1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Thessalonians 1:1-3

A. Background of the Church in Thessalonica – Acts 17:1-4

B. A Look Inside a First Love Church

1. Characteristics in a First Love Church

1 Thessalonians 1

– A Gospel-birthed church: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5a; I Corinthians 15:1-4

– A Gospel-spreading church: 1 Thessalonians 1:8

1 Thessalonians 2

– A Word centered Church: 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Isaiah 66:1-2

– A Persecuted Church: 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15, 2 Timothy 3:10-12

1 Thessalonians 3

– A loving and faithful church: 1 Thessalonians 3:6

– A Spiritually Relational church: 1 Thessalonians 3:6, Romans 1:11-12

1 Thessalonians 4

– A Teachable Church: 1 Thessalonians 4:9, Ephesians 4:20

– An Obedient Church: 1 Thessalonians 4:10

1 Thessalonians 5

– An Encouraging Church: 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:12-13

– A Second Coming Church: 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 John 3:1-3