In this episode, Pastor Mike walks us through the last chapter of First Thessalonians. Paul closes his letter with a series of final instructions for the church, all centered on the theme “Grace Works.” The heart of Paul’s message is clear: while we wait for Jesus to return, we are called to live lives shaped by faith, but it’s God’s grace, not our own strength, that makes this possible. Pastor Mike reminds us that real change and growth come from God’s faithfulness working in us, not from us trying to do it on our own.

This message is a reminder that the Christian life is both simple and powerful: trust God’s grace, walk in faith, and let His Spirit shape how we live each day.

Takeaways:

• Paul urges believers to honor and respect church leaders who work hard to guide and care for them.
• He calls us to stay joyful, pray continually, and give thanks in every situation, because this is God’s will for us.
• Spiritual growth is part of God’s work of sanctification in us—He is the one who makes us holy.
• We are called to build each other up: warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, and show patience to everyone.
• Pastor Mike emphasizes that faith should always lead to action, showing God’s grace in the way we live.
• Prayer is essential, not just for ourselves but for one another, as we seek God’s guidance and strength together.

-----------------

Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast! We are a community of believers located in Bakersfield, California, dedicated to following Jesus Christ and spreading his message of love and salvation.

Our church offers multiple services throughout the week to accommodate busy schedules. Join us on Sundays at 8:30 am or 10:30 am (Children and Youth services provided during our 10:30 am service). We also have a midweek service on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm where we gather together to study God's word and fellowship with one another, youth and children ministry provided as well!

Whether you are new to the faith or a long-time believer, we invite you to come and worship with us. You can find us at 6501 Schirra Ct, Bakersfield, CA 93313. If you're unable to attend in person, you can follow along with our services on Facebook and YouTube or visit our website at ccbakersfield.com.

Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.