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"In God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ..."

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1

DEEP THOUGHTS

The apostle Paul founded many churches. What was in his mind when he sought to establish church after church in his missionary journeys? We have a glimpse of what Paul had in mind in the following text.

“Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in
God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…”
1 Thessalonians 1:1

1. “The church”

a) The word “church” has the following connotations:-

i) It is made up of people whom God had given a calling.

ii) He had called them to salvation.

iii) He has called them out of the world.

iv) He had called them to form a local body of believers.

b) Great significance in belonging to a local church.

i) They would be there to support each other.

ii) They would be stronger because they were together.

iii) The strength they had together as a church would help them cope with suffering.

2. “The church of the Thessalonians”

a) This church would be for those located in Thessalonica.

b) The church in Thessalonica would represent a corporate presence for the Lord.

3. “In God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”

a) There was of course the local aspect.

b) There was another idea that is perhaps even more important.

i) In the spiritual sphere the Church was located in God the Father; and

ii) In the Lord Jesus Christ.

AN IMPORTANT SPIRITUAL DIMENSION INTRODUCED

The mention of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ is of great significance:

1. God the Father is directly involved and has made Christ the head of the Church (Colossians 1:18).

2. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone and the church is the dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:20, 22).