"Organic Structure"

 "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." (Hebrews 4:2 KJV)

  "We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece - throughout both Macedonia and Achaia." (1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 NLT)

 It is really no surprise, but yesterday I heard at least three messages about people losing faith and the reasons they walk away from the Lord. It is really not as if the message was given then, but it was still aired in a way that I could hear it. That, my friends, is the work of the Holy Spirit, for that I am sure.

 I know that the title, "Organic Structure," might seem strange to some, but it something that comes from the word, "mixed," in the verse we are looking at today. Something happens when there is the Word of God preached, and our faith is strengthened by what we have heard; especially when it happens to more than one person. 

 Even though the people of Thessalonica suffered severe persecution, their faith was not weakened, but it was strengthened, as trusted more and more to the Word they had received, the Good News of the glory of the Gospel message! You really can't take that away, no matter how difficult things might become; if you have received the message and have the faith to believe it, nothing, not even the threat of death, can take it away!

 Do you know what happens by that example? Other are changed and strengthened by seeing that your faith is real! There is a body of believers that gain boldness and encouragement; so, it doesn't only benefit you, but it benefits many in the body of Christ...

"And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don't need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven - Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment." (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 NLT)