THE HEART OF THE CHURCH

1 Thessalonians 3

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: 3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. 5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. 6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: 7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: 8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; 10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. 12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

What makes a church successful?

A big turnout on Sunday morning?

A multimillion-dollar budget?

A state-of-the-art building?

We all know those things aren't the criteria that define a successful church. Whether your church has stadium-size crowds or just a few in attendance, numbers are not the measure God uses for success. He looks at the heart of the church.

The apostle Paul planted an important church in Thessalonica, the capital city of Macedonia. He showed his desire for the church members there when he wrote: "May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all . . . , so that. He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness" (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13). With these words, Paul showed us two characteristics that are vital for a successful body of believers—love for one another and holiness.

Congregations, church buildings, and budgets come in different sizes. The true measure of success is demonstrated by followers of Christ who love God and each other, and are committed to living holy lives. Our challenge can be found in the words of the prophet Micah: 6:8 "What does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

If you believe on Jesus' name,

Then of His church you are a part;

By loving others you proclaim:

"We are the church—we are the 'heart."' —Hess

A small church with a big vision has greater impact than a big church with a small vision.

Matthew Henry “The more we find pleasure in the ways of God, the more we shall desire to persevere therein.”