Generations of Faith - by Jeremy Duke
1 Thessalonians 1:7-10 (NIV)
And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Let's notice the generations of faith in this passage. Paul, Silas and Timothy took the gospel to the Thessalonians, who received the word in faith and turned from false Gods to the true God. The story of how the Thessalonians received Paul travelled to other believers in the region, encouraging them. Now the story of the faith of the christians in Thessalonica and surrounding regions travels to us to encourage us!
I'm sure you've heard many stories of God's power at work that have encouraged you. This is a reminder to keep sharing these stories - God uses them to encourage His people!