Podcasts about thessalonian

On this episode, Paul White talks about the significance of the Apostle Paul's usage of "brothers and sisters" to address the Thessalonian church .Accompanying scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5.

In verses 6-10 of chapter 3, Paul expresses his relief that the Thessalonian believers were doing well spiritually. But Paul does not intend to cease praying for them; rather, he is praying “earnestly night and day.” 

February 19, 2026 Daily Devotional: “The Incessant Rhythm”1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." At the time, the Thessalonian church was facing heavy persecution and grief. Paul wasn't giving them a "toxic positivity" pep talk; he was giving them a survival strategy. It is easy to be joyful when life is hitting all the right notes, but Paul's instructions in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 aren't just "good vibes" for the easy days. They are a spiritual rhythm for the real world. Paul lays out three rapid-fire commands that seem, frankly, impossible on our own strength. How can we be joyful always? How can we pray without stopping? ​The secret lies in the phrase "in Christ Jesus." This isn't about a forced smile or a 24-hour prayer marathon. It's about a change in posture. In rejoicing always; This isn't a command to feel happy every second. It's a call to find your joy in the unchanging character of God rather than the fluctuating circumstances of your life. In Praying continually; Think of this like "background noise" in reverse. It's an open-ended conversation with God where you bring Him into your commute, your meetings, and your chores. It's staying "on the line" with Him throughout the day. In giving thanks in all circumstances; Notice Paul says in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. We don't have to be thankful for the car wreck or the illness, but we can be thankful that God is with us in the midst of it.​ We often spend years asking, "What is God's will for my life?" Paul gives us a direct answer here. God's will isn't just about where you live or what job you take; it's about how you walk through the day you're currentlyin.​ What is one "circumstance" in your life today where you haven't yet looked for a reason to give thanks?​ Before God cares about where you are, He cares about how you are relating to Him. If you are rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks, you are already "in" the will of God, no matter where you are standing.

What Is the Thessalonian Error in 2 Thessalonians? In this episode, we explain the “Thessalonian error”—the fear that believers are already in the Day of the Lord when, in fact, they are not. Walking through 2 Thessalonians 1–2, you'll see how Paul comforts the Thessalonian church during persecution and corrects false teaching that the Day of the Lord's judgment/wrath had already begun. Key Theme: Day of the Lord Has Not Come Yet Paul affirms the Day of the Lord will come, but he insists it has not arrived because specific prophetic events must occur first. This matters because confusion about end-times timelines can produce unnecessary panic and spiritual despair—exactly what Paul confronts in his letter. Antichrist's Great Tribulation vs. God's Wrath A major focus is the biblical distinction between the Antichrist's Great Tribulation (targeting Israel and the church) and the Day of the Lord's wrath (targeting the ungodly world). You'll learn why these are two separate events, and how Jesus returns to cut short the Antichrist's persecution, rapture the church, and only then does God pour out His eschatological wrath. Learn More If you want a deeper study, check out Antichrist Before the Day of the Lord (linked in the show notes). GET THE BOOK Antichrist Before the Day of the Lord https://amzn.to/46Rff6w BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER https://www.alankurschner.com/partner/ Prewrath Rapture: An Overview, Part 1 of 2 (Roger Best)    • Prewrath Rapture: An Overview, Part 1 of 2...   GET OUR BOOKS: https://amzn.to/43pbG6b GET OUR EMAIL UPDATES: http://eepurl.com/bCU7qT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST:    / @bibleprophecyanswers   GO TO OUR WEBSITE: https://www.BibleProphecyAnswers.com/

What Is the Thessalonian Error in 2 Thessalonians? In this episode, we explain the “Thessalonian error”—the fear that believers are already in the Day of the Lord when, in fact, they are not. Walking through 2 Thessalonians 1–2, you'll see how Paul comforts the Thessalonian church during persecution and corrects false teaching that the Day of the Lord's judgment/wrath had already begun. The post Don't Fear the Antichrist appeared first on Bible Prophecy Answers with Alan Kurschner.

Who is the man of lawlessness? If the revealing of this person occurs before Christ gathers the church to himself, this question seems important. However, perhaps the characteristics of this being as a part of Paul's answer to the Thessalonian trouble were meant to provide them with something more than a specific name.  

