I Thessalonians 1:1-10
This reading is changed into a first-person recounting of the things said about the believers in Thessalonica; here we have it set up as an antiphonal reading – it could easily be done as one long congregational reading – or as leader/people. If you do it antiphonally, be sure you clearly explain who is reading what (e.g. – the left side of the room read group one, the right side read group two).
Expression of Faith based from I Thessalonians 1:3-10
Group One: May we be a people of faith, laboring together in love, with a steadfast hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Group Two: God has chosen us. The message of the gospel came to us not only in the words of witnesses, but also with conviction by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Group One: In spite of persecution, inspired by the Holy Spirit, we have received the word with joy.
Group Two: As imitators of the Lord, may we be an example to all other believers.
Group One: May the word of the Lord sound forth from us in every place.
Group Two: We have turned from lesser gods to serve a living and true God.
Group One: We wait for his Son, whom he raised from the dead.
Group Two: Jesus has rescued us from the wrath that is yet to come.
(as unison reading)
May we be a people of faith, laboring together in love, with a steadfast hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
God has chosen us, and the message of the gospel came to us not only in the words of witnesses, but also with conviction by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In spite of persecution, inspired by the Holy Spirit, we have received the word with joy. As imitators of the Lord, may we be an example to all other believers.
May the word of the Lord sound forth from us in every place.
We have turned from lesser gods to serve a living and true God.
We wait for his Son, whom he raised from the dead, and who has rescued us from the wrath that is yet to come.
Hymn/Song Suggestions:
“We Are God’s People”
“Living for Jesus”
“Filled with the Spirit’s Power”
“My Lord, I Did Not Choose You” (BH91)