Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

1 Thessalonians 1:4–10

There are some truths in life that must be accepted without proof. We cannot prove the existence of God through a formula, nor can we fully explain His sovereignty. Paul writes to the Thessalonians with one of those unexplainable truths: “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4)

Paul doesn’t debate or defend this truth—he simply declares it. From God’s point of view, this is settled fact. We live in a universe created by God. We exist for His glory. He alone is God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—one God in perfect unity. He doesn’t need our advice or approval. He doesn’t need us. He wants us.

But God is not a tyrant in His choosing. No one is saved against their will, and no one is rejected against their will. God’s desire is that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). His election is not about forcing salvation; it’s about extending love. When we begin to grasp that we were chosen by the Creator of the universe—not because of who we are, but because of who He is—it humbles us to our knees.

And yet, even in His choosing, God gives us the freedom to choose Him back. What an incredible opportunity—to respond to His call, to say yes to His love.

When Paul and the apostles first came to Thessalonica, everyone knew they were just ordinary men. But when they spoke, something happened. Their words carried power, because the Word of God came not only “in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and in full conviction” (v. 5). That’s the difference between mere words and the Word of God.

When we speak the Word of God, the atmosphere shifts. Power is released. God steps into His Word, and things begin to change. Lives are transformed, strongholds are broken, and lost sinners become children of God.

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

Someone has to speak it. Someone has to declare it. Will that someone be you?

The Thessalonians didn’t turn to Christ because Paul condemned their idols. They turned because he preached Christ. And when they turned to Him, they turned from their idols.

Try this: hold your hand out in front of you, palm facing your face. Now turn it so the back of your hand faces you. Notice how your palm automatically turns away? You can’t turn toward one thing without turning away from another. That’s repentance.

You cannot turn to Christ without turning away from sin.

You cannot walk forward with Christ and cling to the old life at the same time.

You can’t ride the fence and call it faith.

To truly follow Jesus, you have to choose.

Preach Christ to the world—and preach repentance to the Church.

Repentance isn’t a one-time prayer; it’s a daily turning. A daily dying to self. A daily choosing Christ over everything else.

God has chosen us—but He still waits for us to choose Him. Salvation is His gift, but receiving it is our decision. Some will say yes, and some will turn away. But the invitation remains open for all.

When we turn to Christ, everything changes. The idols lose their grip. The past loses its hold. The heart finds peace.

That’s what it means to be chosen and changed.

✝️

Faith moves you.

Love drives you.

Hope sustains you.

— Live Bold. Live Set Apart. Live in Christ.