Title: Excel in Love Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 FCF: We often struggle loving other believers by putting them above our own desires. Prop: Because God desires us to be holy in our love for other believers, we must excel in love by putting the mission of the church before ourselves. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week we finished up Paul's first set of instructions for the church of Thessalonica. The last two chapters revolve around the will of God for His church which is for them to be holy…different… pure. The first way Paul teaches them to be holy is in their sexual ethic. Today, Paul will move on to another way that the church can be holy. Although the topic of mutual Christian love is not a new topic, some of the particular applications Paul has in mind for showing love to the church may be surprising. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Lord of heaven, You are loving and merciful. You have carved out of the death of sin a people for Your own. You have turned wretches into royalty. And You have taught us to love one another. I pray that You would be among us today and teach us anew what it means to love one another. That we would be unlike any other group or organization on earth in that we truly love one another. Teach us these things from Your word we pray this in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “Love is not only full of benevolence but beneficence. Love which enlarges the heart never straitens the hand.” Thomas Watson “Love not merely does seek that which does not belong to it; it is prepared to give up for the sake of others even what it is entitled to.” C.K. Barrett “Love for the brethren is far more than an agreeable society whose views are the same.” A.W. Pink “Christian love is not the victim of our emotions but the servant of our will.” John R. W. Stott Keep these ideas in your mind as we look to the text this morning. I.) God desires His children to be holy in our love for one another, so we must excel in love for other believers. a. [Slide 3] 9 - Now concerning love of the brothers, i. Paul makes a clear subject break here. ii. In chapter 3 Paul's benediction hoped for them to abound in love toward one another and for all people. iii. As we said before, the benediction was really a foreshadowing of Paul's teaching he would express in the next two chapters. iv. We also know that this must be somehow related to being holy or set apart or different. v. So, it is good for us to conclude that all of this is interconnected. b. [Slide 4] you have no need for anyone to write to you, i. In a somewhat unexpected turn, Paul introduces the subject matter and then immediately commends them. ii. This shouldn't be too much of a shock though. Paul has already commended them for their love for one another in chapter 1 and it was part of Timothy's report about them in chapter 3. iii. But once again, Paul refuses to praise them directly for their good works. iv. According to Paul, what is the reason that they do not have to be written to concerning love for other believers? c. [Slide 5] for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, i. Paul no doubt makes reference to Old Testament prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, who prophesied about a day when the Spirit of God would write the law of God on the hearts of His people. ii. In that day, the prophets said, a person would not have to be taught the Lord's law by anyone because God would put in on their hearts. iii. Paul firmly believes that this has already been fulfilled in the coming of Christ and the granting of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. iv. In a sense then, the kingdom of God has come. It isn't here fully and completely – but many end-times-predictions from the Old Testament have come true since Christ's birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension. v. Part of that is this spiritual teaching of God's law for those who have received the Holy Spirit. vi. Now Paul says that he doesn't need to write to them, in the sense that he doesn't need to inform them of what they should do, because God has already impressed this upon them at their conversion. vii. John the apostle essentially says this, but in another way – he says, “If a man says he loves God but hates his brother he is a liar.” viii. Being a believer assumes the reality of a genuine love for other believers. ix. But how does Paul know that they have been taught these things by God? d. [Slide 6] 10 - for indeed you do practice it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. i. And here is the perfect balance between faith and works. ii. God's gift of Faith unites us to Christ and all the covenant benefits of His atonement. iii. We do not need to work to earn these covenantal promises because it was a covenant made between God the Father and His Son. iv. However, one thing we know must be true… is that works must follow genuine faith. v. This is what justifies us before men and before one another. vi. In this way, Paul knows that God has gifted these Thessalonians the knowledge of His love and he knows that they are genuine believers because he sees them practice this love toward all the believers… even those who are not from their city. vii. So, since the Thessalonians don't need to be taught anything… Since God taught them to love one another already… Since they are doing it… viii. Paul is done… Right? e. [Slide 7] But we urge you, brothers, to excel still more, i. There is a brand of Christianity that teaches that we are able to live sinlessly and perfectly in this life if we achieve a certain spiritual maturity. ii. Paul's words here seem to indicate that the life of a believer never stops maturing. iii. If they are doing well. If they are an example for everyone to follow. If Paul commends them and doesn't need to teach them about loving each other… iv. But still wants them to do better. To excel. To abound at loving others… v. We can reasonably conclude that we will always be striving to live more and more like Christ. vi. From there it isn't too far of a leap for us to conclude that we will not reach perfection in this life. vii. But we do look forward to the day when Christ will present us faultless before the throne of God. f. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: Paul begins this next section teaching on other relationships besides those of an intimate nature. Specifically, those relationships inside the church. God's desire is for us to be holy, different, pure, and set apart in how we treat others who claim the name of Christ. Paul's application is somewhat stunted by the fact that he doesn't actually need to teach them to do this. First, because they have been taught this by God Himself, and second because they are currently practicing loving one another. Of course, Paul, having a pastor's heart, always sees room for growth in himself and in the hearts of those in his charge. And so, he commands them to excel all the more in love. To abound in love toward believers. A command we should heed too. Transition: [Slide 9 (blank)] But how exactly does Paul expect them to excel in loving other believers. Well, Paul has a few commands he will give to ensure that this will happen. II.) God desires His children to be holy in our love for one another, so we must have a good reputation with outsiders and provide for our own needs. a. [Slide 10] 11 - and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life i. Paul's benediction at the end of chapter 3 helps us to determine what he intends with this next point. ii. In the benediction he asked that the Lord would cause their love for one another and for all men to abound all the more. iii. And, of course, he has already opened the topic of love for their fellow Christian brothers and sisters, and has commended them and commanded them to excel in this area. iv. So, we can make a reasonable guess that this has to do with the cardinal Christian virtue of love. v. However, until verse 12, we don't get a lot of clarity on how exactly these three commands are about love or to whom the love is directed. vi. So, although it is a bit unconventional, let me unpack verse 12 first, before we get to verse 11. b. [Slide 11] 12 - so that you will walk properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. i. Paul presents two results or purposes for the commands he issues in verse 11. ii. The first purpose is that they would walk properly toward outsiders. 1. What exactly is an outsider? 2. Paul is talking about those outside the church. Those Thessalonians who are not believers, perhaps even those Thessalonians who are afflicting them. 3. But in spite of this affliction and opposition from outsiders, Paul sets his aim on the church walking or living properly toward them. Paul desires that they have a good reputation among unbelievers in the city of Thessalonica. 4. Although Paul's topic is certainly focusing on loving other believers, having a good reputation with unbelievers would be one way to excel in their love for all men. In that the church is not a nuisance but contributes to society in a profitable way. 5. Of course, having a good reputation with outsiders is also an act of love toward other believers. 6. Even if only a few of them are found to have difficult or volatile relationships with unbelievers in Thessalonica, this will reflect poorly on all who wear Christ's name and may incur repercussions on the entire church. 7. It will also have a negative impact on the church's gospel witness. 8. So, one result of the three commands Paul will give will be to keep a good reputation of the church to unbelievers, as a way of love for Christians and non-Christians alike. iii. The second purpose that they obey the commands from verse 11 is that they not be in any need. 1. The word need refers to anything that is necessary to live that is lacking. 2. This basically would be Paul hoping that if they obey the commands from verse 11, they would not experience any poverty or be destitute. 3. This would certainly show love toward their fellow believers in that they are not a financial burden to them. 4. The early church is frequently seen giving sacrificially and cheerfully to alleviate poverty among their own members. By providing for yourself, if you are able, you lessen the financial burden on the whole body. This is brotherly love. iv. So now that we know what the results of following these commands would be and how that would contribute to their love excelling primarily toward other believers and even some to outsiders… v. All that remains is to connect the commands to the expected results. vi. So, what is Paul's first command or exhortation to the Thessalonian church that will lead to a good reputation with outsiders and not being in any need? c. [Slide 12] 11 - and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life i. This is somewhat of a paradoxical expression on Paul's part. ii. To have ambition to be quiet seems counter to each other. Like whisper screaming or hard water. These are expressions that make sense, but on the surface seem contrary to each other. iii. So, Paul commands them to have as their cherished goal, their prize, their ambition… to lead a quiet life. iv. What could Paul mean by a quiet life? 1. Well certainly he doesn't mean that they should blend in and pretend to be like everyone else. That is the opposite of being holy. And he has already said that God's plan is for them to be holy. To be different. To be set apart. 2. He can't mean that they should stay silent in that they do not talk about Jesus or share the gospel with their friends and neighbors. Paul doesn't have the authority to usurp Christ's command to make disciples. In fact, Paul already commended them in chapter 1 for the report that the Word of the Lord was going forth from them to all of Macedonia and Achaia. 3. Paul must mean for the Thessalonians to live a life free from commotion, conflict, or disruption. In Romans Paul says, “insofar as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” They must live a life of peace and order. 4. But what is prompting this command? 5. In the second letter to the Thessalonians Paul will bring up a certain group of church members who were going about causing public commotions, stirring up conflicts, and generally disrupting the peace. 6. They were also meddling in other believer's affairs and gossiping, and of course they had time to do all this because they had stopped working and were mooching off the church for their needs. 7. He calls them idle busybodies. 8. Here, we have the precursor to those stronger words in 2 Thessalonians. 9. Paul is commanding the church to be a peaceful, quiet, and orderly people. v. So how would fulfilling this command accomplish the goals of having a good reputation with outsiders and make sure they are not in need? 1. It is almost impossible to have a good reputation with outsiders when you are constantly causing public commotions, disruptions, or conflicts. a. This command would even forbid them from retaliating or fighting back against those outsiders who seek to afflict them. b. Positively it also means for them to strive for peace with outsiders… even if they do not become believers. c. And even within the church - fighting, squabbling, or being contentious toward other believers, would inevitably cause the reputation of the church to be tarnished with outsiders. d. Paul's exhortation is for them to deny themselves retribution or revolution, both in the city of Thessalonica and within the Thessalonian church. e. That they instead lead a peaceful and orderly life. 2. And leading a quiet life inevitably leads to a stable way of providing for yourself. a. Going around causing public commotions, disruptions, or conflicts takes time and energy. b. And if you have a job that you work at to provide for yourself, the time and energy necessary for these ornery tasks – is simply not available. c. Being ambitious for a quiet life leads to simple things like earning a paycheck and taking care of your own needs. d. [Slide 13] and attend to your own business i. What does this expression mean? 1. Ironically this Greek idiom is very similar to our idiom of similar wording. 2. Mind your own business. 3. Although in English it does inherit a sharper meaning than Paul probably intends. 4. Again, reflecting on the small group of idle busybodies within the church, Paul calls on all of them to keep themselves from gossip, nosiness, dissension, stirring up strife, and generally causing problems. 5. Instead, they are to mind their own business. Stay in their lane. And be busy with things that actually concern them. ii. So how does this command produce the results of a good reputation before outsiders and that they are not in need? 1. In one sense, this seems more obviously connected to the first result. Having a good reputation with outsiders is not being a busy body and putting your nose and your opinions in matters that aren't really of your concern. a. This could include both matters in the church and outside the church. b. Outsiders would look on a busy body within the church as well as a busy body in the city, with the same level of contempt. 2. They would not only think negatively about that person not minding their own business, but also it would reflect poorly on the whole church and the gospel of Christ. iii. However, this command is easily related to making sure their needs are met as well. 1. What does someone need if they are going to be a busy body? 2. They need time. a. Time to poke into things they don't belong in. b. Time to spread rumors. c. Time to gossip. d. Time to stir up strife. e. Time to cause dissension. 3. If someone doesn't have time to do these things because they are too busy focusing on the things they have to do, then they won't have to worry about being involved in things that do not concern them. 4. What is one way to make sure that you don't have time for being a busy body? 5. If you worked to provide for yourself. iv. This is certainly where Paul goes with the next command and we should note that idleness and being a busy body go hand in hand. 1. In I Timothy 5 Paul makes this casual connection between idleness and being a busy body. And some proverbs come close to saying this too by informing a person who pursues empty things that they must be satisfied with poverty. 2. One sure fire way to be in need, is to be busy about other people's business. e. [Slide 14] and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, i. As we've already discussed, in 2 Thessalonians Paul will deal with certain individuals in the church who were not only busybodies, causing problems and sticking their nose where it didn't belong, but they were also willingly unemployed even though they were able to work. ii. We'll address the reasons for why they were doing that when we get to 2 Thessalonians. iii. But one point we do need to mention from 2 Thessalonians, is that not only were these idle busybodies not working – they were being supported by the church. iv. Paul's command here is that everyone in the church, who is able, work with their hands. v. The results of this are twofold. vi. First, if they work with their hands they will have a good reputation with outsiders. 1. Most likely, the vast majority of the Thessalonian church were artisan workers. 2. And although having one of these jobs and working with your hands would not garner much respect from outsiders, certainly being a laze-a-bout and a mooch would be viewed poorly by outsiders. 3. This could potentially damage not only the church's reputation but even the gospel. 4. If I were a wealthy outsider, why would I want to be part of a community where my money was going to support people, who although they could work, chose not to? vii. Second, if they work with their hands, they will not be in need. 1. There is a great impact on the church when some or many of its members cannot, or will not, earn a living for themselves. 2. The Roman empire had no welfare system in place for those out of work or unable to earn a living. 3. It was generally viewed as the family's responsibility to care for those who could not care for themselves. 4. And if your family was unable, there were few if any other options besides relying on the charity of others. 