People are what's really important to God...people matter to God...God deeply cares for and is concerned for/about people...are we???

There is a God ordained purpose in allowing difficulties into our lives

Theme: things we should  know that will enable us to correctly respond to the negatives of life

-this week...the truth that we are more than overcomers in Christ

-next week...the truth that there is a purpose in the negatives...God's go it

A life truly lived for Christ will not be an 'easy' life

-we are to expect suffering, hardship, persecution, trouble, trials tribulation 

-this week need to expect it...next week,,,how to properly respnd to it

Building our lives on a solid...correct foundation: God, Christ, The Word of God, Christian virtues etc.

Paul commended the Thessalonians for "receiving and accepting" the Word of God for what it truly is...just that...the Word of God...

-we will explain what it means to "receive and accept" the Word of God as the Word of God

-and we will look briefly at verses supporting the uniqueness of the Word of God

-brief message on the heart of discipleship which is "self sacrificial love and affection"

-brief message on the heart of discipleship which is "self sacrificial love and affection"

: the appeal we make refers to the core components of the gospel which we are called to share with those who do not know Jesus