We recently launched a series of messages we're calling Evidence of Grace. We believe that when we receive God's grace, and authentically live before God in light of His grace, our lives will evidence deep and substantive change.
What do we mean by evidence? Some evidence can be circumstantial, or anecdotal. In other words, sometimes we believe things because they seem true, fit a certain narrative, or reinforce a long held stereotype. Sometimes we believe things simply because we want to believe them, or have an emotional need to believe then. For this reason we are rightfully skeptical when people bolster their case using evidence.
Another type of evidence is hard evidence. Hard evidence proves true over time. Hard evidence satisfies our skeptical spirit and dispels our doubts. In the book of 2 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul highlights the evidence of God's working in the church of Thessalonica.
For example, Paul saw the power of their faith on full display. He observed the authenticity of their love. He celebrated the endurance of their faith despite extreme persecution and suffering. He pointed out the powerful ways God was at work in their world despite the tumultuous politics and unconscionable evil flourishing around them. He encouraged them to place even more confidence in their salvation and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. He inspired them to lean into generosity despite the spirit of greed and entitlement that surrounded them in culture.
Here is the bottom line: God's grace meets us where we are and moves us forward. In fact, there is no more powerful force for growth in the world and in our lives than grace. Join us as we explore the deep and profound ways, the "evidence," of how God's grace is changing our lives.
In 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 Paul prays, "We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring."
In 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 he concludes his prayer saying, ". . . we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Why not read 2 Thessalonians this week and pray Paul's prayer? See you Sunday!