5. The church, however, did have a system in place to care for its own in poverty or suffering trial. 6. Through the sacrificial and benevolent giving of the church, the poor among them would not be left destitute. 7. We see this not only in local assemblies but even churches hundreds of miles away, sending relief to churches experiencing financial hardship. 8. Paul's command then, is to lessen the burden on the church so they can care for the truly destitute because those who can work, do, and provide for their own needs. viii. And, of course, Paul reveals once again that these commands are not new. They have commanded these things or things like these commands before when they were with them. ix. Following these three commands is the path to having a good reputation with outsiders and not having needs among the congregation. This will be one way that they can excel in love toward other believers and it is also a way they could show love to outsiders too. f. [Slide 15] Summary of the Point: Paul's point endures from the early verses of chapter 4. God's desire is that His people be different. That they be pure. That they be holy. One way they can be holy is by having a good reputation with unbelievers and having as few members in need as possible. These effects will cause their love for one another to excel and even love toward unbelievers to be fostered. But the path to these effects is through the commands to live a peaceful and quiet life, attending to your own business and caring for your own needs. So, we too must seek to have a good reputation with outsiders and not be in need. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today that informs and corrects our beliefs and shapes and guides our lifestyles? Broad Concepts of Faith and Practice: [Slide 16] God is not merely concerned that His people be different in their sexual ethic. He is concerned that they be different in all their relationships. And specifically, in their relationship with one another. The Second Person of the Godhead said that the world will know that we are His disciples by our love for other believers. This command is connected to our role of being salt and light in the world. Paul then gives two results that will facilitate more love for believers and help to accomplish the mission of the church. First, that we have a good reputation with outsiders and second that we provide for our own needs. We can accomplish all this through leading a peaceful and orderly life, minding our own business, and working to provide for our own needs. Of course, this leads us to much more specific applications for our daily 21st century lives. 1.) [Slide 17] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God's will is for us to be holy in our love toward other believers. a. The church is not a social club. It is not a homeschool group. It is not a hang out. b. The church is a supernaturally created and sustained body of believers who have undergone the miracle of salvation and are continuing to undergo the miracle of progressive conformity to Jesus Christ the Second person of the Godhead. c. This conformity is propelled by the third person of the Godhead, The Holy Spirit. And is superintended by the first person of the Godhead, God The Father. d. Because the church is completely different from every other human organization, group, society, or culture – we should expect the way the church loves each other would also be… different. e. What we see in this passage in particular is a commitment to love the church body enough to deny selfish and fleshly impulses which might negatively impact the mission of the church. f. If the church as a whole is financially desperate, it inhibits the church's ability to execute its mission. g. If the church as a whole is disrespected and despised by outsiders due to non-gospel related practices, the church's ability to execute its mission is… inhibited. h. Any other group in the world, we might easily part ways over preferences or passions. But the body of Christ must be put ahead of both. To love other believers is to be willing to forgo preferences and passions in order to remain united and focused on the mission. i. This is what it means to be holy in our love toward the church. j. But this passage is quite heavy on things we are commanded to do. The first of these is… 2.) [Slide 18] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must excel in love for one another by living a peaceful and orderly life. a. In our culture, in a nation born from revolution, we have a common and mostly harmless affinity toward fighting for change. b. We don't like being told what to do. We don't like being pushed around. And we certainly know that we can always revolt or retreat if things don't go the way we think it should. c. I don't think this passage is telling us that we must disengage from politics. I don't think this passage is telling us that we cannot be involved in the government of our nation. I don't think this passage is telling us to never disagree with government or even church leadership. d. But I do think Paul is insisting that Christians think long and hard about what impact their actions may have on the mission of the church. e. How could we show greater love to the church? f. Is picking a fight over every social issue really helping the church stay on mission? g. Is causing commotion, stirring up fights, or disrupting the peace really contributing to the gospel going out? h. Is constantly raising armies against leadership for their decisions really promoting a gospel of God's love and peace? i. Obviously, there are times to draw the line. The apostles knew this. That is why when the chief priests told them to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, they REPECTFULLY declined. j. But did you notice what they submitted to while declining to follow the command? They submitted to being punished for it. k. This is the way we live a peaceful and quiet life. l. We don't seek out commotion, disruption, or stirring up trouble. In fact, we make it our ambition… to be peaceful and orderly. We are only roused from this by egregious decisions that go against the clear commands of God. m. This is true in the civil sphere and it is true in the church too. n. But some Christians are always ready to fight. Some Christians are always ready to go to war and die on hills that are 1 foot high. o. This is detrimental to the mission of the church. And ultimately, it is unloving to the body of Christ. We have made it more difficult for our brothers and sisters because of our willingness to always go to war. 3.) [Slide 19] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must excel in love for one another by minding our own business. a. My oh my this is a big one. b. Curiosity is a powerful thing, isn't it? c. We desire to be in the know. And not because we can do anything to help. Just because we want to know the juicy details. d. Knowledge is like a badge of honor. We wear it with pride. e. “Oh you haven't heard about that? I've known for months.” f. Busybodies. Quiet whispers in the corner passing information one revelation at a time. g. Nosiness asking questions about things that they can't do anything to help. h. My friends, in the church and in the civil square – do yourself and the church a favor – and mind your own business. i. Before you ask for details, or give details away, do some asking of yourself. j. “Do I really need to know this?” k. “If I discover what is going on, am I the right person to help?” l. “Does this actually concern me?” m. “Does this benefit the mission of the church if I know about this?” n. “Does this information need to be shared to other people?” o. “Is this person I'm about to share this information with in a position to do something about it?” p. “Am I sharing this information to be a help or just to pass it along?” q. “In sharing this information, am I violating the will of God for my life to be holy?” r. “Would it really be the end of the world if I remained ignorant on this issue?” s. “How does my knowing this or telling this show love to the body of Christ as a whole?” t. These are just a few examples of things you can ask yourself before you get involved in something that isn't your business. 4.) [Slide 20] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must excel in love for one another by working. a. Man was made to work. b. God put Adam in the garden and tasked him with cultivating and keeping it. c. In the New Kingdom we will reign with Christ, exercising dominion over the New earth. d. Paul famously says in 2 Thessalonians that if you do not work, then you do not eat. e. This is the standard God has set for His people. We should not be mooches. We should not be living off of what others provide when we could provide for ourselves. f. In our society the government does have social programs to help those who are destitute. g. But there are actually three layers of government that God has created to help keep sin in check and promote the kingdom work. h. The family, the church, and civil government. i. We are told in the scriptures that if a man doesn't provide for his family, he is worse than an unbeliever – because even wicked fathers know how to give good gifts to their children. j. The church both by example and command are to care for one another in our needs. k. I say this to encourage us to understand that just because the government has programs to help with financially destitute people – we ought to see that as a pretty bad thing. l. What it means is that families have failed to care for their own. It also means that churches have either failed to care for their own members or that many who are destitute are not believers. m. You should work to earn a living to care for your needs and the needs of your family. n. You should work to earn a living to care for your needs and the needs of other believers who are suffering hardship. o. You should work to earn a living to care for you own needs and to generously and selflessly give to the mission of the church. p. Our church has a benevolent fund that we use to help those in need. We have two homes we use to help those who are in need of shelter – which frequently require maintenance and upkeep. q. And all of these things are sustained by sacrificial and selfless giving of time, money, and energy by… well… you. r. In fact, everything we do here is sustained and supported by your sacrificial and selfless giving. s. We have 31 families in our church that are members. Our budget for 2026, not including our mission fund or our benevolent fund, is set to $151,032. A budget that is not extravagant by any means. We aren't supporting large programs and doing big mailers or anything like that. t. That means that each family would need to give $4,872 this year for us to make budget. That is around $400 a month or about $94 a week. u. Of course, some would be able to give more than this and others less. v. But… when you drop $10 in the plate every couple weeks, when you could financially afford more… that is going to put undue pressure on other members here to make up for it. And it isn't being overly loving to your brothers and sisters to do that. w. For those who are members here- you know me. You know that I never talk about money. somewhat of a conflict of interest to do so – since it is by your selfless and sacrificial giving… that I am paid. x. But occasionally we get to things like this in the scripture, and in those times, I must make the appeal for you to consider your love for other believers. y. Our church, our missionaries, our benevolence cannot continue without your sacrificial giving. Giving borne from working with your hands to make sure you are not in need, your family is not in need, and that you can generously give to the work of the church. z. So, work hard, earn a living, so that you can show love to your brothers and sisters and further the mission of the church with your sacrificial gifts. 5.) [Slide 21] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must excel in love for one another by having a good reputation with unbelievers. a. The necessary caveat here is of course that unbelievers will generally hate us because we follow Christ and call the lifestyles they cherish… sin. b. They will despise us because we consider it loving to call them to repentance and to trust Christ and follow Him to the forsaking of all other gods. c. That being said – it is not loving to the church nor is it helpful to its mission when we tarnish the reputation of the church for non-gospel or mission related reasons. d. If they are already going to despise us for our gospel mission, the worst thing we could do is give them more to despise us for because we are infighting, stirring up trouble, fleecing each other, being lazy, or otherwise not contributing positively to society. e. Instead, we should be hard workers, living quiet lives, and seeing to our own affairs and not meddling. f. We are not of the world, but are certainly still in it. Therefore, we must love the church, its mission, and its impact on the world by having a good reputation with the unbelieving world. g. Let us only be despised because of the gospel we preach. h. Which leads to the comfort of this passage… 6.) [Slide 22] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” We are a light and testimony to the world when we love one another. a. Paul's vision is clear. b. The church should be a bastion of love, mercy, kindness, selflessness, care, protection, honor, and grace. c. Yet so often… churches fail this in every point. d. Churches are run like businesses. They are managed like social clubs. They are governed like democracies. e. If they are salt and light – they have lost their savor and hid their light under a bushel. f. Jesus threatens in Revelation to take the lampstands away from churches which fail to keep the mission of the church intact. g. And that threat is true for all local assemblies today too. h. Churches close up every year. In one respect we can mourn this. But studies have been done and books have been written to give insight to the common reasons that churches die. i. And you know what it boils down to? j. Sin. A lack of holiness. That local assembly has lost the mission. k. Paul's words of warning here are to help the Thessalonians love each other and be the church that God desires. l. CBC, we must be this kind of church too. We must be a testimony and light to the world. And one of the primary ways we do that is when we excel in our love for one another. m. To love one another then – we cannot be selfishly motivated or give in to whatever we feel like doing. We must put the mission and reputation of the church – even ahead of our own desires. 7.) [Slide 23] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” The church is made of people who are different. We were made this way. Remade… this way. a. The church is a group of people who were dead in their sins. We were slaves to our lusts. We were children of our father the devil. We belonged to the line of the serpent. We were born as inheritors of the sin of Adam. b. We didn't know God. We didn't want God. We didn't need God. c. We did not become sinners because we sinned… but began sinning because we were already sinners. d. Then God washed us with the water of regeneration. He opened our eyes and gave us new hearts. At that moment we saw, for the first time, what we had never sought. The truth of His holiness, our wretchedness, and the sacrificial substitution of Christ to die for our sin and remake us into something holy… something that progressively looks more and more like Him. e. And the love with which He loved us… has now been taught to us so we can love each other in the same sacrificial and selfless way. f. When the church… is the church… even unbelievers have to recognize that something is different about us. g. If you sense the call of God on your heart now… to join this thing called the church. To be His child. To forsake your sin and follow Him… Then I'd recommend you stop an Elder before you leave and tell them. We'd be happy to show you how to follow Jesus. [Slide 24 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the reformer John Bradford. Holy, righteous, and wise one. Mighty, terrible, and fearful Lord God. Judge of all and governor of all the world. Patient and gracious Father, whose eyes are upon our ways... Wash us from our wickedness and pour out your Holy Spirit upon us. Take from us our hard hearts, our stony hearts, our unrepentant hearts, our distrusting and doubtful hearts. Take our carnal, our secure, our idle and foolish hearts. Take away our impure, arrogant, envious, impatient, covetous hearts. Give us new hearts instead: soft hearts, faithful hearts, merciful hearts. Obedient, pure, holy hearts. True, simple, lowly, and penitent hearts. Give us hearts to fear and trust you forever. Write your law in our hearts, graft it in our minds. Grant us a spirit of prayer and make us diligent and happy in what you give us to do. Take our souls and bodies into custody forever. Take our lives and all that we have, and give us whatever you know we need. Guide us always as your children, so our lives and our deaths will praise you through Jesus Christ. We pray for ourselves, but also for others-those in exile or in prison, in misery or heaviness, in poverty or sickness. If it is your will, send your holy word and faith among us in this place and this country once again. Turn the hearts of those who speak against us. Have mercy on our families and fellow believers, our neighbors and those whose lives you have linked to ours. And for those here gathered in your holy name, grant your blessing and Holy Spirit to dwell in us and set us apart. Keep us as your children, today and forever. Keep us from all evil for your glory, our good, and for the good of the church. Strengthen those who stand, so they do not fall. Lift up those who have fallen, and keep us from falling, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and only Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit, and to whom be all praise and honor, now and forever, Amen. Benediction: To you who are debtors to mercy alone And free from the terrors of the law. Walk in the light, as he is in the light, so that the blood of Jesus, God's Son, purifies you from all sin. Until we meet again, go in peace.

