“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.”
1 Thessalonians 1:2
If you’ve ever received a large gift that you didn’t deserve, you might know something about undying thankfulness. Perhaps you got a second chance in a marriage, or maybe someone gave you an enormous present like a house or a car. Gifts like these are valuable and rare. Those who receive them will find their gratitude keeps growing, like an evergreen that survives every season.
Paul and his co-workers understood this. Like farmers with a crop ten times bigger than they could have ever dreamed of, these preachers had seen God do amazing things in the harvest of Thessalonian believers who came to Christ.
As with everyone who becomes a believer, the Thessalonians had only earned God’s wrath for their rebellious idolatry. Yet through the preaching of the gospel, God changed their hearts. Instead of serving false gods, they now served the one true God. Instead of fearing God’s wrath, they looked forward to the coming of His Son from heaven one day. Their gratitude—and ours!—would remain evergreen for such an awesome gift.
About the Author
Christopher J. Chelpka
After his 2010 graduation from Westminster Seminary California, Rev. Christopher Chelpka became the pastor for an Orthodox Presbyterian Church congregation in midtown Tucson, Arizona. He enjoys preparing weekly sermons and writing at his blog as well as for other Christian publications. Before entering the ministry, Christopher was a music teacher for 12 years, did some professional performing and recording, and even now still occasionally gives cello lessons. He and his wife Della, an artist, live and raise their five children on the northwest side of Tucson.
Paul and his co-workers understood this. Like farmers with a crop ten times bigger than they could have ever dreamed of, these preachers had seen God do amazing things in the harvest of Thessalonian believers who came to Christ.
As with everyone who becomes a believer, the Thessalonians had only earned God’s wrath for their rebellious idolatry. Yet through the preaching of the gospel, God changed their hearts. Instead of serving false gods, they now served the one true God. Instead of fearing God’s wrath, they looked forward to the coming of His Son from heaven one day. Their gratitude—and ours!—would remain evergreen for such an awesome gift.
About the Author
Christopher J. Chelpka
After his 2010 graduation from Westminster Seminary California, Rev. Christopher Chelpka became the pastor for an Orthodox Presbyterian Church congregation in midtown Tucson, Arizona. He enjoys preparing weekly sermons and writing at his blog as well as for other Christian publications. Before entering the ministry, Christopher was a music teacher for 12 years, did some professional performing and recording, and even now still occasionally gives cello lessons. He and his wife Della, an artist, live and raise their five children on the northwest side of Tucson.
Scripture Focus
1 Thessalonians 1:1-3
Insight
Be persistent in your petitions but also in your thankfulness. Who or what do you give God constant thanks for?
Bible In A Year
- 1 Kings 4-5
- Proverbs 1
- Titus 1-3
