Paul moves away from the topic of end times theology for now...

-closes the letter with miscellaneous instructions and exhortations for holy Christian living

Continuing in an ends time theology focus

an informational sermon on the coming of the Lord and we call the "rapture of the church"

Believers are exhorted to more and more live a life pleasing the the Lord

-this requires growing and going deeper in various areas of Christian knowledge and practice

believers are often exhorted in Scripture to "encourage one another"

-we will take an indepth look at this topic

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