1 Thessalonians

From far away in Thessalonica, Paul gave thanks for the church there. Their faith showed in what they did. Their love showed in their sweat and hard work. Their hope held firm even when heavy trouble pressed down on them. The message came to them with power. Not just empty words. Real power.

They grabbed hold of the message even while pain hit them from every side. And joy came pouring in through the Spirit! People in other towns heard about their faith without anyone even telling them. They left their stone gods behind. They turned to face the living God. And they waited for his Son...

Paul's visit was not full of empty talk. He had been beaten and thrown out of another city. His body still hurt. But he opened his mouth and spoke with courage anyway. No smooth lies. No greed hiding in his words. No hunger for praise. He wanted to please God, the one who looks straight at the...

1 Thessalonians 1:2