Our journey through the book of Acts is bringing to life places like Derbe, Philippi, and Berea, where Paul and his missionary colleagues have boldly proclaimed the news of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ. But they’ve paid a price, too! They’ve been beaten, thrown in prison, and run out of town on a rail.
For this Sunday’s worship service we’re going to “visit” the city of Thessalonica, another one of the places Acts tells us Paul and company proclaimed the gospel. Many there believed, but intense opposition and persecution ensued.
Our plan is to read and worship our way through the books of 1 & 2 Thessalonians. We’ll attempt to slip into the sandals of the Thessalonian disciples and imagine ourselves receiving these letters from Paul just a few months after we had turned from the worship of idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thess 1:9). We’ll recall how Paul and his fellow missionaries were exhorting and encouraging and imploring us–as a father would his own children–to walk worthy of the God who called us into His own kingdom and glory (1 Thess 2:11-12). We’ll rejoice at hearing the comfort that we will be reunited with our loved ones who’ve died as believers (1 Thess 4:13-18). And more!
It promises to be a rich time. If you’d like to whet your appetite, why not read 1 and 2 Thessalonians ahead of time?
I hope to see you there!