Scripture/Text: ; Scripture/Text: 1 Thessalonians 1; After starting a church in Thessalonica and then being forced to leave the city, the apostle Paul reaches back by writing a letter. With thankfulness to God and great affection for the young church, he commends them on their spiritual growth. The evidence of their salvation is clear: they're spiritually productive; they proclaim the good news of salvation to others; and they eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ. This Sunday, as we open the first letter to the Thessalonians, we'll be able to consider the question: Are we, as a church and individually, growing well spiritually?