When Local Witness Goes Global

Introduction

I’m loving this series already in 1 Thessalonians.

I want to continue to remind us as we go through this book, that we see this church commended for three things:

Anchored in sacrificial love

Motivated by unshakeable hope

Marked by holy living

I love how I see this church in this letter. While we may have not gone through the severity of what the church in Thessalonica went through, the way this church walks through the ups and downs, the highs and lows, is nothing short of wonderful.

You’ve heard me say that we continue to posture ourselves in a way that if we were all of a sudden to disappear, would our community notice? The thought process in asking a question like that causes us to look at the way we live in the world and among each other. Those whom are connected to us (in our sphere) would see and hear of a remarkable difference than the rest of the community around them. (graphic)

I want to share a couple stories that stand out to me, some stories that I know of, of our reputation in our community… if you have your own to add, please email us and let us know. I would love nothing more to randomly encourage us with God’s work in and through us collectively in our community and world.

Plant Sale: An event that we have done now for quite sometime has become and is becoming a community event that the neighborhood is looking forward to. What starts as seeds, starts, flowers, plants and vegetables, has become something much more profound—it becomes holy ground where neighbors felt safe to approach and share their hearts.

An elderly woman from our neighborhood walked up and said something that should encourage us all: "I've talked with my neighbors, and we want to know when your church services start." When she expressed concern about our front steps, Debbie immediately assured her of our ramp and our willingness to help anyone who needs assistance getting inside. This is who we are—a church that removes barriers, not creates them.

Throughout the day, people kept coming who remembered this place from years past. They wanted to know what we believe now, what denomination we are. Her response was simple but powerful: "We're a good, solid church that teaches the Bible." When they learned we're City Chapel—born from the coming together of Calvary Chapel Silverdale and Lincoln Ave Bible Church, they heard the story of how God brought two congregations together as one body of believers.

But perhaps the most sacred moment came when a young widow shared how gardening has become her way of processing grief after losing her husband to a brain tumor. Debbie didn't offer quick answers or easy comfort. Instead, she spoke of how gardening tills the soul—how we can work out our anger on the weeds, tossing a few rocks if we need to, tend seedlings with gentleness, and find beauty that helps us through hard times. She reminded this grieving woman that gardening was the first job God gave humanity in Eden.

The regular couple from the yellow house across the parking lot came again—they wouldn't miss it. Neighbors asked practical questions about plants, but really they were asking for someone to share in wonder at God's creation with them. Some just needed us to listen.

This plant sale revealed something beautiful about our reputation in this community: we're known as people who are approachable, helpful, and genuinely caring. We're the church that builds ramps instead of walls, that listens instead of lectures, and that finds God's presence in the simple act of sharing His creation.

This is how we love our city well—one conversation, one act of kindness, one moment of genuine care at a time.

School District: We were made aware of a situation where a student desperately needed help, but due to legal constraints, one of our school districts couldn't directly provide assistance. The district director had their hands tied. Despite being someone who openly acknowledged her non-religious stance (anti-religious I believe was the way she described herself), in wanting genuine care for this student and their family because of their situation, she recommended two local faith-based organizations - Coffee Oasis and City Chapel. While I won’t repeat her exact quote along with the expletives, she said something close to, “those are the only two places who know what they are doing and how to love people without causing more harm or worsening the situation.” What I love to about this story is that this director spoke to someone who was attending City Chapel.

All-Saints Academy: All-Saints Academy in Silverdale, is a young, private Christian startup school in its third year that uses the Classical Education model. 5 of our youth attend there. They held their graduations at City Chapel last year and are doing it again this year. They've expressed immense gratitude for our willingness to freely share our sanctuary - a space whose traditional beauty and bright atmosphere perfectly complements their own values. They have specifically mentioned our hospitality and servant-heartedness. The school's administration has shared that what is already an incredibly stressful event each year becomes manageable because of the loving way our church family serves them. This kind of impact goes beyond just the graduation ceremony. Last year, Pastor Josh, volunteered his time to provide specialized trauma-informed training to their faculty. Months later, these educators still speak of how meaningful and beneficial this gift of service was to them.

These stories highlight exactly what we're called to as a church that follows Jesus- to serve others sacrificially and lovingly, just as He served us. As we’ll read today, as I think can be said of us, our witness continues to go out and resound into the community and the world. I hope we will be encouraged by the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst and continue to lean in with renewed strength and grit.

If you have your Bibles or on your devices, turn to 1 Thessalonians 1, we’ll read verses 7-10. If you are willing and able, please stand as I read our text this morning.

This is the word of the Lord. Pray. Please be seated.

A Living Example to All Believers (v7)

As the church became imitators of Paul, Timothy, and Silas, they became the model/example for all the believers in that whole region of Macedonia and Achaia (Map).

Even so, it was not their “conversion” itself that was to serve as a model for others, but the way they welcomed the gospel in the context of “severe suffering” that served as the model, and continues still to do so where “conversion” takes place outside of cultures deeply influenced by “Christendom.” Fee, G. D. (2009). The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians (p. 41). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Underground Churches in China: Believers facing government restrictions and surveillance who meet secretly, share hand-copied scripture portions, and maintain vibrant faith communities despite the risk of imprisonment.

