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In I Thessalonians Chapter 1and at verse 4 we read that these disciples of Jesus were loved by God and chosen by God. They were chosen. They were part of the elect. They were marked out, or cut out, to be different. We could say ‘holy’ and set apart for God. Their calling was genuine, and that gives a deep assurance to Christians.

Stop. Stop just where you are. Do you know you are loved by God? Do you know you are chosen by God? Your answer to these two questions could affect your day and can shape the rest of your life.

We are called by Jesus and carried at times by Jesus, on towards our eternal destiny.

This verse raises an issue which can perplex people – the mystery of divine election.

There are two rails running through Scripture. One is the sovereignty of God, and the other is the freedom of the human will. They run on parallel lines and if you try and run on one and ignore the other you will become derailed.

God will not force or coerce anyone to become His child, and will pursue a man with love and compassion and above all a respect for their individual freedom of choice.

God foresaw that we would respond to His offer of salvation in Christ and on the basis of that knowledge chose us and fitted us into Christ “before the foundation of the world”. God’s purposes began before the world was created and will continue after this word ends. Ephesians Chapter 1at verse 4 also deals with that too.

Verse 5 – This was more than just a good sermon when Paul preached. This was not a tickling the ears – this touched the heart. There were unmistakable manifestations of the Holy Spirit. When Paul preached there was an energy and power of the Holy Spirit. When he spoke it was much more than a lecture. The mechanics of preaching and teaching is important but much more is the dynamics of preaching.

Acts 17 verse 3 – explaining or ‘opening’ means unfolding or unravelling – to open up thoroughly. You could almost use the word diagnosis!

‘Proving’ or alleging – putting things side by side. Conviction means – much assurance. There was no theological confusion when Paul preached and taught.

There had been slanderous insinuations against Paul and his ministry and his preaching – but you knew what kind of men we were.

Verse 6 – You became followers of us and the Lord. There was suffering and joy.

Only in Christ and with Christ can these two go together. They had been suffering for their faith in Christ from the beginning – misunderstood – ridiculed – persecuted.

We never know what can come out of the crucible of suffering.

Verse 7 – We read of what they became through the hearing and receiving of the Word. It was the Word that made them what they were. They became a model or pattern or example for others. They were able to turn opposition into opportunities.

It is not what happens to us that matters all that much. It is what we do with it.

Verse 8 – The news of what happened went around. The news broke out. The news of how they reacted spread and travelled far and wide. This became a heroic church.

Verse 9 – We read of reference to idols. In that area they were supposed to help people to worship but they became the centre of worship – and that too can happen today.

These people turned from idols to serve the living and true God.

It is all so positive. The Word changed and transformed these people. We can use that phrase I have used previously – ‘saved to serve’. This was a most successful fellowship and that is what a successful fellowship is – men and women who are ‘saved to serve’.

And they were going to go on serving until Jesus Christ returned.

We are a worshipping and waiting people who go on serving until Jesus Christ returns, or until he calls us home.

They were waiting for something to happen just as we are waiting for something to happen and they did not get exhausted or worn out. They served and waited – what a balance ministry. They knew they had been saved or rescued from the wrath to come.

They endured, and that endurance was inspired by hope in the living God.

“Gracious heavenly Father – What a difference it makes when we know that we are loved by God and chosen by God. Thank You that these are not simply words – but they are part of our early experience as disciples of Jesus. We pray for those whom we know who have never really met You – who have never had a personal and dynamic encounter with You. Hear our praying – in Jesus name.” Amen.

"God's Words For US" from Cecelia Lester

We Will Confess His Name