From the Pastor’s Desk:
Faith
Paul’s love for the Thessalonians was demonstrated when he sent Timothy to them. He was concerned for their faith. So he sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them in their faith.
In 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 it reads: Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: 3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. 5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
The Christian will face many trials and afflictions in this life. We are told not to be shaken by them for God will deliver us as long as we keep our faith in Him. Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Satan, the enemy of God and his people, will try and use afflictions to discourage us. He knows discouragement will tear down our faith. He wants to destroy our faith, so that we will lose the blessings of God.
On the other hand God has promised to give us all the blessings of the Kingdom if only we keep our faith active in Him.
