One of the great privileges of pastorall ministry is celebrating the milestone events in the lives of believers –

Faith in Christ

Spiritual victories and life achievements

Baptisms

Births

Marriages

And more.

Being involved in the lives of the believers closest to you is an incredible honor.

But It was also a challenge when some chose to live lives that left serious questions about whether they understood what genuine faith in Christ produced (Eph. 2:10).

When someone lacks a credible testimony of true faith in Christ, it keeps us guessing, doesn’t it?

You know, we wonder, “where’s the fruit?” And want to do so without being critical or coming off as judgmental.

It can also get a bit uncomfortable to confront.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Could I be so bold as to say, it shouldn’t or even mustn’t be that way?

When the apostle Paul wrote to that little church plant in the port city of Thessalonica, he mentioned three things about a testimony that left no one guessing (1 Th. 2:10-13):

Evidence (v. 10). Others could see the difference the gospel made in the life of Paul and his companions. Beyond a profession of faith there was proof (2 Cor. 5:15-17, Tt 1:16).

Engagement (v. 11-12). Others were benefiting from their personal interaction with them. They were involved in active edification in the life of the church (Eph. 4:12-16).

Effect (v. 13). Not only did they engage with each other and bear evidence of the Spirit of Christ working in and through them, they were actively engaging with God’s word.

“Effectually worketh”? It wasn’t theoretical or merely verbal and being put off until some more convenient time. (Spoiler - there won’t be one!)

It was evident that their expectant and active engagement with God’s word was producing visible growth in their lives (1 Pet 1:18-25).

They didn’t have more time than we do, they just prioritized it differently.

When we stop to consider our lives when compared to the lives of these believers in Thessalonica, it’s easy to think it was “easier” for them – or back then.

But how could it be?

Maybe their testimony makes us uncomfortable – but it sure doesn’t leave us guessing.

I hope you’ll join me in my quest to make Bible reading easier and more enjoyable, personal and accessible. You can help by sharing this newsletter with others.

Please pray that the book and companion cohort will benefit believers. The feedback I’m getting so far is over-the-top encouraging. I’m really excited about its release.

🙋🏼‍♂️PS. We’re choosing a title and I need your vote. It’s really close right now. You can choose the one that would make you most likely to pick it up and read in the poll below.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Reply and let me know or jump into the community and share it on the post there. I read every one.

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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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💬💡Feedback? What would make BV2U better for you? How did today’s read impact you? I’d love to hear from you: [email protected]. I read every email.