1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Psalm 97

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Paul had founded the church in Thessalonica according to Acts 17:1-15. He ministered there for only a short time. The Bible includes two letters that he wrote back to the believers there.

Paul begins this first letter with his usual greetings, recognizing that these dear believers belonged to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ--just as we do. As Paul writes to the New Testament churches, we should realize that his words apply to us in the same way they applied to those believers so long ago. After all, we are all part of the body of Christ!

Paul goes on to wish them grace and pace. He and his companions were thankful for them and prayed for them. They were reminded of their faithful work, their loving deeds, and the enduring hope they had because of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul remembers that God loves them and chose them to be his own people because when they head the Good News, the Holy Spirit assured them that it was true. They received the message of salvation with joy though it brought them severe suffering. As a result of their following Paul's example, and especially the Lord's example, they became a wonderful testimony to believers in other places--Greece, Macedonia, and Achaia and beyond. People were talking about how they had welcomed Paul and his party, how they had turned from idols to serve the living and true God, and how they were looking forward to the coming of God's Son, Jesus, from heaven--the same Jesus, "whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment."

Psalm 97
This is a psalm of praise to our Awesome God! Human words cannot describe Him. The dark clouds, fire, lightning etc. mentioned in the early verses symbolize the fact that no human can approach Him in His mighty power and righteousness. He had to come to us!

"For you, O Lord, are supreme over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods." v. 9 The following worship song comes from this verse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCJGfMsqm5k

If we truly want to exalt God, we will put away "idols" from our lives--anything that takes God's rightful place. We will evaluate our goals and priorities. We will hate evil, and we will love what God loves. "Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. May all who are godly rejoice in the Lord and praise his holy name! vv. 11-12