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Saturday, April 20, 2013

1 Thessalonians 1


1 Thessalonians 1:5-9

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God- ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

As I read this passage I kept wondering what Paul and the other men were thinking when these individuals in Thessalonica turned to God from idols and then started serving the living and true God! What a thought! This truth challenges me greatly. I have known The Lord for almost six years now, how many people have I told about Jesus during that time? The answer only God knows but sure does convict me even to think about. Paul's purpose in this chapter was simple, He intentionally lived his life so that others would believe. It was that important to him, more important than his popularity,comfort and even his life!

This passage reminds me so much of what I witnessed on my two missions trips The Lord allowed me to go on. In China we went to a Buddhist temple and literally saw people bowing down to different idols. In Morocco I witnessed grown men bowing down and praying to Allah. Both instances broke my heart, but In both countries I also met men who once lived their life serving false gods and idols but heard the gospel of Christ and turned from their sins and received Christ as their personal savior! What an amazing God we serve! 

Father, please forgive me for not sharing the greatest truth ever known to man like I should.Thank you for sending Christ to turn men from idols to the true and living God! Lord that was me six years ago, you saved me from my Hell bound life and broke the chains of sin and set me free! May I not live in chains anymore but live in the newness of life that your Word teaches.