In this episode, Nancy Wilson looks at 2 Thessalonians and how godly families build strong churches. She examines the Thessalonian congregation as a model of growing faith and abounding love, emphasizing that these qualities start at home before they can flourish in the broader community. Find more from Nancy and others on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/none/pages/nancy-wilson

False teachers deceived some in the Thessalonian church and led some to believe they had missed Christ's return. In Paul's correction, he mentions two events that will take place before Christ gathers his church: a rebellion and the revealing of the Man of Lawlessness. What does this word rebellion mean, and how does it help us understand what we will see in the end?

Life Upside Down - Pt 4 - In this message, we explore the deep pastoral heart of the Apostle Paul as he navigates the pain of separation from the Thessalonian church. Despite being hindered by spiritual opposition and physical distance, Paul's primary concern remains the spiritual stability of the believers.

Title: “A Pure and Honorable Vessel” Part 1 Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5 FCF: We often struggle with sexual temptation and sin. Prop: Because God's will for His children is for them to be holy, we must abstain from all sexual sin by controlling our bodies. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. In a moment we will begin reading from the Legacy Standard bible starting in verse 1. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. We are at the beginning of a chapter yet again which means we need to review where we have been so far. In chapter 1, Paul expresses his thankfulness to God for the Thessalonian church because he knows they are elect of God, because the gospel came to them in the power of the Spirit and because he has observed how the Thessalonian church has become imitators of Christ amid affliction. In chapter 2, Paul zooms in to affirm that their visit among them was profitable. Probably to counter claims of unbelieving Thessalonians, Paul insists that it was a profitable visit because God gave them boldness to speak, they became a spiritual family, and because it produced the same results they had seen in previous outpourings of the gospel. Paul concludes chapter 2 assuring them that he greatly wished to visit them but had been hindered by Satan. But he assures them that they are his hope, joy, and glory in that they stand firm in their faith. In chapter 3, Paul reveals that he sent Timothy to them because he was overwhelmed with godly concern for their faith. He also reveals his joy at the report from Timothy that they stood fast in their faith but that he hopes to see them again soon and complete what is lacking in their faith. He ends chapter 3 with a benediction, good and comforting words, praying to God to bring them into fellowship again, to cause their love to abound and their holiness to be perfected for the Lord's return. The benediction ends the apologetic section of the letter, where Paul is defending their visit and the gospel they preached by the impact it had on the Thessalonians. He now begins a new portion of the letter, where he will seek to complete their faith by instructing them in things that he was not able to fully teach on while the evangelists were with them. With that please stand with me to focus on and give honor to the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Holy God, You are pure and distinct. There is none like You. You are Alpha and Omega. You are the beginning and the end. You are neither tempted to do evil, nor do you tempt anyone with evil. You are morally pure in all Your ways and You are always good in character and in action. Teach us today from Your Holy Word, by impressing Your Son's example on our lives, and by imparting Your Spirit's power and passion to know how to please You with our bodies. You have given these bodies to us to reflect Your character. You have saved us to be light in a world of darkness. May we be holy as You have willed us to be. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] While I will not be intentionally explicit or irreverent, we will discuss quite plainly and openly the will of God for sexual ethics among His people. As such, there will be plenty of concepts and principles relayed today that could generate lots of questions among young listeners. I recommend that any who are preteens, who normally sit in the service continue to do so and listen intently. But I also recommend that parents be ready to answer those questions and have those discussions and if they feel their child is not ready, that they should be excused from the service. Never had to give a parental advisory for a sermon before