Iranian and Afghan Converts: Muslims who convert to Christianity often face family rejection, loss of employment, and potential imprisonment. Their steadfastness despite these costs becomes a powerful testimony to others.

North Korean Christians: Practicing faith in one of the most oppressive regimes, where discovery can mean execution or labor camps, yet the church continues to grow through whispered testimonies and secret discipleship.

Northern Nigeria: Christians in regions controlled or threatened by Boko Haram who continue worshipping despite church burnings, kidnappings, and murders, inspiring believers across Africa.

In each of these scenarios, the church continues to expand, despite the hardship (v6)

What we can assume is that Paul would point to the church in Thessalonica and say, “Look to your brothers and sisters when you need encouragement! They too are going through difficulty and have been longer than you… but know that Jesus meets us in our struggle and we experience more of His fullness!”

Just as we face times of wavering or complacency, we need only take a moment to read, listen to, or watch what other Christians are facing to be encouraged and press on towards the goal, to keep the faith, and be about what God has given us as our part of living out the Kingdom here on Earth as it is in heaven.

The Far-Reaching Impact of Authentic Faith (v8)

Paul then transitions to say what has gone out is a report about what is happening among them and what the Lord is doing in them.

The term translated rang out (ἐξήχηται: exēchētai) appears only here in the NT, but in other literature of the era it could be used to describe a clap of thunder (Sir. 40:13), the loud cry of a multitude (Philo, In Flaccum 39), a rumor that runs everywhere (3 Macc. 3:2), or, as Chrysostom suggests, “every place near is filled with the sound of a loud trumpet” (Chrysostom, Homily on 1 Thessalonians 2). The proclamation from Thessalonica was set at high volume and went out with great force over a large area. Green, G. L. (2002). The letters to the Thessalonians (p. 101). W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos.

It’s in the perfect tense, so it continues to go out and was no passing whim or fad.

Illus: Thunderclap in Austria when I was resting in my bed which was in the attic.

The result of such gratuitous publicity was tremendous. The way that there witness was carrying out through the land… what more was there to say. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us (8b–9a). Better, ‘we do not need to tell other people about it: other people tell us …’ Stott, J. R. W. (1994). The message of Thessalonians: the gospel & the end of time (p. 38). InterVarsity Press.

There is a adage that you have probably heard and may have heard me say it, “Preach the gospel, and when necessary use words.” If I’m being a stickler about it, I don’t like this saying. Because the gospel is a proclamation of King Jesus that is embodied by those who are allegiant to him. So yes, we need to embody the gospel and all of it’s implications… but we need words too. I bring it up though, because the implication of this statement is one of an altered and changed life.

There should be a progressive difference in our lives if the gospel has truly taken root in our lives. That there should be marked differences than those who have no faith, or a faith other than in Jesus.

This leads us to our third point, the last two verses in our text today…

Transformation That Testifies (v9-10)

When the Thessalonians rejected their idols, then, they also turned away from a pagan, godless way of life. As Beverly Gaventa (Distinguished Professor of NT at Baylor University & Princeton Theo. Sem.) explains, this required a whole new way of life:

Paul’s words about turning from idols to serve God imply that faith in the God of Israel who is the Father of Jesus Christ is not an optional practice to be added on to previous values and commitments. One cannot serve this God alongside idols; they must be put away. The claims of Christian faith are all-encompassing.

Gupta, N. K. (2016). 1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary (M. F. Bird & C. Keener, Eds.; pp. 47–48). Cascade Books. 

When the Thessalonians rejected their idols, they underwent a radical reorientation of their entire existence. This wasn't merely adding Jesus to their existing pantheon—it was a complete revolution of values, priorities, and allegiances.

Today, this same all-encompassing transformation challenges believers in consumer societies where idolatry takes more subtle but equally powerful forms:

The corporate executive who turns down unethical business practices despite pressure from shareholders, risking career advancement to honor God's standards of integrity.

The young professional who lives well below their means in an expensive city, choosing to give generously and reject the status symbols their peers pursue, becoming a visible contradiction to materialism.

The parent who rejects cultural pressures for their children's "success" at any cost—refusing to schedule activities on worship days or prioritize achievement over character formation—standing out among anxious, achievement-driven families.

The social media influencer who steps away from the pursuit of followers and engagement, choosing instead to speak truth that may cost them popularity but honors God.

The academic who risks tenure by challenging ideological orthodoxies when they contradict biblical truth, willing to be marginalized professionally for the sake of conscience.

The teenager who remains sexually pure despite ridicule, becoming a winsome example that influences peers through their countercultural choices.

The retiree who rejects leisure-focused retirement marketed by our culture, instead pouring their final decades into kingdom service and mentoring, encouraging, and pouring into younger believers.

