Authentic FaithOver these next few weeks we’re going to be looking at a group of new Testament Christians, the Thessalonians, who seemed to be doing just that. These folk were keeping going; living and working as God’s people. However, it wasn’t just that they were “busy and active” but the apostle Paul could see where their inspiration and energy came from.In the opening chapter of first Thessalonians Paul describes what so impressed him about their authentic lives. Effectively he “lifts the bonnet” to see what’s really motivating these young Christians.It’s “work produced by faith” (verse 3). Not “work” for any other reason – such as impressing others or keeping busy so we don’t have to think about things too much – this activity was motivated and inspired by their faith in Jesus Christ.This series, about living our lives as authentic Christians, I imagine, will challenge you as it’s challenged me. This letter of first Thessalonians looks at what undergirds and motivates our Christian lives. As we face the continued uncertainty of the pandemic, what is it that inspires your life? Are you living as an authentic Christian?Tom