Friday June 7, 2013

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8. Luke 15:1-7

The Gospel worked so powerfully among the Thessalonians that they became a model for believers in all Macedonia and Achaia. Go back to page 2 and just see how far and wide the news of their conversion rang out. Have a look at the wide ranging influence that the Thessalonians' conversion had. Yet the glory goes not to them but to God.

 

Conversions should always be exciting and cause for great celebration. Conversions should always fill us with joy because another soul has been taken off the road to destruction and put on the road to eternal life. A conversion means that there is one less person who will be sent to eternal condemnation on the day of judgement.

 

Paul and his team were ecstatic when just one person was converted, let alone a large group in a town or city. It caused them to bow the knee and to bring tearful and joyous praise and adoration to God. When’s the last time you and I wept in joy over the conversion of another person?

 

But let us not stop there. For each person that is converted, let us be praying that they too will become a role model for others to follow. It’s very hard for non Christians to remain indifferent or antagonistic when they see a non believer come to Christ and change dramatically for the better. It’s a powerful witness to them and a great draw card, pulling them closer to Christ. It’s also a powerful incentive and motivation to current believers to strive and race towards the glory that we have in Christ Jesus.

 

Prayer:

Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.

 

Adoration:

 

Confession:

 

Thanks:

 

Supplication:

V Pray for the recent converts in your church. Ask God to grow them, to mature them and to use them as a powerful model to other believers and to non believers in their world.

V Pray that God would allow you to share your faith with other non believers and that these people would come to the Lord through your testimony. Pray that your church would be growing and expanding as individuals share their faith.

 

 

Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. Describe a conversion you have personally seen or been involved in.

2. Why should we get excited when  a person is converted?