When you think about storing up treasures, what pictures does that bring to mind? Do you see dragons? Pirates? Imagine pursuing heavenly treasure with as much passion and dedication as a pirate pursues gold. A pirate would leave his home and family—if he had one—to sail the seas and find hidden treasure. Think of being that dedicated to your treasure stash in heaven, where the treasure never tarnishes or fades!

Today Pastor Richard discusses the early church and the way they lived with an intense expectation of Christ's imminent return. Maybe for us, the 2,000 years since then has dulled that fervor. If we kept the reality of Jesus' return in front of us all the time, would it change the way we make decisions? I think we would become fearless. We would not be looking for what makes us comfortable. We would be free to follow the crucified Christ.

Pastor Richard will go through some major elements of the Christian life today: faith, hope, love, and the expectation of Christ's return. Does your life truly reflect that hope? Today's message will encourage you to take one more step in the direction of joyful expectation! As you listen today, use this chance to take a moment to evaluate your own life, and ask yourself this question; what would the Spirit write to you?

Pastor Richard is working his way through 1 Thessalonians and discussing all the ways that the testimony about the church there has spread through the area. The power of God has been so active in the church, and it's producing the joy of salvation in the believers' lives. That same power is at work in our lives today and we have the ability to share that joy! The world around us is crying out for everything that we have found in Jesus.

Isn't it exciting that the power of God is woven into the words you speak when you share the gospel? Doesn't it make you want to tell as many people as you possibly can about the good news so that the power of God can spread through your world? You have the power of God inside of you and you have the ability to share that power with a world that is in desperate need. Bring the good news to whoever you can and release the power of God!

Perhaps the most precious commodity in our world today is peace. When you look around it's hard to find! Wars, disasters, diseases, and civil unrest all threaten our peace. But Pastor Richard will tell us today that there is one way to find that peace that transcends our understanding and works in our hearts despite all the tragedy and noise around us, and that's the peace that comes from Christ. He brings peace that cannot be stolen.

The church at Thessalonica only had Paul there to teach them for a short time, yet they become a thriving, exemplary early church. Today, Pastor Richard will look at the church and how it was their sincerity in following Christ that created such an extraordinary place. What can we learn from watching this young church? Just like them, when we seek him with all our hearts we will find him and he will lead us into righteousness.

I don't know about you, but I have run into more closed doors than I can count. It's so comforting to know that we're not alone when we run into an obstacle we just can't seem to get around. Pastor Richard dives into the life of the apostle Paul today. There were many times the apostle Paul tried to go different places but the Spirit kept him from it. This life of following Jesus means we listen for the leading of the Spirit to guide us every step.

Jesus IS alive. He didn’t stay in the grave – He rose again. He’s no longer here on earth with us, but this is due to the fact that He ascended into Heaven. He’s with His Heavenly Father – sitting on the throne! Pastor Richard reminds you today that Jesus isn’t passively letting the world do whatever it wants – not at all! As he wraps up this study in Mark today, you’ll discover that Jesus is very much aware of all that happens and is in complete control. And one day, maybe soon, He’ll be back!

Guess what – if you know Jesus, you get to talk about Him! Through the instruction of Pastor Richard today, you’ll be challenged to do just that! In fact, Jesus Himself tells you to go into the world, telling the good news of the Gospel message! Now – of course – traveling the world isn’t part of God’s plan for everyone, and that’s ok – there’s plenty of people right in your own neighborhood who need to know the truth and have the chance at a relationship with Jesus!