A Church That Refuses to Be Average.1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 KJV The Thessalonian believers demonstrated this by receiving the gospel with power through the Holy Spirit, remaining joyful even in hardship, and becoming a strong example to others as their faith spread widely. They turned completely from idols to serve God and lived with a constant expectation of Jesus’ return, showing that a church that refuses to be average is one that is spiritually authentic, boldly influential, and fully committed to living out the gospel every day.