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A TESTIMONY OF TRUE FAITH
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3
Acts 17:1-15

1 Thessalonians 2:13-18

 

“…the word of God,
which effectually worketh

also in you that believe.”

 

A TESTIMONY OF TRUE FAITH
 
Thessalonica was the second city in Europe that Paul visited during his second missionary journey. He had gone over after answering the Macedonian call (Acts 16:9-10), understanding that it was the Lord’s will for him to preach the Gospel there. After a brief stint at Philippi, where he was imprisoned, he was miraculously freed by an earthquake, and came to the city of Thessalonica.
 
There, Paul preached in the synagogue for just three Sabbath days before he had to flee the city because of a violent riot that had assembled against him and his team. There were some who believed, but the Jews who rejected the message of Christ incited “certain lewd fellows of the baser sort” (Acts 17:5) to hunt down Paul and his associates. When they failed to find them, the aggressive mob then turned on some new converts and made false accusations against them. Even after Paul fled to the neighbouring city of Berea, the Jews pursued and continued to stir up the people to oppose Paul. He had no choice but to relocate to Athens.
 
Despite such a tumultuous start and ongoing persecution, the church at Thessalonica thrived. Against all odds, they received the Word of God by faith, and it was effectually working in them. They suffered much at the hands of the Jews, yet their faith continued to grow. Such is the power of the Gospel, that although Paul was “taken from you for a short time in presence” (1 Thess 2:17), that did not hinder their faith, but instead spurred them on to find hope in the Lord. They even became a witnessing church, for from them “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” (1 Thess 1:8). Indeed, what a wonderful testimony of a true and living faith.
 
Dear reader, how has the Word of God worked in you? True believers will always be guided by God’s truth and the working of His Holy Spirit, such that we will not be easily overwhelmed by adversity.
 
THOUGHT: True faith will always bring forth fruit.
PRAYER: Father, may Thou strengthen my faith and help me to trust in Thee no matter what adversities or troubles come my way.

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