Pastor Steve Thompson's podcast

Paul sends Timothy to check on the church in Thessalonica.  He also wanted to tell them that the reality of affliction was part of the curriculum.  He rejoiced to hear that they were growing in their faith.

Paul is writing that he is thankful for the church at Thessalonica and their response to the Word of God.  He tells them that other churches suffer persecution as well.  And that source of persecution is really about faith.

The Gospel cannot be superficial; God sees our hearts.

Paul, Silas & Timothy are grateful for the Thessalonians.  They bring the Gospel and start preaching in Thessalonica.

History & overview of the city of Thessalonica.  The influence of Alexander the Great, the role of Rome and the gospel getting to Thessalonica.

5 Attributes of Christ.

The Reality of Christ is something that can't be taught but it can be described.  We have hope in Christ.  The definition of "hope" as a possibility or as a prospect.

Joseph takes Jesus & Mary to Egypt.  When God makes Himself more fully known, the impossible becomes possible.  

The beginning of the spiritual battle of darkness.  As time progresses, a new battle forms.

The eternality of Jesus.  The activity of the preincarnate Jesus.

The resurrection is part of the complete plan.  It is part of the restoration of all things.

The church isn't a fellowship group; it has become a new type of temple.

The word "sanctification" means "set apart".  This is true for all believers, regardless of different degrees of spiritual growth.  True believers are set apart because of the Advocate that was sent in the Holy Spirit who dwells in all true believers.  The Gospel brings about the new covenant of grace.

The fundamental design of creation has been altered.  There is spiritual warfare that lays ahead, there will be perpetual struggle between satanic forces & mankind.  The consequences of sin affect women & the marriage relationship.  The ground is also cursed as a result of sin.  The physical body becomes mortal.  

The Glory of God in creating man & marriage.  What is unique is that the unity found in the relationship of marriage can only be found in the unity of the triune God.  The Glory of God is around even if sin has affected the ability to understand it.  Then what Moses discovered about the Glory of God.

The creation of man & woman.  This includes the unique ways that God created them.  We also see God's intent for marriage.

God made man in His image.  Being made in the image of God expects that we possess certain non-material characteristics that would be present in God.  God created the rest of creation as well as man and woman on the sixth day.  Nothing else was needed.

How does God show His glory through His creation.  How His glory shines in each day of creation.

Why do definitions matter?  What do we mean when we say "Glory of God"?  

Paul was very concerned as he was writing this letter.  He wanted to restate that circumcision was not part of salvation.  Paul explained that true boasting is in the cross and not in circumcision.  Symbolism means nothing in light of being a new creation and circumcision was a symbol of the Law.

The support structure within the church.  Since the church is no longer under the Law, offering/giving is now free will.  However, if people in the church are being selfish (living in the flesh), they are not supporting the pastor/teacher like they should be.  Do you sow in the flesh or spirit?  Where you sow, there will you reap.

Walking in the Spirit brings the task of aiding other believers in their walk.  There is a different approach for other believers' sins.  The one who is a believer is "restored".    

Genesis 3:1-7, Romans 5:12 - The Fall of Adam brings the curse of sin.The differences between living by the Spirit and living in the flesh.The fruit of the Spirit listed.

Gen. 2:21, 3:1-7, 6:122 Chron. 32:8Psalm 78:37-39Jer. 17:5Ez. 36:25-27Rom. 7:14-18; 8:9-10Phil. 3:4-8

Through Christ, we have freedom from the Law but do not freedom to sin.

Faith is about Jesus and so is freedom.  The Galatians are considering getting circumcised because false teachers have told them they have to.  Paul clarifies that circumcision is not a spiritual thing and that being under the Law was far more complicated than just being circumcised. 

The illustration of differences by looking at the two sons of Abraham.  Review of Genesis 16:1-6 for the analogy of the two sons.  Paul then illustrates two theological paths, thus not mixing the Law with the Gospel.

Paul is teaching the Galatians to leave works righteousness, reminding them that their relationship with the Law changed they embraced Christ.

Galatians had embraced the Judaizers' teaching.  Paul explained that that the Law was the equivalent to the elementary teachings of Paganism.  The Law was not a bad thing but showed us the need for a Savior.

We are adopted as "Sons of God", where there is no distinction between male or female, classes, Jew or Gentile. 

Gen. 12:1-3 - Abrahamic Covenant.  The Abrahamic Covenant wasn't fulfilled through the Law but through Christ.  The Law doesn't affect salvation but shows us that we need a Savior.

The Law is to show us that we need a Savior.  With Jesus' death & resurrection, we are now under grace.  We do not earn our salvation by works.

Paul confronts Peter regarding hypocritical behavior.

Paul speaks with the leaders of the early church.  They recognize that Paul was called to minister to the Gentiles.  Even though 2 different groups of people being ministered to, the Gospel is still the same.

Paul starts by explaining his conversation, his background and then God's trajectory for Paul's ministry.

Paul starts his letter to the Galatians with a deep greeting that is more than just "hello".

We need to look at ourselves and work on ourselves rather than looking at others.

A Psalm for growing older.  A Psalm by David during the trials with Absalom.

John 3:16-17 - FoundationalJohn 15:4 - How to have a God-honoring lifestylePsalm 86:11 - Maneuvering through trials2 Corinthians 10:3-5 - Effective Spiritual Warfare

What everyone can learn from Timothy's mother & grandmother.

The challenge is to know the love of Christ which is too great to fully comprehend.

When Paul prays to the One who created all things, & people, his confidence is that the Father will answer his prayer.

Various scriptures from Matthew, Mark, Luke & John regarding the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday.

There are 5 Servant Songs in Isaiah.  This is a look at 3 of them.

Overview of Josiah's reign.  He repaired & refurbished the temple after destroying the high places of pagan worship.  They find a book of the Law & learn that they need to change their ways.  Part II is on the prophecy of Zephaniah that tells of the coming judgement unless there is repentance.

 The reigns of Hezekiah, Manasseh & Amon.

After Jonah preaches to the Ninevites, they repented including the king.  This makes Jonah mad when God shows them grace.  Jonah leaves the city and pouts from afar.

Jonah runs from God and ends up in the belly of a "great fish".

Obediah is speaking of the prophecy against the Edomites. 

The first of seven sermons on the different voices of God through Minor Prophets on the Way to Resurrection Sunday.

Paul arrives in Rome then meets with Roman and Jewish leaders.  As he explains why he needed to appeal to Cesear, he also uses the opportunity to preach the Gospel.