1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 When the gospel is received, we become imitators of Christ and serve the living God escaping the coming wrath

Because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 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. The word of God is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who believe it is the power of God. In Thessalonica, they received the word with conviction and became evangelists in the entire area. They are called the elect of God and by imitating the model set forth by Jesus, they escaped the coming wrath of God for those who do not believe nor receive his son as their Lord and Savior. Today is no different. The word of God lives on and the invitation to come unto Jesus is still being made. Today we live in the time of salvation by grace. Can you believe and escape the wrath to come. You have heard the gospel and must be wise in order to live. Amen.