1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
Reflect
The Thessalonian church was a remarkable and astonishing body of believers that was making a huge impact on their world for the sake of Jesus Christ, despite immense persecution. What made these Christians so dynamic and unyielding?
The received the word (v13), which they saw not from men but from God Himself. This was the mighty word of God and brought to a blazing fire by the Holy Spirit with full conviction. It’s true – the 66 books of the Bible were written by real people with real limitations and real struggles. They had their own personality, experience, and character (eg. Moses, Isaiah, Paul, Peter). Yet, all the writings were penned by the living, powerful, and mighty God.
The Thessalonians grew strong in courage, faith and grace not because of the word of God that was brought to them, but also as one commentator mentions, “what God’s word did in them as they believed it.” A simple, yet powerful, byproduct that is true in every believer's life as they believe the word of God is the enabling and strengthening of faith, especially under hardship (v14).
Apply
Is God's word composed solely of words written by different authors, or does it include communication from the living God Himself?
How does this change the way you approach your daily Bible reading?
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our childcare team, the children and their families this week. Pray for the Director, Angie Clark.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for our Missions Ministry Assistant, Oleksandr Lushchyk.
- Pray for our Young Adults Ministry Assistant, Shone Williams.
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.