[:en]SCRIPTURE: 1 THESSALONIANS
“We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
“You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with joy given by the Holy spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7)
Thessalonica was the capital and largest city of the Roman province of Macedonia. It has a highway called Egnatian Way that extended from Rome all the way to the Orient. This highway and seaport made Thessalonica one of the most flourishing trade center in the Roman Empire. However, its advantages came with many pagan religions and cultural influences that challenged the faith of Christians there.
Paul started the church in Thessalonica in his second missionary journey about AD51. He commended the Thessalonians for their faithful work, loving deeds and enduring hope. The gospel came with power of the Holy Spirit and they welcomed it with great joy. But there were great persecutions that brought them severe sufferings. Paul encouraged them to look forward to the deliverance and the hope of Christ’s return.
LESSON:
The mark of an effective Christian has these three characteritics – FAITH, LOVE and HOPE. A true Christian has the faith shown by his works. His faith results in a changed life. A true believer has a new motive in life that is to love God and people. A true follower of Christ has endurance in life’s trials. He has the patience to hope for Christ’s return.
Do you have a good testimony of faith, love and hope to witness for Christ? Is your faith followed by your walk? Are you prepared to welcome Christ’s second coming?[:]