1 Thessalonians 1:1-4

As Paul addresses the saints in Thessalonica after a lengthy season of separation, he greets them in a unique and unusual way calling them “a church in God.” In speaking of them in this way, he reinforced the point that they were a true church since they were in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. To this true church, Paul wrote a letter designed to meet its ongoing spiritual needs. Three themes dominate this great book: confirmation, encouragement, and instruction. This message kicks off a sermon series on this letter providing an introduction and overview to 1 Thessalonians as a whole.