Before concluding our study of 1st Thessalonians 1 let’s look at the first verse. “Paul, Silas and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.”
As we’ve studied this chapter we’ve sought to answer the question, “Is your Christian experience real?” This is a valid question, but this was written to the Church of the Thessalonians. So the question should be, “Is your church experiencing real Christianity?” Take a Reality Check!
Is there evidence in your church of God’s love and choice? By that I mean, do people in your community buzz about what God is doing in your midst? Then ask, is the leadership in your church modeling what it is to walk as Christ walked. Are the believers in the church imitating or following in the footsteps of the leaders as they walk as Christ walked? Are non-believers attracted to your church because of what they see happening there? Take a Reality Check!
If your pastor or a an evangelist were to go out into your community and start witnessing, would the neighbors stop them and report what kind of reception your church gave to those who introduced them to Christ? Would they “tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven?” Take a Reality Check?
When Paul took a Reality Check of the church in Thessalonica he found much to be thankful for and he affirmed them. He pronounced a benediction of grace and peace on them. Would he have reason to do the same on you and your church? I hope so.