Paul's relationship with the Thessalonian church reveals what it means to stand fast in faith during life's storms. Standing fast doesn't mean avoiding challenges, but remaining steady and committed to Christ despite pressure. Gospel relationships provide deep heart connections that sustain us when we can't be physically present with those we care about. Suffering often strengthens our faith rather than indicating God's absence, as spiritual opposition frequently signals God is doing something significant. Encouragement acts as oxygen for spiritual endurance, and prayer enables ministry across any distance or barrier.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Title: A Pastor's Hope Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 FCF: We often struggle trusting the Lord to raise up godly attributes in us. Prop: Because godly pastors hope for what God promises to give His true children, we must have this hope for ourselves. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 3. In a moment we'll begin reading in verse 11 from the Legacy Standard Bible. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week we saw how Paul's pastoral concern was assuaged by the good news that Timothy brought back from his visit with the Thessalonians. Their faith, love, and hope were steadfast. But Paul, having a pastor's heart, and being a disciple maker like every other true believer, desired not only to fellowship with the Thessalonians again, but to minister to them and complete what was lacking in their faith. As we mentioned last week – the following two chapters seek to do just that. Paul isn't going to wait until they are together again before he begins to complete their faith. But today, before he gets to his teaching, and by way of introducing the things he wishes to teach them more about, he closes out this section of the book with what we call a benediction. The word benediction is the combination of two Latin words meaning “to speak well of” or “to speak good words.” Although we are studying an epistle, which is a genre in the bible that combines teaching and instruction in the form of a letter, a benediction is a subgenre used in many letters but not exclusively in letters. Aaron's blessing in Numbers 6:24-26 is an example of a benediction which occurs in the Pentateuch which is a blend of history, teaching, and law genres. So how do we study a benediction? Since it is a subgenre we must look at it in context of the main genre. In this case we will interpret these last three verses based on the context of the letter to the Thessalonians. But generally speaking, benedictions are a series of blessings, hopes, or prayers FOR God's people, expressed BY spiritual leaders, pleading TO God for His blessing, and designed as a comfort FOR God's people. As you can see, benedictions work on multiple levels. And today by God's grace we will see all these levels on display. So, without further ado, Please stand with me to focus on and give honor to the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Great God and Father, Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit and comforter, we come to You today to gather around Your Word. We do so, expecting You to bless us, change us, and refine us. We are but clay in Your hands. Mold us and shape us according to Your will. May we hope and desire the things You promise to give us so that we may hope rightly. Give us what You promise and help us to yearn for it too. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “Hope is faith in future tense.” Peter Anderson “'Hope is biblical shorthand for unconditional certainty.” John Blanchard “A man full of hope will be full of action.” Thomas Brooks “When you stop hoping you are in the vestibule of hell, for there is no hope there.” A.J. Cronin “The nearer to heaven in hopes, the farther from earth in desires.” William Gurnall Let us ponder these words as we look to the scriptures today. I.) Godly pastors hope for meaningful fellowship among believers, so we must have this hope for ourselves. (11) a. [Slide 3] 11 - Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord i. Notice first who Paul addresses this benediction to. ii. The reason I say benedictions have multiple layers is because Paul is obviously writing this to the Thessalonians. But in the middle of talking to them, he addresses two persons of the Godhead. iii. So, Paul speaks to God but through Him to the Thessalonians as well. iv. There is no doubt that this wish, this prayer, this hope, is designed to comfort them. v. Yet it is certainly a prayer to God. vi. Paul mentions two persons of the Godhead – The Father and the Son. vii. This alone requires some investigation. 1. First, we understand that Jesus is very clearly elevated to a position that is equal to the Father. a. Paul's trinitarian theology shines through as God the Father and Jesus our Lord are both prayed to in this text. b. Other than the order of their mention, there is no indication at all of any hierarchy or subordination here. c. And since Paul sometimes inverts this order, even this is not really an indication of hierarchy at all. d. In Paul's mind they are equal in power and glory. They are both deserving of hearing our prayers. 2. Second, Jesus is clearly understood here to be not only equal with the Father, but also Divine. a. He is not merely a human being elevated to the same status as God the Father, but is also the Lord. b. Specifically, the evangelists' and the Thessalonian church's Lord. c. Although Lord can be used to talk about someone that is a respected man, like a master of a slave, or a noble, it can also be used as a synonym for God. d. In this text, because Jesus is being prayed to, the most natural way to interpret the word Lord, is as if Paul is addressing the God of the Old Testament but applying that title to Jesus of Nazareth. 3. Third, I would very much like to address the conspicuous absence of the third person of the godhead. Unfortunately, it is a time-consuming venture that doesn't lead us to a definitive answer. So, I will save that discussion for Thursday Night prayer group and bible study. Be sure to join us as we discuss why Paul might have omitted the Holy Spirit from this benediction. viii. But what blessing does he seek for them? ix. This nicely divides up this morning's sermon into our three points. The points of Paul's requests. x. First, he requests that God… b. [Slide 4] direct our way to you, i. Paul's first desire, is the same desire he's been expressing since chapter 2. ii. He greatly desires to see them again face to face. iii. He desires fellowship. And He is praying that God's providence might guide him and his companions back to them soon. iv. This is certainly something that should be a good word for all God's people. To pray to God that God would allow us to direct our way to each other… this is a good word. A good wish. A comforting thought. c. [Slide 5] Summary of the Point: Paul hopes that the Lord will providentially direct him and his companions back to the Thessalonian church. In this we see a pastor's heart which hopes for meaningful fellowship to occur among believers. Paul desires to be among them and fellowship with them. He desires that fellowship among believers to be meaningful and frequent. So, Paul looks to the Lord in prayer, that God might direct them back to one another. If Paul desires this for himself among the Thessalonians, it is easy to see the application for ourselves. We too must earnestly desire and hope for this fellowship with other believers as well. Transition: [Slide 6(blank)] But this is not the only hope that Paul expresses in this benediction. Paul has two more requests of the Lord for the Thessalonians. Let's see what else he hopes for in verse 12. II.) Godly pastors hope that all believers will follow their example and abound in love for all, so we must have this hope for ourselves. (12) a. [Slide 7] 12 - and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, i. Paul's second prayer request and hope for them is that the Lord causes them to love more. ii. By Lord Paul could be referring to any person of the godhead or to God the Triune. Contextually and theologically it makes the most sense though that he is referring to the demonstrator of love to us, the Lord Jesus Christ. iii. Paul's specific request is that they increase and abound in love. iv. By this Paul does not desire them merely to love incrementally more than they already do. v. Instead, he desires that they increase to the point of overflowing. That there be an abundance of love flowing from them, caused by God. vi. But what is the object of their abounding love in Paul's prayer? vii. First it is for one another. viii. By this he means the church there in Thessalonica. ix. Jesus Himself said that they will know that you are my disciples by your love for one another. x. By this we can conclude that one key evidence that grants assurance that we are indeed a true believer, is that we love others who are also true believers. xi. Paul then, is simply asking the Lord to cause this fruit of their salvation to manifest itself in abounding ways. xii. Paul will mention this in chapter 4 where he will teach on this topic with greater specificity. xiii. For now, it is a comfort to them to think of the Lord causing them to love each other in an abounding way. xiv. Because of the ostracizing of their unbelieving friends and family – this would certainly be a welcome thought. b. [Slide 8] and for all people, i. But thinking about the lack of love they were receiving from unbelievers may have prompted Paul to also pray that their love is not limited just to the church. ii. Paul prays that their love would abound… even for those who are not part of the church. Even for those who have afflicted them for their faith in Christ. iii. Paul prays for the Lord to increase their love – even for their enemies. iv. While it may gratify our flesh to hate our enemies… the spirit of a true believer would certainly be comforted by the hope that their love would abound, even for those who hate them. v. In this they know that they are following in their Savior's footsteps, as He too came and gave His life for sinners. Sinners who did not know God or seek Him. vi. Sinners like them. vii. This answers the object of their love and the magnitude of their love… but Paul desires to illustrate the love he prays for by using his own example. c. [Slide 9] just as we also do for you, i. When Paul and his companions arrived in Thessalonica, there were no friends for them. ii. They spent 3 weeks preaching in the synagogue with limited success. iii. Most of the Thessalonian church were former pagans, ignorant of the God Paul preached and the Savior He followed. iv. And as a reminder, Paul has just gotten through speaking of the intensity of the evangelists' love for this church and desire to be with them. v. Being imitators is a key theme in this book. vi. The Thessalonians were imitators of Christ and of the evangelists and others were imitating them. vii. Here Paul provides his and his companion's example as the pattern for the love he prays the Lord will cause to abound in them. viii. This would be yet another comforting thought for them. To be in such a place that their love for one another and for all people imitated the love the evangelists had for them. d. [Slide 10] Summary of the Point: Paul, using himself and his companions as an example, hopes that the Lord would cause to grow to an abounding degree the love that the Thessalonians have for one another and for all men. As a godly pastor, his life demonstrates this love and his heart desires it to be the same in every other believer. As such the application for us is easy to locate. All of us, no matter what role we play in the body of Christ, must hope to grow and abound in love for one another. We must hope to be an example to others of what abounding love for all looks like. Transition: [Slide 11(blank)] Paul has one final hope he prays for in this text. It is actually an expected and hoped for result of the love he has prayed for to grow in them. Let's look at verse 13. III.) Godly pastors hope all believers are perfected in holiness at Christ's return, so we must have this hope for ourselves. (13) a. [Slide 12] 13 - so that He may strengthen your hearts blameless in holiness, i. What result is Paul praying will happen because God caused their hearts to increase and abound with love for one another and all men? ii. In a word… holiness. iii. The first part of this verse is a little clunky. iv. If we were to read it literally it would be something like, v. “To the to strengthen your hearts blameless in holiness.” vi. The first two words, rather than meaning “to the” should be translated with language that expects a result. vii. In order that, so that, with the result of… viii. The verb strengthen is in its infinitive form. Which eliminates our ability to see who or what is doing the strengthening. ix. Most translations rightly pull the subject from the context which is obviously God Himself. x. Some translations try to leave it ambiguous by inserting a passive “that your hearts may be strengthened” making the subject uncertain. But there is no real reason to do this in the context. xi. It is clear that Paul means that God is doing the strengthening of their hearts. xii. If God is causing their love to abound, it certainly follows that as a result He will strengthen their hearts toward holiness. xiii. But the final expression deserves a closer look too. xiv. Being blameless in holiness seems to be redundant. If someone is holy, they certainly are blameless. And if someone is blameless, most likely they are holy. xv. So, what does this expression mean? xvi. Given what Paul will talk about in chapter 4, we can read between the lines that Paul is praying that their love for all men will strengthen them to forsake sexual immorality and maintain a pure life with one another. xvii. Although blamelessness in holiness certainly means more than merely godly sexual ethics – that is certainly included in it. xviii. Since a love for God and a love for others encapsulates all of the law and the prophets – to be truly set apart for God in a way that no one can find fault with – must flow from both a love for God and a love for all men. xix. But Paul may be indicating not merely a holy life that is practiced now, on earth. He may be also pointing beyond this life… b. [Slide 13] before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. i. We return to the Father and the Lord Jesus as Paul bookends his benediction with His mention a second time. ii. Here we see that Paul prays for blameless holiness for the Thessalonians specifically before God at the second coming of Christ. iii. We know that next the Lord Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead. And so Paul may have his eyes on that final winnowing of genuine believers and pretenders. iv. His prayer then may not simply be that they are holy now – but that they might be strengthened for the time that they are truly perfected. v. Of course, chapters 4-5 include a good deal about the second coming of Christ. So, Paul alludes to that in this benediction as well. vi. One final thing to point out here that is actually somewhat off-topic, is a teaching regarding the end times. vii. Here we see Paul overtly point to the second coming of Christ being done “With all His saints” 1. There is a bit of an interpretational issue here that has commentators divided. 2. Paul seems to be quoting from Zechariah 14, which would tend to favor the idea of the word “saints” or “holy ones” meaning angels rather than people. a. But in the Old Testament the term “holy ones” or “saints” is rather ambiguous. Often it is clearly used to talk about angels and also often it is clearly used to talk about God's people. And of course, many times, it is unclear to which it is referring. b. However, the same is NOT true in the New Testament. Every single use of the term “holy ones” in the New Testament minus two are clearly referring to God's people and NOT to angels. c. Jude 14 could refer to angels, but it could just as easily refer to God's people. d. And here, is the only other unclear reference. e. Furthermore, Paul uses the term “holy ones” 43 times in his letters. In every other instance… he is referring to true believers. 3. Because of this I find the interpretation inescapable. Paul is referring either to God's elect people, or, perhaps, to God's elect people and angels. 4. Since the word saints, or holy ones means Christians we must deal with a spurious way the word is being used today. 5. Saints – is not a special term in the scriptures used to denote some upper class of Christians which have performed miracles or done especially wonderous things for God. Nor is sainthood ever granted or recognized by the church in the scriptures. a. That is literally never how the New Testament uses the word. b. The word itself means the same thing as holy mentioned previously in this verse. Holy means morally pure and set apart. c. Paul wishes that all of them be saints in that they are blameless in holiness. d. And the writer of Hebrews says that without that saintliness… without holiness – no one sees God. e. Saint then, or holy one, is merely another expression of a person who is a genuine believer. f. All believers are saints. And there are no qualifications for sainthood besides being a regenerated believer in Christ. 6. Now, interpreting this as God's people coming with Christ, does pose a bit of a problem interpretationally when it comes to the teaching of chapters 4-5 about the Lord's coming and how believers will meet Him in the air… but that is easily understood when we understand one common practice of the day. 7. When dignitaries or very important people would come to a city, the priests, the rulers, the authorities, the people of note in the city, would leave the city walls and come outside the city to meet the dignitary. Then they would follow him in. 8. Of course we are called a kingdom of priests, heirs to the throne, and the bride of Christ. 9. In this way, God's people can both meet Christ in the air and come with Him. 10. Of course, any Premillennial interpretation of the end times has no problem harmonizing these facts since they would all conclude that we go to meet Jesus and then return with Him when He comes to set up His earthly Millennial Kingdom. 11. We simply disagree on the timing of the return. 12. Postmillennial and Amillennial folks have more difficulty here. And many simply interpret this passage as referring to angels. viii. But coming back to the topic of Paul's wish here… ix. What a comforting thought for the Thessalonians. That the Lord would strengthen them to the level of blameless holiness that the Lord would require of all who might join Him at His return. c. [Slide 14] Summary of the Point: Paul's final hope for the Thessalonians is that the Lord would strengthen their hearts to not only live holy lives today, but that they would be perfected and presented faultless before God when Christ returns with all His people. Every godly pastor hopes for this to be true of their congregation. And as such, the application is clear for us too. We must hope that we will not only be holy now, but perfected in that holiness when the Lord returns. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today that corrects and instructs our faith and shapes and guides our practice? Broad Concepts of Faith and Practice: [Slide 15] Paul expresses these good words for the Thessalonians as he prays to the Lord pleading for these three hopes for the them. He hopes that the Lord would providentially direct them to fellowship together again, that the Lord would cause their love to abound toward all, and that the Lord would strengthen their hearts in perfect holiness when Jesus returns. These amount to what every godly pastor hopes for and prays for, for his flock and all believers. As such these should be our hopes too for ourselves. We should hope that God allows us to fellowship with other believers often and in meaningful ways. We should hope that God causes us to grow and abound in love toward all men and especially those of the household of faith. And we should hope that God strengthens us to grow in holiness today so that when He returns and we return with Him, we should be found faultless and perfectly holy with Him. But how do these applications connect to our life today? Let me take a closer look with you. 1.) [Slide 16] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God providentially directing His children to fellowship with one another often and in meaningful ways, should be a great comfort and hope to true believers. a. But we live in an increasingly individualistic society. b. People don't have to come to church anymore – they can just watch it on the internet. c. I even saw a church advertise that their wi-fi signal was so strong that it reached the parking lot. d. So, if you don't feel comfortable coming in, don't worry, just park in your car and tune in from the parking lot. e. Some have said, “I don't need the church, I have Jesus.” f. My friends, these are lies. g. You can't have Jesus without the church. And you can't have the church without Jesus. h. How can you say that? i. The Apostles taught that WE are the body of Christ. j. My friends, attending via facebook livestream is not attending. It is not fellowshipping. It is not corporate worship. It is not church. k. It'll do in a pinch when you are shut in or sick… but it isn't church. l. Listening to sermons and podcasts isn't the church either. m. Nor is chatting online with other believers or arguing in forums. n. Without the church, you are a rudderless ship. Without God's people ministering to you and you ministering to them, you are tossed around in the waves of the sea. o. True believers delight… hope for… and seek out fellowship with other believers. p. We thrive on it. We need it. q. Do you see fellowship with other believers this way? r. If not, its time to rethink some things. It may even be appropriate to ask yourself, if you are truly a believer. 2.) [Slide 17] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God causing His children to grow and abound in love for one another and other men, should be a great comfort and hope to true believers. a. Along with our more individualistic society, we also have a love problem. b. From definition to object, from magnitude to demonstration, we have a love disease. c. Our definition of love is distorted. So much so that the unconditional undeserved love of God is often so foreign to us when we first hear of it. d. The object of our love is frequently enjoyed toward those who always agree with us or those who return the love we offer. Again, when we see the unconditional aspect of Christ's love for His church, in that while we were yet enemies, He died for us, that is so odd to us. e. The magnitude of our love is a paradox of over-loving things and practices, and under-loving and valuing people. “Save the whales” and “kill the children” are often said by the same lips. f. And if that wasn't bad enough, demonstrating love has been reduced to 5 languages, which is already an extrabiblical interpretation of demonstrating love, but when you give that to a person who is not a believer, it is weaponized for a way to get the kind of love they want, rather than teach them how to love others. g. So yes… we have a love problem. h. But the church… God's people… we should be different. i. We should be looking longingly for the day that God will cause the love we have toward others to abound. Specifically, and especially toward other believers. j. This coupled with the hope for fellowship only intensifies the need for Christians to give the church a much higher priority than they are giving it today. k. Of all the things people prioritize, I fear that gathering with God's people is often an afterthought… if it is a thought at all. l. But growing in and abounding in love for other Christians should be a great hope for those who are genuine believers. m. But our love is not so narrow. n. In fact, our selfless, unconditional love should also be pointed at those who are not believers too. o. We certainly remain guarded with unbelievers. We know they do not understand and will seek to harm us. And we don't need to intentionally leave ourselves open to their abuse. p. But we certainly do not retaliate in thought, word, or deed. q. Overall, growing and abounding in love for all men ought to be one of the greatest wishes of every true believer across the board. r. If you don't desire to love others more… you may need to do some soul searching. You may yet be lost after all. 3.) [Slide 18] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God strengthening our hearts to holiness now and perfect holiness when Christ returns, should be a great comfort and hope to true believers. a. The bane of the accurate teaching of the free grace of God is the overcorrection into license. b. The logic sounds fairly sure. c. Christ died for sin. I am a sinner. Christ died for me. He paid for all my sin. Therefore, when I sin, I know it is already paid for. Therefore, there is nothing that needs payment. Therefore, I am free… I have been given a blank check to do as I please. d. This thought process has been attacking the church since the apostles' time. They all have written extensively on the matter. e. Paul writes in Romans the logic which concludes with – “Shall we sin then that grace may abound?” f. Paul answers his own question with the strongest negative answer that you can make in the Greek language. g. Mh genoito h. May it never be. Or May that idea never have existed or been born in your mind! i. God's grace and mercy do not allow true believers to continue in sin. Instead, His grace and mercy remind us how we are slaves to righteousness and to live according to His Spirit which is in us. j. Hebrews tells us that without holiness no one will see God. k. Holiness, moral purity and being set apart for God's service is part of the fabric of every true believer. l. We love and aspire to holiness. m. And we hope that one day, when the Lord Jesus returns, He will complete that process, purifying us forever, never to fail Him again! n. Certainly, the greatest part of that eternal Kingdom will be the fellowship with Christ. o. But John says that when we see Him, we will be like Him. p. This thought is a great hope of all true believers. One day, we will never sin again. q. But my friends, if there is a tinge of sadness in that for you. That one day you will never lie, cheat, steal, lust, be selfish, lack courage, or never dishonor your parents again… if such a thought produces in you a wistful longing and loss – then you must examine your heart. True believers hope for the day such a thing were true. r. Are you really His child? 4.) [Slide 19] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must find hope in God doing these things in us. a. We must realize that ultimately, true believers hope that the Lord will direct them to fellowship with God's people, to love more, and to grow in holiness. b. Any attitude or feeling that causes us to despise or become annoyed with any of these things, must be rejected as a sinful and fleshly attitude rather than a pure one. c. If we despise or are annoyed with the idea of fellowshipping more with God's people, we must repent of this and put this sin to death. d. If we roll our eyes or gag a bit at the thought of loving others more, we must repent of this and put this sin to death. e. If we are frustrated with or bothered by the thought of becoming more holy, more different and separated from the world, we must repent of this and put this sin to death. f. Because true Christians desire to be with God's people, grow in love, and holiness. g. How do we do all these? h. Well, if we go back to the text, we realize that not only is Paul asking this of God, but God is the agent working in all these things. i. God is providentially directing the fellowship. j. God is causing the love to grow and abound. k. God is strengthening the heart to holiness. l. God is, as always, our source. We run to Him for these things. Ultimately, we hope… in Him. 5.) [Slide 20] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” True believers will see this prayer answered in their lives. a. Although Paul offers this as a hope and a wish, we know from the rest of scripture that God promises to do these things in the lives of true believers. b. God promises to bring His people together. c. God promises to grow us in love. d. God promises to grow us in holiness. e. Of course there is some human responsibility here. We must step out in faith to pursue fellowship, love, and holiness. f. But God promises that for real Christians… this will be done. g. No one will arrive with Christ with these hopes left unfulfilled. h. And that is a great comfort to us. 6.) [Slide 21] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” Without the fellowship of the church, love like Christ, and holiness, no one will inherit the Kingdom of God. a. This, then, is nothing more than a logical conclusion. b. If God will do these things that Paul has prayed for in every believer… and the prayer itself is a comfort and a hope to God's true people… c. Then anyone who lacks these things cannot truly be a child of God. d. There is always room for growth of course. e. In fact, the hope of growth is part of this equation. We as true believers hope to have these things. f. But if you lack them completely, or have no hope that you would have them, or both… then you cannot possibly know Christ. And therefore, you are still lost in your sin. g. If that is you today. You don't desire to be with Christians. You don't really want to love people that don't already love you. You don't want to live differently and in a way that follows the commands of Jesus. h. But for the first time you've seen this, and genuinely desire that to change. i. I urge you to cry out to Jesus and repent of your sins and submit to Jesus as your Lord and Savior. j. And if you would like to do that today, please see me or another Elder. We'd love to help you through that process. [Slide 22 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the early church father John Chrysostom Do not let us avoid the reading of the divine Scriptures, Lord. For that would be of Satan's devising, not wanting us to see the treasure, otherwise we would gain the riches. So, he would say that hearing the divine laws means nothing. Otherwise, if we did, we might become doers of the word, as well as hearers. Knowing then his evil plan, Lord, let us fortify ourselves against him on every side. Fenced with this kind of armor, we can live unconquered lives, as well as strike a heavy blow to his head. Then, crowned with glorious wreaths of victory, we can attain the good things to come, by the grace and love toward others of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and might for ever and ever, amen. Benediction: Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus Christ our Lord direct our way to each other, And may the Lord cause us to increase and abound in love for one another and for all people, So that He may strengthen our hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His Saints. Until we meet again… go in peace.

