Imitating Paul as He Imitated Jesus

In the ancient world, many speakers, actors, and rhetoricians would travel about promoting new philosophies and asking for support during their travels. Many of these orators would not look out for the best interests of their audiences, but simply seek to benefit financially from their listeners.

The apostle Paul was an orator as well. He went about proclaiming a message of rescue for people estranged from the living and true God (1 Thess. 1:9-10). Paul was not opposed to accepting gifts from his audiences (Phil. 4:18), and he definitely thought his message was worth material support (1 Cor. 9:11). Paul was well aware that other people with other ideas were swarming about simply seeking financial gain, and that is why he (along with Silas and Timothy) assured the Thessalonians that “[their] exhortation did not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit…for [they] never came with flattering speech…nor with a pretext for greed” (1 Thess. 2:3-5). In the preceding verses, Paul explains that he and his companions were not out for their own gain. Paul was truly concerned about the welfare of those who believed his message of rescue. Paul, Silas, and Timothy became so close to the Thessalonians that these three men imparted to them not only the gospel, but also their own lives (1 Thess. 2:8).

Springs of Grace Oceanside is seeking to imitate the example set forth by Paul, Silas, and Timothy. Much like the ancient world, our world is filled with salesman, various religious groups, and solicitors of everything under the sun. Our goal in this mission is to share not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives with those we meet in Oceanside. Join us as we imitate Paul, who imitated Jesus Christ, the one who shared his gospel-life with a people who continued to fall short.

By loyalty we are united to Jesus Christ, He is our Unity.

The basis for unity of all who are spiritually congregated around Jesus is Jesus himself. When Paul writes to Timothy (1Tim.3:15) and describes “the congregation of the living God” as the pillar and support of the truth, He is continuing to think of those truly united to God…the remnant of Israel, as opposed to the larger, but disloyal, body of people called Israel, who nonetheless still congregated periodically at the temple in Jerusalem. There is a unity  which I ought to charitably assume belongs to those individuals marked not by circumcision or some other outward sign but by a loyal acknowledgment of Jesus. It is those who are marked by loyalty, or loyal acknowledgment, to Jesus who spiritually congregate around Jesus. Their unity is expressed locally when disciples gather together on the basis of nothing more, and nothing less, than shared loyalty to Jesus. Loyalty to Jesus, with Him as our distinct, and singular point of unity, requires a supernatural focus and I think that is why Jesus was praying we would have this unity in John 17.

just starting this site to give you access to more information.

Hello,
My name is Jeff Miller. We may have met in the Oceanside area. If you have questions or need to know about our devotional scripture reading times, or the  times for our forth coming weekly fellowship, just give me a call at 760-576-9215. Evangelistic discipleship is our goal and our calling.  We are looking forward to inaugurating a weekly fellowship. Our agenda is simple: Call men and women to loyally acknowledge Jesus Christ.  Jesus said, "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:40)  What an amazing gift God has given His people in His own dear Son, Jesus.  Let's press into communion with him today!
Thanks
Jeff