Those who post and publish Christian content and we who consume it could learn a lot from a few words written to a church startup two thousand years ago.

Having been persecuted and released from jail in Philippi, Paul and his companions landed in Thessalonica.

The inspired history book we call Acts tells us their stay was a mere three weeks (Acts 17:1-14). It’s a great read!

Some Jews and Gentiles converted and a church was established with the words Paul shared during his short stay.

They had no New Testament (it hadn’t been written yet) and could only share what they had been taught in three weeks.

When Paul later writes his letter to them (and by extension to us), he sets an example for how we are to share our beliefs with those who know little to nothing about Jesus (1 Th. 2:2-9).

It’s a good filter for those we allow to influence us as well:

No Garbage.

The gospel and truth of Scripture was presented with clarity amid all the contention and confusion of mixed messages and religious beliefs. They knew what it is and what it produces.

No Guile.

The truth was presented with credibility: No ill-will, misrepresentation or selfish ambition. We must be an example that leaves no one confused about the fruit of a holy life.

No Glory.

Paul refused to treat his ministry like a competition: We speak the truth like a sacred trust and show no interest or toleration for vain glory or vanity metrics. 

No Greed.

There was no cloak concealing covetousness. Our motives for ministry remain pure and would not think of taking advantage of our position of influence at the expense of others.

Just Good Intentions.

This giant of the faith ministered to others with the concern of a good parent. We look out for the greater good of others and hold back nothing that is needful.

When we sincerely live what we profess to believe, we’ll want more than to see souls saved and lives changed by the truth of the gospel and goodness of God.

We’ll also desire to see new believers grow up into mature followers of Jesus who reproduce what we impart to them.

We’ll also be more careful about what we impart to them.

Taking the gospel into our world doesn’t require a social media feed or large following.

It takes believers who act upon what they profess to believe (like that little startup in Thessalonica) and who tell everyone they encounter what Jesus has done and that He’s coming back soon.

And do so with the strength of conviction, credibility and compassion that can turn the world upside down.

Just look at the potential if we’d tell others what little we know (1 Th. 1:6-10).

If you can find Christian people and content with no garbage, guile, glory-seeking, or greed and do so like a parent willing to impart even their soul for the good of those they minister to, follow them.

And let me know who they are so I can follow too. Reply to this email and let me know whose content you find valuable: Newsletters, podcasts, social media, authors… I’m always looking for more. Please give the name of the ministry and not just a link.

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Steve is married to Lorie and together have four grown children and three grandchildren. Now in their forty-fourth year together you’ll find them busy with family, church, ministry or taking a walk around the neighborhood.

Retired from pastoral ministry Steve authored his first book that will help those who quietly struggle because they don’t get more from their personal Bible reading.

His mission is to help as many believers as he can fall in love with God’s word and have a faith they can truly call their own.

He also teaches the live online cohort that is companion to his book, teaches in the Bible Institute at his local church and writes this bi-weekly newsletter.

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