Daily Dose of Hope January 21, 2026   Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2   Prayer:  Lord, our Lord, How majestic is your name in all the earth!  We magnify your precious and powerful name.  How often we forget how mighty you are.  You created all.  You created us.  Thank you, Lord, for who you are.  Most of all, thank you for loving us with all our flaws and brokenness.  In all we do, in who we are, help us to be more like you.  We pray for humility, mercy, and compassion.  Help us see others through your eyes.  In Your Name, Amen. Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We have been journeying through Paul's letters chronologically and have now completed Galatians and I Thessalonians.  We are now in 2 Thessalonians. Today, we read 2 Thessalonians 2.  In chapter one, Paul addresses the issue of persecution.  In this chapter, he addresses false teaching.  The Thessalonian church was highly concerned by teachers stating that Jesus had already come.  It's possible other things had happened too to make them think this way.  Maybe there was a natural disaster, a meteor shower, or bad omens.  But it makes sense that human foul play was the main culprit.  To make matters worse, these false teachers were claiming to have Paul's authority in the teaching.  Paul tells them not to be "easily unsettled or alarmed," because none of it is true.  Yes, judgement day will come but it hasn't come yet.  Jesus will not return until certain things have occurred, a certain event must occur (the rebellion) and a certain man must appear (the man of lawlessness, possibly the antichrist). The point of this chapter is not to make specific claims about the end of times but rather to prove to the Thessalonians that the day of the Lord, Jesus' second coming, had not yet arrived.  It's obvious that Paul wants them to stand firm in the faith and not be so easily deceived. In verse 5, Paul asks them, Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things?  He is imploring them to remember the truth they were taught and live like mature believers, putting deep roots into truth.  Basically, Thank God for his generous salvation, and don't worry about things above your security clearance. We aren't meant to know all the details and even if we did, this is something totally out of our control.  This isn't a passive way to live, but one that clearly remembers who God is and that we belong to Him.  I often tell my kids to "remember who and whose they are." In some ways, I feel this is what Paul is telling the Thessalonians. Remember what I have taught you. Remember who you belong to.  Don't allow the distractions and untruths of the world to get you off track or lead you astray.  Friends, how often do we forget who and whose we are?  Think of a situation recently that shook your faith a bit or made you question something that you know deeply.  How did you deal with that?  What specific things do you do to remember who and whose you are?  What do YOU do to ensure you stay rooted in the truth of your faith? More tomorrow. Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Daily Dose of Hope January 20, 2026   Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1   Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you today distracted and with scattered thoughts.  Help us focus, Lord, on you and your Word.  Help us, in the next few moments, to be silent, still, and remember that you are God...Thank you, Lord, for your care and concern for our lives.  Thank you for how you show up in amazing and unexpected ways!  We give you glory, Lord Jesus.  In Your Name, Amen. Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We have been journeying through Paul's letters, and have now completed Galatians and I Thessalonians.  Today, we start 2 Thessalonians. Similar to 1 Thessalonians, this letter is also written by Paul, Timothy, and Silas, but scholars consider Paul to be the primary author.  The letter opens in a similar manner as I Thessalonians, with Paul giving thanks for the Thessalonian church.  He is especially grateful for how their faith and love for one another has grown despite persecution.  He even says that he boasts about how they have persevered in the midst of such difficulty.  He doesn't give specifics about the persecution, but we can guess it was hostility directed at Christians by both gentile nonbelievers and Jews. Chapter 1 helps us begin to understand Paul's theology on the suffering of believers.  First, he alludes to the fact that faithful endurance, perseverance in the face of struggle, makes them very worthy of the Kingdom of God.  Certainly, endurance of hardship and persecution was seen as a virtue in early Christianity.  What a change a couple thousand years make!  At least in Western Christianity, we tend to balk at any kind of discomfort and certainly try to avoid suffering at all costs.  But their suffering does NOT mean that God isn't with them.  Paul states that God's judgment is right.  Temporary suffering doesn't indicate God's rejection; it may be character building or redeemed in some other way.  God won't waste their experience but use it to grow them and the Kingdom.  After all, that's what it's all about.  The second element in today's chapter is the concept of God's justice.  God is all about just outcomes.  He doesn't operate in a willy-nilly fashion but is fair and consistent.  According to Paul, God considers it just to punish those who persecute the Thessalonians.  This might be surprising to some, as we always focus on God's love.  Yes, God is loving but God is also fair.  Throughout Scripture, we read about God's righteous judgment.  Knowing that God will judge others fairly frees us to simply extend love and grace and not feel the need to distribute our own judgment upon others. I'll close with Paul's words in Romans 12:19-21, Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.  On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."  Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Title: The Disciple Maker's Dream Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 FCF: We often struggle continuing to grow in the cardinal graces of faith, love, and hope. Prop: Because the church thrives when we continue to grow spiritually, so we must continue to grow in faith, love and hope. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 3. Put your finger or a book mark there, and flip back a page or two to chapter 1 verse 3. In a moment we'll read both these passages from the Legacy Standard Bible. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week we saw Paul express his godly pastoral concern for the Thessalonian believers by relaying to them the circumstances that led to Timothy coming to visit. Paul says that he couldn't take it any longer and had to hear about their faith and whether or not they were holding up under the affliction that they were appointed by God to endure. This week Paul moves the timeline forward to the very moment that he writes the letter and he expresses his deepest relief at the report from Timothy. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Gracious Father, You have given Your church as the light of the world. We are here to shine the gospel light to those who persist in unbelief. And one real way we draw men to give you glory and see Your majesty is by our being conformed progressively more and more to the image of Your Son. In this, You give us grace through the indwelling of Your Spirit to advance in the cardinal graces of faith, love, and hope as we are refined in the fire of Your will for our lives. May You use this text to spur Your people to continue to grow in these graces and thus enable the church – our church – to thrive. We ask this in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “We discern the growth of grace as the growth of plants, which we perceive rather to have grown than to grow.” John Flavel “God would have us not merely take a stand, He would have us walk. Too many have taken a stand and are still standing; for years they have made no progress. “ Vance Havner “Spiritual growth consists most in the growth of the root, which is out of sight.” Matthew Henry “Happy is he who makes daily progress and who considers not what he did yesterday but what advance he can make today.” Jerome “The growth of grace is the best evidence of the truth of it; things that have no life will not grow.” Thomas Watson Let these thoughts find a place to rest in your mind as we proceed to look at the text this morning. I.) Disciple Makers thrive when their disciples stand in the cardinal Christian graces, so we must continue to grow in faith, love and hope. (6-8) a. [Slide 3] 6 - But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always remember us kindly, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, i. Timothy has recently returned to Paul and Silas in Corinth with news from the church in Thessalonica. ii. All the godly and pastoral concern that Paul had for the Thessalonian church is gloriously assuaged by the news Timothy brings. iii. It is so good of news, that Paul uses the same word he uses in other contexts to refer to the gospel. The Good News. iv. What news could rival the gospel? v. The Thessalonian church is… healthy! vi. It seems that all the propaganda that the unbelieving Thessalonians had been trying to sew into the hearts and minds of the church there about Paul and his companions, has come to nothing after all. vii. Of course we knew this already from chapter 1. viii. Still, it is good for us to hear Paul's relief at the Thessalonians' steadfastness in their faith in Christ and the promises of God and their love for Him and one another. ix. Furthermore, their love for God and others is evident in that they remember the evangelists, and by extension their message, kindly and even long to see them in the same way that they long to see the Thessalonians. x. This was not always true of the places Paul had been. xi. The Corinthians despised Paul for a time before they repented and made it right. xii. So it would not be unheard of or completely out of the realm of possibility that the Thessalonians could have grown to despise the evangelists. xiii. And I can tell you as a pastor, that there are some who I have taught, preached to, poured my life into, helped, edified, and gave myself for - who now despise me and have cut me and Kadie out of their lives. xiv. I don't say this to garner pity. I say this as a warning. The life of ministry (which all Christians should be engaged in) is often rewarded with disdain. xv. I can also say that it is MOST encouraging to hear and know that those who you care for are standing strong in faith, love, and hope. xvi. Keen observers will note that although Paul mentions hope in chapter 1 and verse 3 as one of the three cardinal graces of a growing believer, here it seems he has omitted this third cardinal grace. xvii. However, before this point is done, when we read between the lines, we will see the cardinal grace of hope come shining through. xviii. The point is that disciple makers survive by trusting the Lord. But they THRIVE when those they disciple stand fast in faith, love, and hope. b. [Slide 4] 7 - for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; i. Disciple Makers and spiritually mature people also suffer distress and affliction. ii. I know that may seem like obvious information, but I can tell you after spending 16 years in ministry, that sometimes that is forgotten by spiritually immature believers. iii. Spiritually immature believers tend to focus on themselves. This isn't surprising. One of the reasons they are immature is because they are consumed with themselves. So, you can hardly fault them for it. They need to grow out of it. iv. But because they are so consumed with themselves, they often wonder why disciple makers are tired, forget to call or text them, or don't spend more time with them. v. Disciple Makers have their own distresses and afflictions that they are enduring. Just because they are spiritually mature does not mean they have grown beyond these things. It simply means that more often than not, they are able to navigate these things with the help of the Lord and His grace alone. vi. But Paul reveals where disciple makers find great relief and encouragement amid distress and affliction. vii. It is when those they are pouring their lives into… stand strong in their faith, love, and hope. viii. When they can leave them in difficult situations and they hold fast and endure and even serve others. ix. In this, there is a reciprocity of encouragement. Just as Paul sent Timothy to establish and encourage them… hearing news that they are established and strong in these cardinal graces is… an encouragement to the evangelists. x. Once again, we see that the church… needs each other. No matter how spiritually mature we are – there is a mutual dependance on each other that cannot be ignored or scorned without great catastrophe. xi. Paul and his companions have heard back from Timothy that these Thessalonians are enduring in faith, love and hope, even though they have been absent from them for months. xii. And Paul confesses that it is a great comfort and blessing, while they themselves endure their own distress and affliction in Corinth. xiii. Indeed, the evangelists are so comforted that Paul says… c. [Slide 5] 8 - for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. i. The word “really” has been added by the LSB here. ii. I'm not sure I agree with the insertion. iii. It seems like it muddies the waters of what exactly is happening here. iv. Paul expresses that he and his companions now live because the Thessalonian church has stood firm in the Lord. v. Obviously, Paul doesn't speak of spiritual life… in the sense that the Thessalonians' steadfastness is what regenerated their hearts. Nor is he speaking to physical life as though they were dead and have been resurrected because they are standing firm in their faith. vi. Paul is obviously using hyperbole. vii. The uncertainty of knowing that they left the Thessalonians at a critical time and facing certain affliction, may have felt like death. When you are on your deathbed, everything in life stops. Nothing really matters. Similarly, to the evangelists, until they heard how the Thessalonians were doing – all stopped. viii. But now that they know that their faith is solid and that their love is still burning and that their hope is steadfast… they have been given new life. Like a breath of fresh air. ix. Here we see the third cardinal grace make its entry. In chapter 1:3, the steadfastness in the Lord was inspired by or rooted in… hope. And so the grace triad is complete. x. Again – disciple makers THRIVE when those in their charge stand strong in faith, love, and hope. d. [Slide 6] Summary of the Point: Paul's point here, after expressing his godly pastoral concern in the previous thought, is to bring the letter up to the present time and inform the Thessalonians that he and his companions are greatly encouraged and comforted by the fact that they have stood fast in the cardinal Christian graces of faith, love, and hope. In spite of facing their own distresses and afflictions, the news that Timothy brought to them reignited their zeal and passion for the Lord. Indeed, this is true of all disciple makers. When those they disciple hold fast in the cardinal Christian graces, in spite of facing opposition, disciple makers thrive. Since disciple makers thrive in this way, those being discipled should continue to grow in faith, love, and hope. Transition: [Slide 7(blank)] But disciple makers do not merely thrive when their disciples don't go backward in their spiritual maturity. In fact, they truly thrive when those they disciple spiritually progress. Let's look at verse 9. II.) Disciple Makers thrive when spiritual progress continues, so we must continue to grow in faith, love, and hope. (9-10) a. [Slide 8] 9 - For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God because of you, i. Just like last week, Paul concludes his thought here with an introspecting question directed at the Thessalonians. ii. Unlike last week, which posed several questions, this is only 1 question with many parts. iii. He begins by asking what thanks they can return or render to God iv. Paul isn't asking what kind of thanks they can offer. He is asking, what amount of thanks could they offer to God that would be enough for the joy that has come to them because of the Thessalonians' spiritual success. v. Their joy is so great before God that they are not able to thank Him enough for the continued spiritual strength of these believers. vi. Notice that Paul – AGAIN – praises GOD for the spiritual success of the Thessalonians. vii. This is essentially what Augustine said when he prayed, “give what You command and then command what You will.” viii. Nothing we have of spiritual value and worth is engineered or sprung up from us naturally. All that is good and godly in us is raised up and given by God Himself. This is why Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians' spiritual success. Not them. ix. Notice, that Paul begins this question with For, this indicates that all that he has said so far, probably as far back as chapter 2, is in consideration. x. Because of everything that has been reported, and the comfort it brought, and how they feel alive now in hearing it… Paul wonders what amount of thanks would be enough to thank the Lord for the joy they have because of the spiritual strength of the Thessalonian church. xi. But his question is not complete just yet. xii. He will go on to describe the rest of the content of their prayers to God. xiii. Not merely expressing thanks and rejoicing…. b. [Slide 9] 10 - as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith? i. Their prayers also have requests. ii. Not just thanksgiving and joy at what has been up until the present, but also earnest and spiritual desires for the future. iii. A disciple maker's job is truly never done. iv. Until we all reach the finish line and meet the Lord together, the responsibility of a disciple maker continues. v. And because it does – Paul concludes his question. vi. He has asked what level of thanks to God in prayer could ever be enough to match the joy they have because of the Thessalonians, as they are CONSTANTLY (night and day) continuously praying most earnestly to see them again face to face in order that they may fully equip them to handle everything they may face against their faith both in doctrine and practice. vii. Paul's question is – not a question at all. It is a statement. viii. They know that their job is not done. They know that they have more to teach the Thessalonians. They know that they must get back to them to help them… ix. But they are overjoyed that the Thessalonians are holding fast to their faith and strong in the Lord in spite of the evangelists not being with them. x. This means that the disciple makers can start right where they left off and keep moving them forward. xi. This is how disciple makers thrive. xii. And of course the first step in moving the Thessalonian church forward, is this letter. xiii. Paul isn't going to wrap up the letter here. Instead, there are two more chapters to go where Paul will attempt to complete some of what is lacking in their faith. xiv. And of course, after that he writes another letter, which we'll get to should the Lord allow. In that letter he seeks to complete a little more of what is lacking in their faith. xv. But more on that in due time. c. [Slide 10] Summary of the Point: Paul can't help but look to the future. Indeed, he began doing this with the previous two paragraphs expressing his desire to once again see them. As a disciple maker it is not enough to merely hear that the cardinal graces of his disciples are holding fast. For Paul yearns for the fellowship and the advancement of the spiritual maturity of his disciples as well. This is what really causes a disciple maker to thrive. When they see spiritual growth progressing. Since this is true, we must feed into this thriving and this reciprocal relationship, and continue to grow in the cardinal Christian graces of faith, love, and hope. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today that corrects and instructs our faith and shapes and guides our practice? Broad concepts of Faith and Practice: [Slide 11] The danger of saying something like “Disciple Makers thrive” in the application of a sermon, is that it can communicate that the text and the sermon is only speaking to a certain group of people. But the scriptures cannot be painted too tightly into the corner of any particular people group. Since the Word of God is living and active, it ALWAYS requires God's people to take heed to what is preached and think or live differently. Just because Paul puts forward the fact that spiritually leaders such as himself thrive when those they lead hold fast and progress in spiritual maturity, does not mean that this text only applies to spiritual leaders. That is one of the main reasons I did not say Spiritual leaders but did say disciple makers. Because according to the teachings of the New Testament, who in the church are to be disciple makers? Everyone. And who in the church remains a disciple until they enter Christ's presence? Everyone. And so we see significant overlap of anything in the scriptures related to disciple makers and those being discipled. Because that is really the sum total of everyone who is truly a believer. And so, whatever is true of Paul and his companions is true of us. And so, if it is true that disciple makers thrive when those they disciple stand firm and progress in the cardinal Christian graces of faith, love, and hope – then we must encourage these in those we disciple and grow in these as a disciple of someone else. But let me get a bit more detailed in the application this morning. 1.) [Slide 12] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that disciple makers thrive when those they disciple stand firm and grow in the cardinal Chrsitian graces of faith, love, and hope. a. When we couple the godly pastoral concern of Paul from last week's message with the comfort that comes from Timothy's report, we get this lesson clearly presented. b. Paul and his companions, while they lived in uncertainty and fear that the Thessalonians' faith had failed, now they are alive because of the news that their faith, love, and hope stood firm. c. Bearing out my heart a bit in this message, I will confess that when those I have discipled, mentored, and poured into, experience genuine growth in grace and come to breakthroughs where they understand and obey the Lord more, love the Lord and others more, or trust the Lord's promises and anticipate His coming more… there is no greater feeling, no greater shot to my personal faith, love, and hope, than to hear of the progress of a disciple. d. In the same vein, and what seems to happen more often, is when I hear of a disciple who has walked away from the faith, has discarded God's law, has begun to despise the church, or generally has departed from trusting God in anything… it is perhaps the most gut-wrenching news you could hear. e. But you don't have to be a pastor for this to be true. You don't even have to be a spiritual leader for this to be true. f. All of God's church is to make disciples. It was the final marching orders of Christ to His disciples, which consisted of more than merely the 12. It was actually a gathering of about 70 people. g. Therefore, this thriving and this godly concern that Paul speaks of, should be a far more universal experience among believers. h. God has made it so if you are a parent, you have a natural built in discipleship program. For 18 years or more, you get to pray for, teach, admonish, weep for, rejoice with, have godly concern over and thanksgiving to God for the little ones the Lord has given you. i. But even if you are not a parent – or if that time has come to a close for you – you still must make disciples. And if you must make disciples, there is nothing greater than seeing someone you disciple… grow in the graces of faith, love, and hope. 2.) [Slide 13] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that spiritual maturity means having grown beyond the need of the church. a. Paul and his companions were comforted by and even came alive because of the spiritual success of the Thessalonian church. b. This shows, of course, that even though Paul and his companions were disciple makers… they were not above needing encouragement and comfort. c. Even though we have all been called to be disciple makers, this does not mean that we ever really leave the stage of being a disciple. d. Why is that? e. Because no one ever “arrives” in the Christian walk. f. None of us ever achieve the status of discipled (past tense). The race finishes when we are with Christ… and not a moment before. g. Therefore, we all must see ourselves as both disciples and disciple makers at the same time. h. Because of this, we will never outgrow our need for mutual love, discipleship, rebuke, challenge, edification, and encouragement that only the church can provide. 3.) [Slide 14] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must continue to grow in the cardinal Chrsitian graces of faith, love, and hope. a. First of all, and by way of review, we should answer the question, why are they called cardinal Christian graces? i. The terms cardinal and Christian are almost self-explanatory. ii. Christian tells us that these graces are characteristics of all true believers. iii. Cardinal means that they are of highest importance or value. We only assign this title to these graces because they are mentioned often in the scriptures as virtues all Christians must have and grow in. iv. But why do we call them graces? v. Grace, as we know, is God's empowering to do something that we could not do on our own. vi. The New Testament reveals to us that each of these virtues or characteristics in a Christian's life are not inherently found within us. Nor are they given generally by God to all people. Instead, God gives and continues to give these graces to genuine Christians so that they may grow in them. vii. Thus, we can refer to them as graces. The grace of faith. The grace of love. The grace of hope. viii. As is always true, just because God gives these things, does not mean we do not have a human responsibility to seek more and grow in them. ix. Perhaps Paul's prayer illustrates the tension best when we realize that he thanked God, not the Thessalonians, for their steadfastness and growth in these graces. b. Our next question then must be, what exactly are the graces of faith, love, and hope? i. The grace of faith is primarily the ability to understand and believe what God has said. 1. Because understanding and believing what God says logically requires a person to obey what God has said, obedience must also be laced to the grace of faith as well. 2. This is not just a logical conclusion though. We see this throughout the New Testament as faith and obedience are often linked together as two sides of the same coin. 3. Never that obedience leads to or earns salvation… but that salvation by grace through faith leads to obedience. ii. The grace of love is the ability to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, to love all mankind generally as you love yourself and to love other believers as Christ loved you. 1. Again, because loving God and others logically requires a person to obey what God has said concerning His worship, His law, and how we treat others, obedience must also be connected to this grace too. 2. Jesus Himself says that if you love Him you will keep His commands. 3. And loving others is called “the law of Christ” in the scriptures. iii. The grace of hope is the ability to trust God's promises that have yet to be fulfilled and hope in them despite distress and afflictions that may come. 1. This grace is particularly rooted to the future return of Christ and the consummation of His Kingdom. 2. Although the New testament never overtly connects hope and obedience, there are certainly aspects of obedience that are necessary if one is to truly hope in the future coming of Christ. c. But why must we grow in these graces though? What is our motivation? i. First, and foremost, our motivation is to bring glory to God. 1. All men bring glory to God. Wicked men will bring glory to God when He judges them and justly condemns them to eternal torment in the lake which burns with fire. 2. But God's people, His elect, His predestined, are also predestined for good works. 3. We live our lives to do as God has instructed to bring Him glory and to cause others who observe us to glorify God too. 4. We act as mirrors, reflecting the glory of God to others by living in such a way that is pleasing to Him. ii. Second, we grow in these graces for our own sake. 1. As followers of Christ with the Spirit of God in us, there is never really a time that we are more joyful, content, or at peace, than when we are walking with God and growing in these graces He provides. 2. On the other hand, there is never a more defeated, despairing, unfulfilling, and tumultuous time in a believer's life than when he stagnates or goes backward. 3. Growing in these graces provides assurance of our salvation to ourselves and others, but lacking in them removes such assurance. iii. Finally, and as we saw in this text, growing in these graces is a great encouragement to those who pray for us and strive to disciple us. 1. Since there is a reciprocal encouragement in the church, when we grow we help others grow. 2. When we trust we help others trust. 3. When we obey we help others obey. 4. When we love we help others love. 5. And when we do all this we give joy and comfort to those who have been pouring into our lives for many years. 6. Knowing this, we should strive to grow in these graces to bless those who have been a blessing to us. d. But how then do we grow in these graces? i. Obviously, God is the source of these graces. And because that is true – it shouldn't be a shock to us that seeking God in the various forms which He reveals Himself to us in a special way… is the path to our growth in these graces. ii. God's Word, washing over our minds, enables us to see areas of our life where our faith, our love, or our hope are deficient or sick. iii. Prayer also tunes our hearts to God's and brings us in humility before His throne, reestablishing our priorities before Him. iv. Fellowship with other believers around the truths of scripture also hones these graces. v. Sitting under sound biblical preaching continues to sharpen and focus these graces in our lives. vi. Attending and participating in the Lord's Supper and Baptism continue to turn our eyes toward Christ both in His first advent, work, and imminent return. vii. In short, everything the early church devoted themselves to in Acts 2:42 helps each individual believer to grow in these graces. viii. Are you really that surprised?

