Heralds Digest

"For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe." (1 Thessalonians 2:13 NKJV) It takes the inspiration of God for the word of men to be transformed to the word of God. Otherwise, the most refined words of men are generally subjective and motivated toward the fulfillment of human agenda. When supplication for grace to effectively prosecute divine agenda supersedes man's selfish desires, the inspiration of God upon every word of men become evident. Only the inspired word can expose the corruption in the heart for cleansing by the power of conversion at the cross.

"But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts." (1 Thessalonians 2:4 NKJV) Just as good news has little impact during pleasant season of life, approved minister of the gospel message must have developed thick skin for conflicts. Although the persecution of Apostle Paul and his associates as the expected credentials of ministers are common knowledge to the Thessalonian believers, the veracity of the gospel message remained undiluted. Rather than changing the message to settle man's appetite, approved ministers are changed to reveal the settled gospel message. The process toward divine approval might be painful to the body; it is priceless to the soul.

"For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything." (1 Thessalonians 1:8 NKJV) The sounding of the word of the Lord is here removed from expressions with great speeches. Specifically, the faith of the Thessalonian believers toward God has been instrumental to the spreading of the gospel message across the whole of Asian minor, including Macedonia and Achaia. Although statements of fact relating to our promotion, provision, and protection are commendable evidences of God's faithfulness, statements of faith in the absence of these evidences represent effective communication of the existence of God, especially to unbelievers.

"And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”" (Colossians 4:17 NKJV) The relevance of every minister lies in the fulfillment of the ministry committed to his care. Although it is difficult to decipher the import of Paul's admonition to Archippus, it appears suffering and pains are threatening the commitment of Archippus to the cause of the ministry. It is easier to place the care of minister ahead of the care of the ministry; a comfortable minister does not necessarily produce a committed ministry. Anyone who cannot rely on God's grace to carry the cross may not be able to trust God through the required course for the fulfillment of the ministry.

"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." (Colossians 4:6 NKJV) Anyone who is current with homes, state and societal affairs in our present world understands the likelihood of everyone turning a carrier of grievous gist. For instance, the collapse of decency at home and corruption of dignity in the society are not expected to be a strange news in a sinful world. Even in the midst of griefs, the influences of grace command attention, if gist is timely served. It implies that there is always a gracious version from grievous story for every gist that is seasoned for God's glory.

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3:23 NKJV) Performance assessment is generally based on visual inspection of processes and service systems. Everyone understands that submission (for wives), love (for husbands), and obedience (for children) represent great performance indices of a Christian home. Therefore, it is possible for anyone to abuse human inspection system through eye service. Good home is not a bed of roses, but a blessing from the Lord; and definitely, it is a safe haven where father, mother and children serve one another with pure hearts.

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17 NKJV) Without prejudice to policies against fraudulent practices, those who deal in multiple transactions or dwell in several jurisdictions understand the inevitability of operating different bank accounts and currencies. Likewise, human relationships generate multiple accounts, based on personal assessment, or individual's level of trust, generated from past transactions. While bad relationships operate on the currencies of unforgiving spirit, bitterness and malice, good relationships run on the currencies of tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness and long-suffering. However, no one can operate a clean and clear account without compromising the integrity of his personal assessment for the sake of the love of Christ. Nevertheless, only accounts that operate with the name of Jesus Christ can identify and appreciate the singlenes...