Each local church is known for something…the service-oriented church, the praying church, the loud music and lights church, the church full of grey-haired people…what was the church in Thessalonica known for? For that matter, what is Providence Church known for? In our text Sunday, Paul is overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness for the faithfulness of the church in Thessalonica. We’ll see how faithfulness is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Christian and how God calls us to walk in faith with each other.

What role does prayer play in the life of the local church? Many of us struggle with prayer. I am hoping as we continue to look at 1 Thessalonians we come to see prayer as a gracious invitation from God rather than another thing to jam into our busy schedules. May ours be a local church dependent on God alone.

When the Thessalonians became Christ-followers, they immediately faced pressure from the dominant culture. Interestingly, Paul tells them this is an indication that they’re on the right track. Since every Christian will face hardship, this week’s passage helps us prepare for the times of trial.

We’ve all been hurt by sinful behaviors under the pretense of ministry. How does Scripture see healthy patterns of Gospel work? In our passage this week, Paul outlines the conduct and approach of godly ministry. Far from applying only to full-time clergy, this picture of God’s work done God’s way relates to all Christ-followers.

Positive examples are instrumental in doing life well. As we begin our study of 1 Thessalonians, we will see how this young church “became an example to all the believers” in their region. How encouraging to see that, despite their flaws, God used this group to advance the Gospel. Our prayer is that God will grant us understanding so that we might emulate the faith and mission of the Thessalonians.

Why We Care

What is the church? We want to revisit this question regularly. Far from a building or an institution, the church is the people of God on mission. This week we will look at Ephesians 4 and the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 to stress our call to “follow Christ together”. May this unify us as we enter an exciting season of ministry.

In all the big decisions of life, our choices lead to loyalties. In the challenging passage of Luke 12:49-59, Jesus shows us that following Him will inevitably lead to a clash of loyalties. This teaching will once again stress the urgency of true faith.

While family, work, and fun are important parts of life, none of these domains can sustain our overall purpose. In our passage this week, Luke 12.35-48, Jesus charges His followers to stay on mission, steward all with which we’ve been entrusted, and to be ready for His return. We will see how His framing life’s purpose around His second coming directs our steps.

This week Jesus continues to prepare his disciples to follow him. Despite the hardships they may face, it’s still possible for them to have a life worth living. But the path to a wonderful life is an unconventional one. Join us as we explore how we can have a life worth living from Luke 12:13-24.