Be Ready Text: 1 Thess 5:1-11Paul has advised the Thessalonian church that they should not be worried about the Lord's return. In fact it should be a comfort to them, something to await with expectation, and joy, a reuniting of those who have died in Christ, as the great shout is heard and the trumpet sounds and the dead are raised and we rise to go to be with the Lord… …and thus we shall also be with the Lord, 8 Therefore comfort one another with these words!Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daily Dose of Hope January 15, 2026   Scripture: I Thessalonians 3   Prayer:  King Jesus, We come to you today with praise and lifting your name high.  You are a Lord of love, mercy, and forgiveness.  Thank you so much for allowing us to experience those things in you.  Also, Lord, thank you for showing us a new way of doing life.  The ways of this world are empty and temporal but your ways are eternal and fulfilling.  Help us be bold in our faith, staying strong in the midst of whatever challenges we face.  Help us live like the people you have called us to be.  We love you.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently journeying through Paul's letters.  Right now, we are walking through I Thessalonians.   Today, we read I Thessalonians 3.  Paul and Silas very much wanted to visit the Thessalonian church and encourage them in their persecution.  But over and over again, it didn't work out.  They were frustrated and concerned about the welfare of the new believers.  While they had previously warned the Thessalonian church that persecution was unavoidable, they still feared for their well-being.    Eventually, they send Timothy to visit them and instruct them in the faith as needed.  Timothy brought back good news, as the Thessalonian church was becoming more mature in their faith.  Despite their challenges, the new believers were remaining strong in faith and continuing to demonstrate love toward those inside and outside the church.  This pleased Paul and Silas very much.  They experienced joy knowing that the faith of the Thessalonians remained strong and vibrant.  They thanked God for their perseverance and endurance.   The early church had such a different perspective than we do regarding persecution.  They saw persecution as inevitable; it was simply something that believers had to endure.  It doesn't appear they feared being persecuted either.  They knew that as followers of Jesus, their message would be met with opposition.  In the Western church of today, we tend to fear persecution and rejection.  We hesitate to share the Gospel message because we might offend someone, someone might say something mean to us, or we might get rejected.  These seem incredibly minor compared to the persecutions of the Thessalonians or other believers around the world today who risk everything to share the Gospel with others.   Here's a question for us:  If I were being tortured and persecuted for my faith, would I stay faithful to Jesus or would I give in to the pressure and deny Christ?   It is so important for us to rest in the uneasiness of this question.  If push came to shove, how faithful are we, New Hope?  This is truth:  Christians around the world deal with this every single day.  We don't think about it much but over 388 million Christians around the world suffer persecution or discrimination for their faith in Jesus Christ. That means they experience some kind of hostility as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus or living out their faith. Almost 5,000 Christians were killed for their faith in 2025, many were kidnapped, imprisoned, or forced from their homes.  In addition, more than 3,600 churches and other religious facilities were destroyed.  For other Christians, it means being denied economic opportunities or simply living under the threat of violence.  American Christians talk of persecution, but that is what real persecution looks like.  It's not being made fun of or worrying about offending someone, it's risking all for Jesus.   Every year Open Doors USA releases its World Watch report of the 50 states most likely to punish Christians for their faith. North Korea, Somalia, and Yemen, took the top spots this year. It is almost impossible to live openly as a Christian in all three of these places. In extremist Moslem countries, leaving Islam is considered shameful, and Christian converts face dire consequences if their new faith is discovered. Either they have to flee the country or they will be killed.  Other nations that are particularly dangerous for Christians are Syria, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Iran. I recently read this statement and it stopped me in my tracks:  "If we have not prepared ourselves and our twenty-first century churches to die for Christ's name if necessary, we have not completed our responsibility of preparing disciples."  If this makes us uncomfortable, it should.  Because Jesus has called us to a faithfulness that involves more than what we typically think of when we call ourselves Christ-followers.  We can see it in Paul's letter to the Thessalonians.  We see it throughout the book of Acts.  What does it mean to be a disciple?  Jesus makes it quite clear, Mark 8:34-35, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life[b] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope January 13, 2026   Scripture: I Thessalonians 1   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come before you today with a sense of gratefulness.  You are a God who loves us despite all our faults.  You provide for us despite our selfishness.  You answer our prayers despite our impatience.  Lord, we are so thankful and rejoice in your Holy and perfect name.  Forgive us for the times in which we fall short and we know they are many.  Lord Jesus, how we want to do better.  Help us see others through your eyes.  We so need you.  More of you and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently on a journey through the letters of Paul, working through them in chronological order.  We just completed Paul's letter to the Galatians yesterday and today, we begin I Thessalonians.   Let's talk a little bit about Paul's letter to the church at Thessalonica.  There are some scholars who actually think this letter may have predated Galatians, but the general consensus is that Galatians was written in 49-50 and I Thessalonians was written around 50-51.  They were certainly close together, but the letters are very different.  While Galatians is critical in nature (in response to false teachers who were trying to corrupt the Gospel), I Thessalonians is an encouraging letter in which Paul teaches about living Godly lives during difficult persecution.  I Thessalonians was also written during Paul's second missionary journey.   We get the backstory of this letter in Acts 17.  Paul and Silas have gone to Thessalonica, preach the Gospel, and pretty quickly there is a strong Christian community there.  But the Christians there are accused of defying the emperor by saying they believe in another king, Jesus (refer to Acts 17:7).  Paul and Silas end up leaving the city because of the ruckus.  In this first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul is trying to reconnect.  He's heard from Timothy that the Thessalonian church is doing well, despite the continued persecution.  The letter is actually from Paul, Silas, and Timothy, as they are together in Corinth and have this urge to keep the Thessalonians encouraged.    Let's look at the letter itself in chapter 1.  It was normal in an ancient letter to include some kind of prayer for the recipient after the greeting. The authors state that they continually thank God for all the people in the church, and that they remember them before God because of their work produced through faith and love and their endurance inspired by hope in Jesus.   I am most intrigued by the line "endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."  Endurance is the ability to keep going, to persevere, in the face of difficulty and suffering. We don't know exactly what kind of persecution the Thessalonian Christians were facing but it must have been pretty bad. And Paul was worried about them. They were new believers-how would they withstand these hardships? Would their faith crumble or strengthen? Apparently, they remained strong and steadfast, despite their limited experience in the faith.   This idea of endurance through hardship becomes a virtue in the early church. Here is the important part: their endurance was not a result of some kind of internal emotional strength or resolve but was a result of their hope in Jesus. Their hope was rooted in the second coming of Jesus, which will become a theme throughout this letter.   Think about your own life. How would you rate your endurance in the face of hardship? While we don't face the same kind of persecution as the Thessalonian church, we still deal with other challenges. How is your faith grounded in the hope of Christ?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

