • You received from us instructions…you know the commandments.. (1 Ths 4:1-2) • Stand firm and hold to the traditions..by word of mouth or by letter from us (2 Ths 2:15)

  27. The Manner Matters 1 Thess. 1:4,5 “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.”

  28. Attitude of Thanksgiving Paul not only preached the gospel, but he lived it out. His life speaks louder than his preaching. What Paul taught to the Thessalonian Community – his message is evident from his letters. How Paul lived among the Thessalonian Community does matter here. “Be imitates of me, as I am of Christ.” Not only the message, but the manner of the messenger is crucial in the process of establishing the local churches.

  29. Attitude of Praising and Prayers Paul was praising and praying for the Thessalonians church always. 1 Thess. 1:2-4 “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 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.”

  30. Attitude of Praising and Prayers The reasons for Paul’s thanksgiving for the local church: • For their faith, love and hope (1 Thess. 1:2-3) • Their receptivity to the gospel • Their attitude toward opposition, persecution and sufferings • Their witnessing amidst of opposition • Their modeling to other churches • Their clear evidence of conversion

  31. Attitude of Praising and Prayers 1 Thess. 3:9-13; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; 2 Thess.1:3-12 2 Thess. 2:16; 2. Thess. 3:5

  32. Confidence in the Ministry 1 Thess.2: 1 – 2 “You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.” Paul did not fight his losing fight, for the gospel is power of God and he is at the Victor’s side. The result of his ministry is obvious – Thessalonians’ reception to the gospel, their conversion, their faith, their love, their hope, their enduring suffering for the gospel, their becoming a model, their preaching the gospel in two regions and beyond,

  33. Ministry in spite of Suffering 1 Thess. 2:2 “We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.” Acts 16: In Philippi, Paul and Silas suffered public humiliation, physical injury, imprisonment without enquiry, suffering – nothing did change his confidence for his confidence is in the Lord. Right attitude toward sufferings, persecution and opposition. No plan “B” in ministry due to problems.

  34. Pure Motives and Actions 1 Thess.2:3 “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. The greatest confidence of a minister of the gospel is purity in his motives. No error or impure motives, gratifying self interest No trying trick the church, playing dirty politics Cf. Galatians 3:1 Who has bewitched you?

  35. Attitude of Stewardship to God 1 Thess.2:4 “On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.” Stewardship and accountability to God alone, who is the Master and the final Judge. The confidence of his apostolic calling on the road to Damascus.

  36. Not a Men-Pleaser 1 Thess.2:4b “We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” Cf. Galatians 1:10, “If I please men I am not the servant of Christ.” “Gospel of Christ is not accommodated to the fain fancies and lust of men, to gratify their appetites and passions; but, on contrary, it was designed for the mortifying of their corrupt affections, and delivering them from the power of fancy, that they might be brought under the power of faith ” (Henry Mathew)

  37. Attitude toward Money 1 Thess.2:5 “You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed- -God is our witness. Why do people flatter buttering others? It is their greed. It is their mask to cover up. God is our Witness – God’s all knowing attribute is the warning and motivation to live a life of transparency.

  38. Attitude toward Name and Fame 1 Thess.2:6 “We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.” The greatest temptation to any person, and specially to the ministers of the gospel. Big flex, wall posters, cut-outs, pictures (of family), big introduction…

  39. Motherly Care 1 Thess. 2:7-8 “As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”

  40. Role Model to the Church 1 Thess. 2:9-10 “Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.”

  41. Role Model to the Church 2 Thess.3:7 “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.”

  42. Fatherly Role 1 Thess.2:11-12 “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.” Each of you… personal pastoral care. Encourage – exhort to every one Comfort - to the truly repenting Urge – warning to the defaulters

  43. Attitude of Appreciation 1 Thess. 2:13-20 Verses 19-20 “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”

  44. Heart of a Minister of the Gospel 1 Thess.3:8 “For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.”

  45. Questions to Ponder • Why do you think Paul openly talked from his heart? Is it anything to do with his the shaping the community in the gospel? • How does the role of Paul as a mother and a father shape the church? • What are some of the crucial traits of parents, elders, pastors and ministers of the gospel which will build or destroy the life of people who follow? • What are the areas that we should pray for ourselves as the parents and for the pastors in the churches and the ministers of the gospel?

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