Jeff Stevens

Who do we please? Do we strive to please man? Or do we strive to please God? In this study, Paul discusses sexual immorality in the church. It is obviously a problem in Greco-Roman culture, as it is a problem today. Why are we called to a life of holiness? This study discusses our identity. Our struggle with pleasing man vs. pleasing God is intrinsically tied to our identity in our Creator, God!

This is how we will perfect our faith, through prayer, love and the desire for our hearts to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father. A study in 1 Thessalonians 3 that helps us to understand how to define faith and love in the context of the Word of God!

This passage shows Paul's love for believers and his desire to disciple them well. We can take many great examples from Paul's words on how we are to walk as Christians, together. Discipleship is an intentional act of caring for fellow believers. It includes listening, guiding, correcting, teaching, loving, praying with and praying for our friends. Join us as we discuss why Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica to establish and exhort them in the faith.

When we believe that the Word of God has come to us in power and in the Holy Spirit. When we believe it is the truth, we begin to grow so firm in faith that no amount of persecution can ever break our joy. And no acts of deception can ever destroy our hope. And we will find that we will be boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming with those who we share the faith with.

1 Thessalonians 2:13-19

What was Paul's idea of ministry? 1 Thessalonians 2 is a fantastic lesson for any believer or church body. There are 9 specific attributes that Paul will address as he explains his own ministry to these believers. Doing ministry well is an appropriate response to our God as we, "walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory." 

No church, on this side of heaven, is going to be perfect. But the report that Paul reviewed from Timothy is that the Thessalonian Church, that Paul has previously planted, is about as perfect as a church can be. As we go through the entire first chapter in one session, we learn the elements of a Perfect Church! Every modern church should read this chapter, listen to this message, and apply these principles. The principles of a perfect church. 

Wrapping up Colossians, there is a lot to be learned about the circle of believers that Paul had around him. From each of his friends, we learn about grace, love, reconciliation, forgiveness, partnership and fellowship. We can see reliability in the letter to the Colossians based on the people that Paul names as  well. This letter teaches believers so much about their faith walk and about the nature of Jesus Christ. It is impossible to not respond with obedience, thankfulness and a desire to have God open doors for us to reach the lost. 

Green Beret Warrant Officer Tom Dillard shares Biblical truths about what we learn about suffering through our own experiences. After sharing his testimony, Tom teaches us 3 things we learn about suffering from the Bible. 1) Suffering is something everyone will face; 2) Suffering creates character; 3) Suffering teaches us to rely on God. These truths remind us that our God is not a God of suffering, He is the God of Hope!

Paul's prayer is never selfish. He is always praying for others or asking for prayer for his ministry. In this lesson we learn to pray for God to open doors for us so that we can share the mystery of Christ. Through Paul's prayers and instructions we find useful tools to reach unbelievers in a Godly and deliberate way.

God's design for the family is consistent throughout the Bible. But through Colossians 3, we see a comprehensive plan for a Biblical family. Our families best honor and glorify God when they are intentionally established and built on the principles developed throughout this chapter.