CCF Weekly Services Podcast

Paul continues reminding Thessalonica regarding what He taught them about Christian ethics and the hope of the Rapture of the Church as motivation for Godly living today.

1. Christian ethics are centered around Jesus’ character and nature.

2. Love is the ongoing command of every Christian who claims to follow Christ.

3. Live for Jesus today, because He hasn’t promised us a tomorrow.

Paul's letter to Thessalonica continues with a reminder of the promises God has actually made to us and what we should hope for rather than to confuse them with the things we want.

1. God promised that we would suffer for His sake in this world.

2. God promised that He will finish the work He started.

3. God promised to never leave us or forsake us.

Gideon is introduced as the fifth judge of Israel with a personal meeting from the Lord. Where God finds him is hiding from Israel's enemies. Yet the fact God was with him would ultimately make him into the person who would be driving Israel's enemies out.

1. There is no limit to what God can do as long as He gets the glory.

2. God has no problem giving you more reasons to trust Him.

3. God's purpose for our lives is to make us more like Jesus.

Hosea illustrates God's treatment of Israel throughout her history like a parent lovingly teaching their child to walk or a gracious farmer treating his animals gently. In spite of only being good to them, they rebelled and went after false gods who offered them nothing. The moment they discovered that the hard way, God would be ready and waiting to receive them home again.

1. Every Parent's job is to model God's heart of love and grace.

2. God can't forgive the sinner who refuses forgiveness.

3. God's correction is temporary, but His restoration is eternal.

Hosea’s prophecy gets down to the heart of where Israel’s problems are taking place. They’re looking at their kings and crops instead of God, and the result has been them turning a blind eye to evil in ways that would shock them if they were still capable of understanding shame. The only way God was going to get their attention wasn’t to keep telling them they need to choose His mercy. He had been doing that for centuries. All that was left was for them to see how strong their king was and see the Assyrians take away their kingdom forever.

1. If you want to know God, start and stick with His Word.

2. God will respect choices, but not prevent consequences.

3. God wants a relationship with you, but won’t force you to make the right decisions.

Hosea’s prophecy gets down to the heart of where Israel’s problems are taking place. They’re looking at their kings and crops instead of God, and the result has been them turning a blind eye to evil in ways that would shock them if they were still capable of understanding shame. The only way God was going to get their attention wasn’t to keep telling them they need to choose His mercy. He had been doing that for centuries. All that was left was for them to see how strong their king was and see the Assyrians take away their kingdom forever.

1. If you want to know God, start and stick with His Word.

2. God will respect choices, but not prevent consequences.

3. God wants a relationship with you, but won’t force you to make the right decisions.