We commit and submit to God's Word

Theme – Christians are given two mandates – to care for God’s earth (especially the people on it) and to share the good news of Christ. Those who would grow mature must be engaged in each of these activities.

Life Change Objective – That we fulfill God’s mandates.

Theme – The person who wants to grow up well must be scripturally sound. Otherwise, we will be blown about by every trend. The maturing Christ-follower is also responsible relationally. He or she is a committed friend, worker, leader, spouse, child, parent, or citizen.

Life Change Objective – That we are scriptural in every relationship and activity.

Theme – The follower of Jesus is most blessed when he is absolutely committed to the Lord. Knowing that we by new nature parts of Christ’s body it only makes sense that we would be committed to that of which we are part. Similarly, we live a lie when we are only partially or nominally invested in Jesus’ body. Our worshipping, connecting, discipling, and serving must all be done as ones who are “all in.” Financial giving, more than any other aspect of life, exposes our real heat on these issues.

Life Change Objective – That we are all in for the Lord’s body.

Theme – The follower of Jesus should mature. This maturation process is not a formula, a check-box, or a destination. It is a way of living that grows us up from glory unto glory. (2 Cor. 3:18) This process is not easy, as it runs counter to our natural bent. Thankfully, we have the scriptures, the Spirit, and the redeemed community to help us.

Life Change Objective – That we keep growing up correctly.

Paul closes the Thessalonian correspondence with a call for the people to move from good to great.

Rattled by newspaper exegesis and big events of their day, the Thessalonian believers were concerned that they had missed some aspect of prophecy or salvation. Paul sets them straight.

Moving to the second epistle, we find a continuation of the main theme – holiness; specifically the glorification of Christ in believers. However, there is a clear note of comfort as well, an assurance for the Christian struggling with life.

Paul leaves with specific and serious reminders designed to help the congregation find the great treasures awaiting a church that delights in God together.

Paul “catches” up the Thessalonian believers, filling in more detail about the rapture; specifically that it includes the Christian dead. He also changes person and tone to describe a summary of the unsaved judgment and how Christians can both be secure in dark times and help unbelievers see the light.