Authentic faith still requires turning from idols that our culture doesn't even recognize as such. Their lives become powerful testimonies precisely because they've made the costly choice to serve the living God alone, rejecting the divided allegiance that our culture normalizes. Like the Thessalonians, their reputation spreads not through their words but through the visible evidence of lives reordered around a new center—creating a compelling witness that echoes far beyond their immediate context.

Verses 9b and 10 to give a three-part analysis of Christian transformation, which is arguably the fullest account of it in the New Testament. It indicates that conversion involves (1) a decisive break with idols, (2) an active service to God, and (3) a patient waiting for Christ. These three steps are summed up in the verbs ‘you turned … to serve … and to wait Stott, J. R. W. (1994). The message of Thessalonians: the gospel & the end of time (p. 38). InterVarsity Press.

For idols are dead; God is living. Idols are false; God is true. Idols are many; God is one. Idols are visible and tangible; God is invisible and intangible, beyond the reach of sight and touch. Idols are creatures, the work of human hands; God is the Creator of the universe and of all humankind Stott, J. R. W. (1994). The message of Thessalonians: the gospel & the end of time (p. 39). InterVarsity Press. Idols can not only be objects but really anything that takes priority over Jesus and the posture that Jesus calls those who follow Him to have.

Active service to God is a calling that spans every stage of life. We are all called to serve God, each other, and our community, though how we serve evolves as we age and mature. What matters is using our gifts and abilities to the best of our capacity.

Service Across Life Stages

Middle School Youth: Our young teens actively serve in children's ministry, building meaningful relationships with younger children, supporting adult leaders, and creating an environment where little ones feel loved and welcomed beyond their parents' care.

High School Students: These youth contribute through practical service - preparing communion, managing sound and media systems, recording services, and providing childcare to enable parents' fellowship during events.

Working Professionals: They leverage their professional talents, skills, and resources to advance the church's mission. Their creativity and innovation help the church stay relevant and reach new people effectively. They create welcoming spaces where people can encounter God, experience community, and find support through life's challenges. Their behind-the-scenes service, motivated by spiritual conviction rather than recognition, fulfills God's calling in their lives.

Retirees: Their wisdom and experience enrich younger families, while their resources help bring various projects and initiatives to fruition. Their dedicated service, often unseen but essential, keeps the church functioning smoothly. Their faithful commitment makes a lasting impact.

Some students have detected a correspondence between these and the triad of faith, hope and love. For the turning to God is certainly faith, and the serving of God could be seen as the fruit of love, while the waiting for Christ is the essence of hope. Stott, J. R. W. (1994). The message of Thessalonians: the gospel & the end of time (p. 43). InterVarsity Press.v

vs10- describes Jesus in four ways:

Son from heaven: This speaks to their understanding of Jesus and who He is, highlighting His deity, power, and position. This is a great comfort. When considering a difficult task before us, we measure its challenge by the capabilities of the one attempting it. May our burdens seem lighter in the presence of Jesus, who fights for us and works for our good.

Raised from the dead: We live between to moments of history. Jesus rising from the dead and Jesus coming for His bride. The Greeks and Romans did not believe in resurrection but only in some version of an afterlife. It is Christ who gives us the hope of a new life in Him, not only now but in the age to come.

His name is Jesus: God has a name. This God is knowable and has made Himself known to us.

He is the rescuer from the wrath to come: That God’s justice is and will be coming. There are natural consequences to evil that happen, but there is still a coming judgement on all lawlessness and evil. I don’t know that this is as impactful if you haven’t experienced grave injustice. Those in my life who have experienced wickedness done first hand, they understand this verse and take great comfort.

Conclusion

Let me remind us, I can’t say it enough, it’s not our reputation or good works that drives God’s love for us. We are created in His image, therefore He loves, pursues, and wants to cause us to flourish. Our reputation and our works flow out of (or lack of) relationship with Him.

No church can spread the gospel with any degree of integrity, let alone credibility, unless it has been visibly changed by the gospel it preaches. We need to look like what we are talking about. It is not enough to receive the gospel and pass it on; we must embody it in our common life of faith, love, joy, peace, righteousness and hope. Stott, J. R. W. (1994). The message of Thessalonians: the gospel & the end of time (p. 44). InterVarsity Press.

So let us pray to that end… would you stand with me. Our prayer this morning is adapted from Psalm 103:

Lord, we praise you this morning, with our inmost being, we praise Your holy name.

We come before You with grateful hearts, blessing Your holy name. We thank You for Your countless blessings that You shower upon us.

We praise You for Your endless mercy - for forgiving all our sins, healing our diseases, and redeeming our lives. Thank You for crowning us with Your love and mercy, for wrapping us in Your goodness, and for continually renewing our spirits.

We are in awe of Your perfect justice and grace. Thank You for making all things right and lifting up those who are suffering. We praise You for Your patience, for Your rich love, and for not holding our sins against us.

Thank You for Your parental love toward us, for knowing us completely, and for understanding our frailty. Though we are as temporary as wildflowers, Your love remains eternal for all who fear You.

As Your creation, we join with the angels and all creatures in blessing Your holy name. You rule from heaven over all, our mighty King, and we worship You with all that we are.

In Your holy name we pray, Amen.