Brother Paul turns to 1 Thessalonians, where the Apostle Paul writes that the church there became ensamples to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia. He explains that an ensample is like a deeply carved die that leaves an imprint or impression on others. Paul preached Jesus, and the people became followers with joy of the Holy Ghost, even in the face of affliction from those who did not believe. Brother Paul encourages us not only to give thanks to one another for encouragement, but also to thank the Lord for our church as we wait for Christ’s return. This expectation helps us endure trials and tribulations, knowing we have a home in Heaven, and makes Godly impressions on others.

Elder Chris turns to Exodus and the account at the Red Sea, where the children of Israel found themselves trapped— the sea before them and 600 chariots of skilled warriors behind them. Moses told them to fear not, to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, assuring them that He would deliver them. They were called to hold their peace and trust that God would provide in a miraculous way. He then points to Joshua, where Israel faces its first battle. As Joshua goes out to pray, he encounters the Lord Jesus Christ, the Captain of the Lord’s host, who gives him the battle plan. Though it seemed unusual, they were instructed to march around the city six times, and on the seventh day to blow the trumpets, at which point the walls would fall. Israel obeyed, and the city was conquered. Elder Chris explains that we may not always understand how the Lord removes obstacles from our path, but we are called to trust in Him, knowing He will provide.

Elder Chris reminds us that there is a race set before us, and along the way we will face hurdles. Jesus Himself faced constant opposition, yet He never stopped. In the same way, when we meditate on that truth, we are strengthened so that we do not grow weary or faint. The Apostle Paul teaches that the child of God will encounter difficulties, but our trials have not yet reached the point of bloodshed. Even so, that is no reason to give up. Our race is not finished until we receive our honorable discharge—our final breath. Elder Chris encourages us to always be mindful that trouble will arise, consider the Rock, and not complain about our lot in life.

Elder Tim teaches that sin and death bring separation, yet nothing can separate us from the love of God because of the blood of Jesus Christ. He points to Abraham and Lot, whose strife led them to part ways. Lot chose the well-watered plain—what seemed like the right decision—rather than staying with Abraham and working through their conflict. Elder Tim encourages us to be patient in our decisions, to look to God as the source of our help, and to rest in the assurance that our eternal salvation is secure.

In Hebrews 12, the Apostle Paul warns against turning back from the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the law. Instead, he shows that there is deliverance in pressing on in faith and believing the gospel. Elder Chris encourages us to keep these truths in memory, to diligently seek the Lord, and to look to the cloud of witnesses who did not give up. Paul instructs us to keep going by looking unto Jesus—considering every aspect of His life, especially Calvary—and remembering that He never quit. Let us lay aside the weight of the sins that trouble us and encourage one another to press on.

The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8, laying out how all things work together for our good. He tells us that God loved us before the foundation of the world—predestinating us, calling us, justifying us, and glorifying us. If God has done all these things for us, who can be against us? In the final day, all enemies will be brought into subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ. Elder Chris encourages us to pause and reflect on the manner of love that has been given to us—that while we were yet sinners, we are called the sons of God.