The Thessalonian church was an exemplary thriving church. This passage from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians teaches us the characteristics of a faithful church.
The thriving church is a fearless church.
Although Paul and Silas endured severe persecution because of the gospel, they were bold to continue sharing the gospel with the Thessalonians. Paul’s boldness came from his union with Christ (Eph 3:12) and the Thessalonians imitated him in his bravery to speak out the gospel.
We need to be reminded of the gospel every day. The gospel achieved for us what we could never do ourselves- it made us right with God. To be bold is to be willing to speak out the gospel despite any opposition or persecution. This kind of boldness comes from Jesus. Is your union with Christ operating in your life every day to be bold with the gospel?
The thriving church is a striving church.
The Thessalonian church imitated Paul and Silas by laboring relentlessly. They strived by being fervent in prayer. Prayer cultivates your spirit amid any physical hardships. If you desire to be a faithful church member, you must pray earnestly every day. Paul, Silas, and the Thessalonians also strived by being deeply devoted to Christ. They put aside all spiritual encumbrances and prioritized Jesus over all things. Faithful churches today- especially those that face harsh persecution- thrive because they are willing to lose everything for the sake of Christ.
Like the Thessalonians, we have been saved by the same gospel and have received the same commission to boldly make disciples of all nations. Let us strive to be fearless and faithful to deliver the life-giving gospel message to the lost.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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