10/25/25 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11
The church at Thessalonica was established on Paul’s second missionary trip, but as a result of Paul’s controversial message, it was dangerous for him to remain and so he retreated to Athens, but he didn’t go quietly. He built churches and received converts all along the way. Still, his heart was with a new congregation that didn’t have the advantage of spiritual growth and development before facing the turbulence of opposition, temptation and persecution.
Paul was emphatic that all must wait patiently, but urgently, for the Lord’s coming. I wish I could say, ‘You’ve got this!” But the honest truth is, IT IS HARD!!!!! No one wants to awaken to a fight for survival, but without confidence in God’s power to sustain and maintain we will become discouraged, exhausted and vulnerable to false theologies and practices.
The church, the Body of Christ, must be a heroic source of ceaseless encouragement. This is a mark of faithfulness to one’s own victories and love for other believers as they are sent to light the dark world.
Go! Team! Go!!!!
Gretchen