The joy that lasts through all the hard times in your life comes from a healthy relationship with God. Even though the situation might bring pain, you can rejoice in the Lord through it, knowing that you're still growing in Him and that you're going to be stronger when the hard times end. Pastor Richard wants you to remember God's promises today as the storms of life come at you from every side. Where do you find your peace when they do?

We live in a society that is easily offended. We all have this tendency to get upset if we don’t feel like the people around us are treating us just right. Now, as Pastor Richard will explain in today’s message, we shouldn’t be perpetuating that victimhood on purpose. Don’t poke wounds just for the sake of poking wounds. But, in light of the grace we’ve received in Christ, we should be ready to extend that grace to others when they offend us.

If you’re a Christian, you’ve put your sinful nature to death and allowed God to breathe His life-giving breath into your soul. In turn, you need to share that life with others. There are times when we need to say hard things to people – things that they aren’t going to want to hear – but how you do that matters a lot. As Pastor Richard will encourage us in today’s message, allow the life-giving Words of Christ to flow out of you into those around you.

Some of us seem to be gifted in judging others. We may see our own shortcomings… but compared to those people – whew! We look pretty good… How often do you find yourself doing that with the Church? Whether it’s people in your own congregation or the Church as a whole, if you’ve accepted Christ as Lord – you’re connected. In today’s message, Pastor Richard will encourage us to get out on the field and help our brothers and sisters.

Some of us seem to be gifted in judging others. We may see our own shortcomings… but compared to those people – whew! We look pretty good… How often do you find yourself doing that with the Church? Whether it’s people in your own congregation or the Church as a whole, if you’ve accepted Christ as Lord – you’re connected. In today’s message, Pastor Richard will encourage us to get out on the field and help our brothers and sisters.

When you see someone on the street corner shouting “the end is near!” you likely are instantly turned off and maybe concerned for their mental health. While their methods may not be effective, their sense of urgency is right on. As Pastor Richard continues our study of 1st Thessalonians in today’s message, he’ll encourage us to take on that sense of urgency. Jesus really could come back any moment, and we need to be living like it.

A word that has seen a lot more use over the last couple of years is “pivot”. The pandemic and the wide variety of responses to it, along with political and social unrest have led to situations that none of us could have expected. We’ve all had to adjust our expectations and find new ways to function in these times. As Pastor Richard will encourage us in today’s message, now more than ever, we need to anchor our souls in the firm foundation of Jesus.

When you face the unknowns of this life – sickness, accidents, needs – whatever you may face, what gives you hope? Is it your own reason and confidence that you can pull yourself out of those bad situations? Is it money or medicine? Maybe it’s in your friends or family? All of those things can be good things, but as Pastor Richard will remind us, they’ll come up short. Only Christ can provide the hope that frees you from fear.

When a woman is pregnant, they have a due date, but they can’t really know for sure when the child will come. For those soon-to-be parents, as the estimated time approaches, they know they need to be ready at any moment. As believers, we need to have a similar mindset for Christ’s return. As Pastor Richard will warn in today’s message, we’re already living in the estimated time – we can’t know for sure, but Christ could return at any moment.

Many of us would be quick to agree that one of the biggest hindrances to our understanding of the goodness of God's glory is our own flesh. Combine that with the attractions of this world and you've got a prime example of why we struggle as believers. However, as Pastor Bryan will teach you in his message today, there's absolutely nothing that can compare to God's glory. In his study, you'll gain a better understanding of what awaits you as a believer.