Author: Brian Burdett

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10

Jesus and the Apostles are emphatically clear that the unity of the local church is EXTREMELY important! It’s not kind of important, sort of important, or moderately important. It’s vitally important! They frequently command unity often, explain why unity is important, and pray for unity. If it matters for them, it needs to matter to us! So, is the unity of your local church as important to you as it is to Jesus and Paul?

Christians today would probably rate unity of their church as a good thing so long as everyone agrees with them on every point. But if there’s disagreement, we tend to prioritize winning the argument over battling for unity. That’s wrong! The church is His bride and He wants His bride beautiful and unified, not torn apart. He absolutely wants unity about the key doctrinal truths regarding God, Himself, the Holy Spirit, and salvation. There’s no question about that. However, He wants disagreements about minor things over which good Christians can reach different conclusions to be set aside for the sake of unity.

Jesus is the head of the church. He established it and purchased it with His own blood. He gets to specify how the church should be and His demand is for unity. So, when you find yourself in a disagreement with your brother or sister in Christ and that isn’t about the nature of God or salvation by grace, fight to stay unified in love and care for one another even if you continue to disagree. Pray for, speak for, work for, and struggle for unity in your local church. Always. Where you see division, be part of healing that divide rather than choosing sides. Confront those who cause division within your church rather than cheering them on. Bring healing to the body of Christ and be blessed by Him. #FollowJesus

“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Happy Independence Day!!! Today, we celebrate our beautiful nation’s birthday and give thanks for the earthly freedom we enjoy in the United States of America. May it be a day of joy, fellowship, fun, community, and celebration!

As a citizen of heaven, take time to remember that your spiritual freedom in Christ and your physical freedom on earth are blessings to be used for a purpose. They aren’t merely given for you to entertain yourself to death or to raise your desires above the well-being of others. You have been set free to do good! You’ve been set free to love God and to love your neighbors. You’ve been set free to pray for and work for the betterment of your community and your country. You’ve been set free to be salt and light everywhere you go, promoting healing and unity in our fractured, divided country. Yes, you!!!

It’s exhausting work to do good. It’s a heavy and frustrating responsibility when you see so many people doing bad who not only get away with it, they prosper by it. It’s OK, trust in God’s justice to take care of all that. Don’t give up and don’t grow weary. Trust in Christ, spend time with God in prayer, be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then keep doing good. Keep blessing others, regardless of how they respond. Keep placing others before yourself just as Jesus has done for you. Keep praying for awakening and revival in this nation. Keep sharing your faith. Use your freedom well for God’s glory and never grow weary of doing good. #FollowJesus

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Think of yourself and your church situation…. Is your faith growing abundantly? Is your love for the other members of your church increasing? These things won’t happen automatically, so pray they would grow and increase. Then use the means God has provided for you to grow in these qualities.

Grow your faith by regularly reading and studying God’s Word. See with your own eyes how God has worked faithfully and miraculously across centuries. Let His absolute power and authority soak into your heart and mind. Recognize that He has power over every situation, problem, issue, and concern that could ever enter your life. Understand His invitation to come to Him in bold prayer and then pray boldly in His will. Keep track of your prayers and when they are answered. Remember what God’s done for His people and what He’s done for you. Meditate on God and His glory. Then, when He calls you to take a step of obedience that requires faith, take the step! Make the sacrifice, embrace the risk, live by faith rather than by sight. Test your faith and see how it grows!

Also, get to know other members of your church well. If you aren’t part of a church, find one ASAP, because that’s a crucial part of God’s will for you! There are dozens of commands in the New Testament that you can’t obey unless you’re relationally close to other Christians, sharing the joys, sorrows, frictions, and reconciliation of life together. Get into some sort of small group of fellow believers studying, growing, laughing, crying, and loving together. Learn to be honest, love others, and be loved. Don’t give up or walk away from the flaws in other believers, learn to love them despite their flaws just as Jesus loves you despite yours. Exercise your love and see how it grows! #FollowJesus

“We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:12

If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, then you’ve answered a truly glorious invitation from God! He has called you into His kingdom and glory. He’s made you a citizen of heaven. He’s prepared for you an eternal home with Him. He will glorify your soul and body in Christ Jesus. Having received this call purely by God’s grace and not because of anything you’ve done, the exhortation of the apostles and the command of Scripture is to live in a way that’s worthy of your gracious God.

Let the salvation you already enjoy through Jesus should fill you with a desperate desire to live like you’ve really been saved from the fires of hell by the sacrifice of Jesus. Embrace God’s grace and let it transform you to become more and more like Jesus Himself. Walk in holiness. Crucify the sins that tempt you. Grow in holiness. Grow in the fruit of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Love God and love all people, particularly fellow Christians. Praise God and serve Him. Celebrate Jesus and share Him with others who need rescue from the fires of hell.

Be salt and light in this corrupt and dark world. Let the light of Jesus shine through your good deeds and loving, truthful words. Truly #FollowJesus

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers” – 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Who do you pray for like this? The Apostle Paul barely knew the Thessalonians. He’d spent a brief period of time in the city, shared the good news of Jesus Christ, started some churches, and then had to hurry out of town. Nonetheless, they made such an impression on him that he prayed “without ceasing” for them. He lifts them up in prayer, gives thanks for them and their faithfulness, and prays for their spiritual growth in Jesus Christ.

So, who do you pray for like this? If you aren’t currently praying for anyone like this, perhaps it’s time to start! Who’s made an impact or impression on your life? For whom are you most thankful? Whose faith inspires you or whose faith do you want to see grow? Pray for that person like Paul prayed for his friends. Pray for them regularly, daily, perhaps even constantly. Pray for them by name. Lift them before God’s throne of grace and mercy that He may bless them abundantly with all the infinite riches of His mercy, grace, wisdom, kindness, goodness, and power. Change someone’s life through devoted, joyous prayer! #FollowJesus