A Church on the Brink: Influence and Imitation
III. Healthy Churches Imitate Christ and Influence Others (Verses 6-10)
They imitated the missionaries and Christ in 2 major ways:
1st—they gladly endured persecution for the sake of the Gospel (6,7) {Jason was one example of this}
2nd—they shared the gospel with others (8)
From the beginning they functioned as a missionary church!
Verse 9—Their reputation was spreading as a people who had been greatly changed
They had turned from idols to the living God! There was an observable change!
Verse 10—the chapter ends on another note of hope:
Wait on Jesus!—this has implications for holy living...What would you do this afternoon if you knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow?
Paul connects this in his evangelism: Acts 17:31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."
Hope for believers: rescued from wrath to come by Jesus!
Judgment is Sure for those who reject Christ! (Have you thought of yourself as one who rejects Christ?)
God’s wrath is personal! Romans 2:16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus
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