Elements of a Mature Church I. With Our Spiritual Authorities  v.12-13 – All of us are requested to appreciate those who    * Diligently labor among you – This is where their work takes place – They work among us – Their work is us – God has called them to us    * Have charge over you in the Lord – They are responsible to help us flourish in the Lord, so be willing… Continue reading

I. You Know the Signs  v.1-3 – Paul tell us up front that we already know the signs of the times and epochs – Then he proceeds to list some of them – The Day of the Lord – Great Tribulation – 7 years of God’s wrath poured out    * Will come as a thief in the night – Unexpected. At His discretion.    * While they are saying, “Peace & safety” – The… Continue reading

I. We Go to Be With Jesus  v.13-14 – Don’t be uninformed about those who are asleep – The word asleep is here refers to those who died in Christ – We don’t grieve someone napping – Paul doesn’t want us to be uninformed about their destiny because it affects howwe grieve over Christian family or friends who passed away – Temporary – Paul begins to describe the rapture – Removal of the church –… Continue reading

Elements of a Mature Church I. A Good Beginning  v.1 – Paul begins by saying he requests and is even urging them in Jesus Christ that in the same way they received the instructions on:    * How you ought to walk – How Christians function    * How you please God – How Christians should focus – That now it’s time to excel more – That was only the beginning that you received so… Continue reading

Elements of a Mature Church I. You Are Not Alone  v.1-5 – Paul cared more about the Thessalonians than himself – So he sent Timothy to be with them – He was concerned the afflictions they were facing were troubling their faith – This happens when there is a price for our faith!    * Timothy goes to strengthen and encourage them – We all need this at times!    * They were destined for… Continue reading

Elements of a Mature Church I. Discernment  v.13 – Paul, Sylvanius, and Timothy had developed a love for the Thessalonians (v.8) and because of this love they thanked God for their discernment because it allowed them to enter into what God had for them    * When they heard the Word of God they understood, it was from God and not from men – This is evidence of the HS leading them into truth   … Continue reading

Elements of a Mature Church I. You Are Chosen  v.13-14 – Paul and his crew were grateful for God’s plans for the Thessalonians – We need to celebrate and support the plans God has for others – Here they are!    * Chosen from the beginning for salvation – This is not predestination. This is referring to being included in the opportunity to receive the gospel. Remember they were gentiles and not Jews    *… Continue reading

Elements of a Mature Church I. Boldness in Truth  v.1-5 – Paul, Sylvanius, and Timothy’s coming to the Thessalonians was not in vain because God did a work in the Thessalonians – But what’s the history?: – They had both suffered and were mistreated in Philippi – They had a bad experience serving the Lord – This is a reality we need to accept – Then, they went to the Thessalonians, and preached the gospel to… Continue reading

So, lets take a look at what it means to be an example… I. Their Character  v.1-3 – The character of the church at Thessalonica touched Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy so much that they expressed gratitude to God for them – Specifically:    * Work of faith – Obedient trust leading to action – Not self reliance    * Labor of love – Motivation (led by)  and actions (demonstrated) – Heart    * Steadfastness of… Continue reading

So, lets learn a couple lessons from Nehemiah in preparation for what God has for us… I. The Situation  Nehemiah 1:1-4 – Nehemiah was in Susa (the capital city of the Persian empire, now in modern day Iran) when his brother and men from Judah come to visit him – He asks them about the Jews and Jerusalem – They answered:    * The Jews are in great distress and reproach    * The wall… Continue reading