Notes to the Lord:A Call Answered

1 Thessalonians 2

¹ You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. ² We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.

Lord Jesus--Paul's call was one where the appointment was not by committee and the results were personal. He was willing to risk again even in the face of the past. It was not on his own power that he continued to be faithful, you were there with him every step of the way.

Today in Saratoga there is not opposition, more it is finding the ways to be relevant in a cluttered culture. Revelance must be something that is more than a style of music, or a stance but requires interaction in the community on a level that brings you right into the place where everyone is living. Paul was not content until he was in the marketplace and engaged in the everyday of communities in which he lived. He found ways to do that...show us new ways at LSCC to connect in the community we are a part of...

³ For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. ⁴ On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.

Lord Jesus--There is a question of trust and motives that evidences. What is the point? Why another church? What is different or unique about this group of people or this location? The reality is the answers to those questions are found in the work of God...in the reality of God at work in our hearts. In a way even through so much of this work is public, the real essence is private and in the hands of God who wills and works in hearts.

Lord Jesus--Continue your work in our hearts and lives.