The Foundations of Faith

5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. - 1 Th 1:5.

The first Epistle to the Church in Thessalonica (1st Thessalonians) was written by Paul to the church he planted in his second missionary journey. (Acts 17) In the letter the overall theme is to live a life pleasing to the Lord, as well as address the second coming of Christ. (His Imminent return) 1st Thessalonians is a book with rich theology, featuring the trinity on almost every page, and offers guidance on practical Christian living. 

In this first Chapter we see the foundations of the believer. Paul opens with a greeting, “…Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 TH 1:1) offering not only the foundation of our faith but expressing the Work of God Through Christ! By God’s grace He sent His Son to satisfy His wrath against sin, and through Christ, we have peace with God. It’s much more than a greeting, it’s a statement of faith, it’s the proclamation of the Gospel and it’s the foundation of the believer. At the root of it all, is the central command to proclaim God’s glory to the world around us, multiplying the church by making disciples. 

Read 1st Thessalonians 1. How do we see the trinity expressed in this chapter?