1 Cor 1:18-25 and 2 Cor 4:3-6

The cross was a stumbling block and folly to people who considered the kingship of Jesus. It was used to discredit the claims of Jesus - how could a king die and still be king? Where is the power? Where is the light? Foolishness. But what the early church found was the cross, though foolishness to the world, was the fulfillment of everything they had been searching for. And in the face of Jesus, through the resurrection, they saw the light of the knowledge of the glory of God on magnificent display.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

It is reasonable and rational to be sorrowful about sorrowful things. However, those who belong to Jesus do not grieve the same as those who have no hope in the Gospel. If we died with Christ through his death on the cross, we will live with Him forever! Encourage one another, church, with the glorious hope of the Gospel.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

When we think of a meaningful life, we often think of big moments. But biblically, the impact of a life is measured by day to day faithfulness. We find that God works the most through those who trust him in the smaller things.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

Paul continues with his section of how to live a life that is pleasing to God by addressing sexuality. Is the Bible’s teaching about sexuality limited to a list of things you should avoid? Or is there something more than that? Is it possible that what God offers is not a lesser alternative, but something that is far greater?

1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

After laying a foundation of the gospel, Paul transitions into instructions of how to live a life that is pleasing to God. Before he addresses a few specific issues, he gives us principles that should guide how we think about the Christian life.

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Making disciples is not something that God asks us to do solely out of obedience, because he said so. It is also not something where we will reap the benefits only in eternity. Paul demonstrates how giving your life to the making disciples results in real comfort, real joy, and real life today.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5

One thing is clear - following Jesus does not lead to a life without difficulty. Over and again God’s people are warned that they will face many trials and afflictions. They are warned that the Enemy means it for evil, but God means it for good. Why are some led away from God through suffering while others are led to him? How can we face suffering in such a way that we grow closer to God through it?

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. Paul knew they received it as the Word of God because it produced what receiving it as the Word of God always produces. The Fruit of the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

One of the attacks Paul faced was people questioning his motives. He reminds the young church that he preached the Gospel because he loved them, and he had the evidence of a shared life to back it up. In the same way, we are called to not only proclaim the words of the Gospel, but to share our lives out of love for our neighbors.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-2

Paul, the victim of a smear campaign, takes a moment to remind his readers how much he cares for them, and that his humble confidence is informed by, and fueled by, God and His Gospel.