Join us as we think about how we can prepare for Jesus' return.

intro:

"Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Church in Thessalonica has questions about the end of life and the end of times. What can we learn from Paul's writing to them?

We can be sanctified through death and the end by:

1. Grieving the temporary
2. Enjoying the eternal
3. Encouraging one another with the end

intro:

"Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Sorry for the audio difficulties for the first few minutes. It clears up in minute 4.

Through Paul's words to the Thessalonians, we are called to live to please God more and more in two specific dimensions: in our sanctification and in loving others.

intro:

"Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

As he closes the first half of his letter, Paul prays that God would grant the Thessalonians 3 keys for faithful living.

1. Prayer
2. Love
3. Blameless and Holy Hearts

Join us as we consider the faith and love God desires in His Church.

Presence matters.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. Presence is where sharing life happens
2. Presence frustrates the plans of Satan
3. Presence leads to our joy
4. Presence is how we make our lives count
5. Presence is Christlike

The call to accept (and not reject) God's word as the word from God comes with three encouragements:

1. Revere the word

2. Forsake all to have the word

3. Let the word work

Paul demonstrates good, Godly leadership to help the church live lives worthy of the Lord.

intro:

"Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Will your faith last? Here are six marks of a lasting faith to pursue by the Spirit's help:

1. Christ-informed Identity
2. Deep Conviction
3. Joy in the Midst of Suffering
4. Repentance
5. Waiting
6. Multiplication

You're invited to turn with us to 1 Thessalonians as we examine Paul's letter of encouragement to a young church facing many pressures.