Anglican Devotional 8 May 2023 – The Thessalonian Christian Testimony

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 8 May 2023 – The Thessalonian Christian Testimony

TOPIC: The Thessalonian Christian Testimony

READ: 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10(NKJV)

1. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,
3. remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,
4. knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.
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.
6. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
7. so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.
8. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.
9. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
10. and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, [even] Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

 

Also Read; open-heaven-7-may-2023-showing-off-in-church

THE MESSAGE:

A story was once told on social media of a Christian girl who abused a Muslim for mistakenly pouring water on her. Later, the man decided to give his life to Christ when he heard the gospel. She was invited to come and pray as their evangelism secretary. On getting there, the Muslim recognised her and that ended their evangelistic outreach. In today’s passage, Apostle Paul had reasons to give God thanks for the Thessalonian Christians. He was also eager to pray and encourage them for the following reasons:

1) They displayed a life of faith and love (v.3).
2)Their character showed that they were selected by God (v.3).
3) They imitated the life of sound Christian mentors (v.4).
4) They accepted the gospel with great joy amidst persecution and affliction.
5)Their life was exemplary to Christians in Macedonia and Achaia.
6) Their confidence in God’s power, goodness and undefiled faith was testified of in many places.

Also Read; open-heaven-7-may-2023-showing-off-in-church

Are you a Christian? What is your Christian testimony in your office, home, Church, etc.? Is the name of Christ blasphemed because of the way you live? Evaluate your Christian testimony with the qualities exhibited by the Thessalonian Christians. Repent from where you have fallen. Remain steadfast till the end amidst persecutions and afflictions of life.

PRAYER: Father, please help me to live a life that will radiate the image of Christ.