Message: “The Founding of the Thessalonian Church” from Matt Chapin
Matt Chapin - March 10, 2024
The Founding of the Thessalonian Church
1 Thessalonians, occurred when Paul, Silas, and Timothy established a vibrant, primarily Gentile Christian community in the Roman provincial capital of Thessalonica around 50 AD, turning from idolatry to serve the living God and wait for Jesus. This young church quickly became known for its powerful faith, love, and hope amidst severe persecution and social ostracism for confessing Jesus as Lord, prompting Paul to later write this letter to encourage them and address questions about the return of Christ.
From Series: "1 Thessalonians: The Expectant Church"
1 Thessalonians portrays the "Expectant Church" as a community defined by active faith, patient endurance, and fervent hope for Jesus' imminent return, even amidst persecution, characterized by their "work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope". They live holy, counter-cultural lives, motivated by the resurrection of Christ, learning to handle grief and conflict with grace, and preparing for the Kingdom by living alertly, encouraging one another, honoring leaders, and praying constantly until Christ comes to gather them in a glorious, decisive event.
