Young Adults' Group

“By Faith”

by Pastor Mark
December 06, 2024

Thank God for a blessed Youth Conference

As I reflect on this year’s Youth Conference, there is much to rejoice in. We thank God we had over 90 young people attending this year’s conference. The theme of the conference was “By Faith”. This theme of faith was explored and taught more deeply as we challenged our youths to check their faith and salvation. Pastor Charles spoke about the faith of the Thessalonian church and how the believers manifested their faith in their life and ministry. A number of lessons struck me during this conference.

1. A team faith

“Paul, Silvanus and Timothy,…” (1 Thessalonians 1:1)

a. One of the key lessons that we learnt was the concept of a team faith.

b. Paul started his letter to the Thessalonian church highlighting himself and his team members…Silas and Timothy.

c. Paul was considered a veteran in faith. While Silas was younger than Paul and had some maturity, Timothy was the youngest and a “newbie” in the ministry.

d. Each member had a vital role to play as they worked together as a team.

e. Collectively, the different members would develop a team faith.

f. They would be wiser as they sought to learn from each other.

g. The team sought to encourage each other and to grow their faith together.

h. They would have a shared vision, a team spirit and a team faith.

i. All of us can be part of this team faith in Bethany.

2. Exemplary faith of Paul

a. Paul wrote of himself as an example to the brethren.

b. His faith caused him to set a high standard for his life and service.

c. In terms of personal life

i. Paul sought to live with faith and hope, and not in vain (1 Thessalonians 2:1).

ii. He had the boldness to speak for the Lord despite facing much suffering (1 Thessalonians 2:2).

iii. He demonstrated great character such as gentleness and affection (1 Thessalonians 2:7,8).

d. In terms of ministry

i. Paul had clean, clear motives such as ministering without error or uncleanness (1 Thessalonians 2:3)

ii. He was conscious of God’s appointment for him such as being entrusted with the Gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

iii. The challenge was to have a ministry that was approved by God (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

Let us be challenged to follow Paul’s high standard in the way we live and serve the Lord.

3. Growing our faith by the power of God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

The Thessalonian church learnt to approach the Lord’s Word appropriately. The believers received God’s Word not as the word of man but welcomed what they heard as the truth, the Word of God. These words were received with faith as they believed in them. By having a high regard for the Lord’s Word, it worked effectively in the believers. The power of the Word of God was evident in the growth of their faith. Let us be challenged to have a high regard for the Lord’s Word whenever it is taught to us.

Let us be challenged to understand more deeply the concept of “By Faith”. Let us be challenged to grow a stronger faith that will enable us to live better for the Lord and serve Him.

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