Paul provide some further instructions and exhortations for the Thessalonians to pursue further Christ-like character. He begins with a call to turn away from all sexual immorality and to pursue holiness. Paul notes the significance of the consequences of sexual immorality in that it deteriorates self, hurts others, and dishonors God. But in the end, there is both sanctification and power given by the Holy Spirit to pursue holiness.

Paul provide some further instructions and exhortations for the Thessalonians to pursue further Christ-like character. He begins with a call to turn away from all sexual immorality and to pursue holiness. Paul notes the significance of the consequences of sexual immorality in that it deteriorates self, hurts others, and dishonors God. But in the end, there is both sanctification and power given by the Holy Spirit to pursue holiness.

The Apostle Paul mentions Satan's schemes to disrupt his ministry through discouraging opposition and relational obstacles. In response, Paul engages in the ministry of encouragement and the ministry of celebration. Underlying all of his responses is the vital practice of prayer, which leads him to Jesus who has ultimately defeated Satan. While we might tend to brush off spiritual warfare as either being irrelevant or only occurring in extreme instances, it is a daily reality that does impact our lives. Thus, we need to courageously engage in spiritual warfare as we stand confident in Jesus' victory.

The Apostle Paul presents a model for how all Christians are to engage in active, relational discipleship. We are to be mothers and fathers in the faith, who sacrificially give of ourselves for others and who wisely apply the Gospel to others. While discipleship can feel discouraging and overwhelming at times, we can take heart because we ourselves are being discipled by Jesus, who fully gave of Himself so that we would grow in the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul presents a model for how all Christians are to engage in active, relational discipleship. We are to be mothers and fathers in the faith, who sacrificially give of ourselves for others and who wisely apply the Gospel to others. While discipleship can feel discouraging and overwhelming at times, we can take heart because we ourselves are being discipled by Jesus, who fully gave of Himself so that we would grow in the Gospel.

Paul is most likely writing one of his earliest letters to this young church that was both growing and facing struggles. He starts off his letter with his commendation for the church in Thessalonica and mentions three foundational aspects of the church. He commends them for their reception of God's Word, their active discipleship, and their evangelistic impact. As we also embark on our journey as a relatively young church with our own struggles and challenges, it is important to ingrain these foundational aspects for ourselves in order to grow and thrive.

Paul is most likely writing one of his earliest letters to this young church that was both growing and facing struggles. He starts off his letter with his commendation for the church in Thessalonica and mentions three foundational aspects of the church. He commends them for their reception of God's Word, their active discipleship, and their evangelistic impact. As we also embark on our journey as a relatively young church with our own struggles and challenges, it is important to ingrain these foundational aspects for ourselves in order to grow and thrive.

As he is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ emotional turmoil is on full display as he prepares to face the cross. By examining Jesus’ prayer in the garden, we are able to grow in our understanding of what prayer is. Prayer is not meant to be a performance nor it is simply a religious ritual. But rather, prayer creates a space for honest expression before God, cultivates a humble submission to God, and provides the courage to follow the will of God.

As he is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ emotional turmoil is on full display as he prepares to face the cross. By examining Jesus’ prayer in the garden, we are able to grow in our understanding of what prayer is. Prayer is not meant to be a performance nor it is simply a religious ritual. But rather, prayer creates a space for honest expression before God, cultivates a humble submission to God, and provides the courage to follow the will of God.