A Good Report

Notes from Lance Shumake's sermon on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Sermon text: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

Faith and love are the marks of a healthy church

—they sum up the Christian life

—believing and trusting Jesus
—loving God and others

All godliness can be summed up in faith and love. Believing God’s promises and his word, trusting in Jesus as he is offered in the gospel—that is faith. Loving God, loving one another, loving our neighbors—that is love.
—Ligon Duncan, 1 & 2 Thessalonians For You

—they should be the goal

“According to Paul, then, what should we aim for in the Christian nurture of our children? The answer: growth in faith in God and love for others. What should be our goal in the discipleship of new believers? According to Paul, it is faith and love. How should we evaluate our own growth in grace? These two graces—faith and love—are the two issues on which my entire life depends.”
—Richard D. Phillips, 1 & 2 Thessalonians

Know God, Be Known, and Make Him Known

Faith and love are increasing in a healthy church

—through God’s word

Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

—through devotion to prayer

—through fellowship with each other

Acts 2:42
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

—through serving God as we serve others

Faith and love give reasons for rejoicing and giving thanks


Discipleship Questions:

1. In what ways do faith and love sum up the entire Christian life?
2. Does every aspect of your life reflect that faith and love are the goal? If not, what can you do to make sure that is the goal for all you do?
3. In what ways do you want to see your faith and love grow?
4. How can you be more devoted to God’s word, prayer, and fellowship?
5. How do you think serving can help you grow in faith and love?