Church of Faith
The church belongs to God and Jesus Christ. The faith that resides in the church has influence in the community and beyond.
1 Thessalonians1:2-3 (NIV)
What Brings About Faith
The believers in the city Thessalonica have heard and believed the Gospel, despite strong opposition from the local Jews. Paul calls it severe trials (in 1 Thessalonians 1:6) and refers to the events described in Acts 17:5 and further.
Faith brings about a kind of courage, which enables us to swim against the current of popular opinion and traditions. The faith of the followers of Jesus brings about even more: the whole region talks about them. This is written in verses 7 and 8:
1 Thessalonians 1:7-8 (NIV)
Love and Hope
Shortly after, Paul writes another church that when all else falls away, three important things remain, namely faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). In addition to their faith that brings much about, this church in Thessalonica has a remarkable love and hope (see Thessalonians 1:3).
Their love and hope is a direct result of their faith. Love becomes visible when the Christians receive Paul, Silas and Timothy in their homes. Everybody talks about it! (1 Thessalonians 1: 9)
Furthermore, these believers are known of spending every day in a lively expectation of the return of their Lord Jesus. This hope keeps them standing in difficult times. The God of heaven and earth, our Father, gives us faith that speaks volumes, love to reflect His character and sparkling hope so we can look to the future.
