Part two of looking at some important attitudes and characteristics of a growing church. What kind of environment are we creating?

In these final instructions to a young church Paul highlights some of the attitudes and behaviours that should be present amongst them as a growing Christian community. What kind of environment is being created? And so as we conclude our journey through this NT letter, we draw attention to 14 important aspects of church life that Paul mentions, which are all equally helpful for us today.

The church has always been fascinated with how and when it’s all going to end, and how and when Jesus is going to return, but the important thing to know is not when this will happen, but who (or whose) we are when this day arrives.

As Christians we don't grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope, for we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that truth changes everything. In this message we consider the reality that awaits us as believers when Jesus returns.

In this message we consider Paul's warning to the Thessalonians to avoid sexual immorality, and seek to understand Gods good design for sex and marriage. Please note: The first 5 minutes of the message is missing due to technical complications, so we join the sermon after the introduction and bible reading.

Paul knew who was behind the Thessalonians faith and perseverance and so He gives thanks to God and then he prays for God to do even more.… setting an example of what it means to live a Godward life of humble, prayerful, grateful dependence.

Paul knew that hardship & persecution was inevitable for the Christian, which is why he was so keen to remind these new converts that trial & tribulation is a necessary part of Christian growth & witness. We too need to hear this message.

Considering Paul's example of faithful ministry and what lessons we can learn for our own ministry and service.

Learning from the example of the Thessalonians conversion to Christ.

We kick off a new series in 1 Thessalonians this morning, and after introducing the context of the church to which Paul writes we consider the evidence of Gods grace in the lives of the Thessalonians which was displayed in their work produced by faith, their labour prompted by love and their endurance inspired by hope in the Lord Jesus.