Pastor Craig Diestelkamp (or right click here to save to your computer)
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. (1 Thessalonians 5:14 The Message)
Every Church Needs A Strong Immune System
Medical science tells us that when a virus enters our physical body our immune system springs into action by sending out what are called “marker cells” to isolate the problem. These “marker cells” locate the virus and study it so they can identify it. Once they determine what it is, they send out a signal to the rest of the body for the other cells to come and surround it in order to neutralize it. In this way the body heals itself.
The Ministry of Encouragement!
The Greek word for “comfort” here means to encourage and it is made up of two words, meaning “near” and “speech.” So the idea is that of drawing along side the person, so we can get close enough to speak into their life and bring encouragement.
God is an Encourager
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
Learning to Encourage Like Jonathan (1 Samuel 23:13-18)
1. Everyone Needs Encouragement.
2. True Encouragement Is Hard Work.
3. Our Encouragement Should Always Be “IN GOD!”
4. The Best Encouragement Is Found In A Promise.
