As we dive into our study of 1 Thessalonians we learn that the bible actually commands Christians to learn self-control and not to be driven by our fleshly desires, but to please God instead. If we don't stay within the guidelines God has given us, the consequences will be severe for us and those around us.

This episode we are looking into Hebrews 12:1-3 where the writer urges Christians to endure in the race, using the picture of an athlete in a race. Telling us believers that, as an athlete, we need self-discipline, encouragement and a singular focus in the Christian race.

We can get a lot of insight as we listen to the apostle Paul explaining his deep concern for this recently planted church. This letter bursts with heart that Christians will not only profess to be Christians but live it out and stay the course, whatever opposition they face, whatever influences are surrounding them. So as we listen to Paul’s heart, here are some insights to help Christians stay the course. Listen in.

As Paul describes his work and conduct in Thessalonica, we get to see what constitutes genuine Christian ministry. Establishing this picture will help us because we sometimes get a bit mixed up about what genuine ministry is and what it is not. Listen in.

This letter to the Thessalonians is one of deep encouragement. Specifically here in chapter 1, there are two weighty encouragements for Christians. Listen in.

The fact that there are so many needs around us mustn’t stop us from recognising (and addressing) the greatest need of people everywhere. Here in Acts 6, Luke describes the priority.

Two names here in Acts 5 are now synonymous with deceit. Reading these names must stop us all in our Blackrock tracks to think about the difference between devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ and the opposite: some sort of deceitful pretence.

Acts 4 demonstrates that whenever Christians speak openly about Jesus, they will face significant opposition. The question is this: how will they respond?

Biblical Christianity is about what God has done and only then does it call us to respond. The gospel is not a to-do list. It is like getting the best message through the door of your life that you’ve ever received. Peter explained to the people gathered around him in Acts 3 what their response should be.

If you have come to faith in Jesus Christ, you have a mission. You are called to be one of Christ's Ambassadors. What does this mean?