1435. The Model Church

The Model Church

How Paul Entered Thessalonica (1Th_1:9, f. c).

How the Gospel Was Received (1Th_2:13).

How They Turned to God from Idols (1Th_1:9).

How They Served the Living God (1Th_1:9).

How They Waited for His Son from Heaven (1Th_1:10).

How They Lived (1Th_3:13).

How They Suffered (1Th_2:14).

The model Church is, in the Word of God, the Church at Thessalonica.

Paul wrote of this Church, saying, "So that ye were examples to. all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia" (1Th_1:7, \1911 Bible).

The word "examples" is the synonym of our word "models."

We have often heard the song entitled: "The Model Church." It runs something like this:

"Well, wife, I've found the model church,

And worshiped there to-day;

It made me think of good old times,

Before my hairs were gray."

Perhaps there are other churches who can stand up by the side of the Church at Thessalonica, but their number is not legion.

We never want to take the role of a carping critic, and give ourselves to maligning the churches of God. We know that Christ loves His Church, for He bought the Church with His own precious Blood.

However, it is sadly true that the churches of the day have, for the most part, left the old moorings. There are very few of them which stand side by side with this model Church.

As the lesson progresses, let us place the church of the present time side by side with the Church at Thessalonica.

If you know that the Lord has added you to His Church, may this constrain you to unreservedly yield to Him, so you may, by precept and example, prove your relation to Him as well as to the Body, and by seeking with all prayer in the spirit, of love to show His very eternal life, and thus represent the spirit of the Model Church.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR