Faith, The Lifestyle of Saints
The Evidence of Faith
People talk, back then and today, it's what we do we to spread the news of what we feel is important to us. Paul planted churches in various places and he received reports on all of them, they didn't have the internet or telephones, but the word got around (Romans 1:8) as well as letters of encouragement to start-up churches that were under persecution.
The church in those days faced punishment as defiance to their faith. Their faith was tested by a challenge that sometimes included death, about what they believed. Paul encourages them, like ministers today encourage us, to hold on, keep the faith, don't give up, because it's only a test you're going through (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4).
The evidence of our Faith is the work that we do by Faith to show our willingness to obey the Word of God. The young Church at Thessalonica was like many of us, growing in maturity, having the wind knocked out of us and looking for miracles every day and struggling to hold on to the Truth, but they make it (Revelation 12:11). They overcame, so what will your report be?
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth.
A Consuming Fire, Esh Oklah (Deuteronomy 4:24); we thank You for the glowing examples of those who came through the fire and survived. We praise You for the words of encouragement that flows and heals us as we endure pain and suffering. We decree and declare blessings upon those who face the struggle of life and understand that whatsoever happens is only a test, so that; the Faith of the righteous establishes an unwavering belief. Now, for the sake of the Kingdom and the Glory of God, we petition, with anointing in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior, Amen.