How did the Holy Spirit guide the Apostle Paul to Macedonia where people were waiting to hear the gospel? Listen to this message continuing the background of the Epistle to the Thessalonian believers. Follow Paul's travels to Thessalonica where Paul taught from the Word of God about the Messiah for several weeks. Hear how the unbelieving Jews roughed up Jason where Paul and Silas were staying.

Sunday Morning Service Series - Mix Tape - a verse by verse study through the book of 1st & 2nd Thessalonians: Today we cover 2 Thessalonians Ch 3 verses 6-18, The Moment of Truth! Paul has many pleasant memories of the days he spent with the infant Thessalonian church. Their faith, hope, love, and perseverance in the face of persecution are exemplary. Paul's labors as a spiritual parent to the fledging church have been richly rewarded, and his affection is visible in every line of his letter. Paul encourages them to excel in their newfound faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

Sunday Morning Service Series - Mix Tape - a verse by verse study through the book of 1st & 2nd Thessalonians: Today we cover 2 Thessalonians Ch 3 verses 1-5, Love is a Battlefield! Paul has many pleasant memories of the days he spent with the infant Thessalonian church. Their faith, hope, love, and perseverance in the face of persecution are exemplary. Paul's labors as a spiritual parent to the fledging church have been richly rewarded, and his affection is visible in every line of his letter. Paul encourages them to excel in their newfound faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

2nd and 3rd John are short personal letters written fairly close to each other, around 95-96 AD. The first of these letters being to a beloved friend termed "the elect (or chosen by God) lady". The aged Apostle had a deep love for this sister because of her hospitality and faithfulness. His salutations of, "Grace, mercy and peace" come from a mature faith and are the same as those of the Apostle Paul to Timothy and Titus; the so called "Pastoral letters". Verses 4-11 express John's great joy that this wonderful sister's children had chosen to walk in the Truth. John reiterates the new command, "to walk in love"; frequently spoken of in his gospel account and first letter. He also warns of the false teachers (antichrists) mentioned at length in his first letter. The woman and her faithful family - the ecclesia - must abide in the true teaching of the Father and His Beloved Son. Anyone walking contrary to that Truth, in behaviour or doctrine, was to beforbidden the fellowship of the saints. John's final greetings, of verses 12-13, express his hope of catching up with the elect lady face to face, rather than through a letter. 3rd John was written to a friend who had often been the old Apostle's host - Gaius - who was deeply "loved in the Lord". This brother was a Thessalonian, who had been converted to the Truth by the Apostle Paul. Verses 5-12 speak of the supporters of ecclesial work and others who were the opponents - the enemies of the Faith. Gaius and those like him had shown great hospitality to visitors, who have preached the Gospel. Support for such workers was commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ when he sent forth the 72 in Luke 10. Those of us who cannot personally go into the mission fields have a responsibility to support both in prayer and financially those who undertake the Great Commission i.e. the taking the Gospel to the world (Matthew 28). John says that those who do so have become fellow helpers of the Truth. The Apostle warns his readers of being a puffed up, self-important errorist, who not only dragged down the faithful, but would take an aggressive stand against all who, like the Apostle John, would take a stand for truth and moral uprightness. Don't be imitators of the evil, but only of the true (see Ephesians 5verses1-21). In his final greetings the Apostle speaks of his desire to spend time with the faithful ecclesia with Gaius in a face-to- face context, rather than via letter. Peace will be with the faithful.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Sunday Morning Service Series - Mix Tape - a verse by verse study through the book of 1st & 2nd Thessalonians: Today we cover 2 Thessalonians Ch 2 verses 13-17, Hold On! Paul has many pleasant memories of the days he spent with the infant Thessalonian church. Their faith, hope, love, and perseverance in the face of persecution are exemplary. Paul's labors as a spiritual parent to the fledging church have been richly rewarded, and his affection is visible in every line of his letter. Paul encourages them to excel in their newfound faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

Sunday Morning Service Series - Mix Tape - a verse by verse study through the book of 1st & 2nd Thessalonians: Today we cover 2 Thessalonians Ch 2 verses 1-17, Every Rose has It's Thorn! Paul has many pleasant memories of the days he spent with the infant Thessalonian church. Their faith, hope, love, and perseverance in the face of persecution are exemplary. Paul's labors as a spiritual parent to the fledging church have been richly rewarded, and his affection is visible in every line of his letter. Paul encourages them to excel in their newfound faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

The Thessalonian church was suffering, grieving, and confused about the Day of the Lord. They feared that believers who died would miss Christ's return and that judgment might fall on them when Jesus came. Paul writes 1 Thessalonians 4-5 to rebuild their hope by giving them a true understanding of Christ's return. He teaches that Jesus will return once, pubicly and victoriously, raising the dead in Christ, reuniting body and sol, and gathering all believers together. The Day of the Lord is not a threat to God's people because they are children of the light, destined not for wrath but for salvation. Therefore, Christians must live awake and sober, rembmering their identity, encouraging and building one another up, and caring for the weak and fainthearted. The final destination of Christian hope is life with Jesus forever, where every tear is wiped away and all suffering ends. The return of Jesus gives believers unshakable hope for today and until the day He returns.

Paul and Silas visited Thessalonica as a part of the 2nd Missionary Journey. As was their custom, they first went to the synagogue to preach from the Old Testament that Jesus is the Christ. Many believed, but many did not. Those that did not became jealous and caused such trouble for the Christians in Thessalonica that Paul and Silas left more quickly than they would have liked. In Berea, the Word was received with great joy, but the jealous Thessalonian Jews followed Paul and chased him away from there as well. Paul's brief ministry among the Thessalonians sets the stage for the two letters he writes back to them only a short time later.  Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 17:1-15.  To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit trinitylcmsvinton.org. “Yearning for the Day of Christ's Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus' coming on the Last Day.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sunday Morning Service Series - Mix Tape - a verse by verse study through the book of 1st & 2nd Thessalonians: Today we cover 2 Thessalonians Ch 1 verses 1-12, Keep Holding On! Paul has many pleasant memories of the days he spent with the infant Thessalonian church. Their faith, hope, love, and perseverance in the face of persecution are exemplary. Paul's labors as a spiritual parent to the fledging church have been richly rewarded, and his affection is visible in every line of his letter. Paul encourages them to excel in their newfound faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

Many people learned this simple prayer growing up: “God is great, God is good, and we thank Him for our food. By Thy hands, we all are fed; give us Lord, our daily bread. Amen.” Saying your grace acknowledges God as the source, substance, and sustainer of our supply. It reminds us that it was God, not our credit card, that provided the meal. Grace, from the Latin gratia, means “gift.” It reminds us that all we have is a gift from God. And when we realize that, we pause to give thanks. Because there's always something to be thankful for. If you can't be thankful for what you've received, be thankful for what you've escaped. If you can't be thankful for where you are, be thankful for where you are not. That's the prevailing point of Paul's message to the Thessalonian church. Difficulties are never an excuse not to say your grace.

We're bringing back this classic episode since its insights are needed now more than ever. Many people claim to know exactly when Jesus will return. In this episode, Steve Wood addresses modern “date-setters” by turning to St. Paul's teaching in the Thessalonian letters, offering a clear and faithful approach to understanding biblical prophecy. Instead of giving us a timetable for the Second Coming, Scripture calls believers to stay awake, live faithfully, and prepare their hearts for Christ's certain—but unknown—return. This episode helps listeners cut through confusion about the end times and refocus on the biblical way to await the Lord: with hope, vigilance, and holiness. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.  

Speaker: Pastor Ruthie Seiders, Central Ministries Pastor Message: Thanks + Giving: It's Time for Thanksgiving Again Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10; 5:16–18 • 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 • Proverbs 11:24–25 • Hebrews 12:1–3 As the holiday season launches into full speed, Pastor Ruthie Seiders invites us to pause — to breathe in the goodness of God and remember the heart behind Thanksgiving. Looking at Paul's earliest recorded letter, Ruthie explores how the Apostle begins not with updates about his own life, but with gratitude for the people he shepherds. This message calls us into that same rhythm: Thanks + Giving — Giving Thanks and Thankfully Giving. Through stories of the Thessalonian church, Grace Chapel's own history, and the joyful legacy of generosity, Pastor Ruthie reminds us that: True faith is busy (Leon Morris) Love prompts labor Hope produces endurance Gratitude fuels generosity And cheerful giving is a spiritual practice that shapes us into Christlikeness As we gather around tables and step into Advent, may our hearts echo Paul's words: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…” (1 Thess. 5:16–18)

This sermon explores the “good news” Paul received about the Thessalonian church, a report of enduring faith that produced love, brought comfort in hardship, and fueled further ministry. Their example reminds us that genuine faith bears fruit, strengthens the church, and inspires us to keep serving Christ with perseverance and sacrificial love. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

This sermon explores the “good news” Paul received about the Thessalonian church, a report of enduring faith that produced love, brought comfort in hardship, and fueled further ministry. Their example reminds us that genuine faith bears fruit, strengthens the church, and inspires us to keep serving Christ with perseverance and sacrificial love. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

Sunday Morning Service Series - Mix Tape - a verse by verse study through the book of 1st & 2nd Thessalonians: Today we cover 1 Thessalonians Ch 5 verses 12-28, Thew things We do for Love! Paul has many pleasant memories of the days he spent with the infant Thessalonian church. Their faith, hope, love, and perseverance in the face of persecution are exemplary. Paul's labors as a spiritual parent to the fledging church have been richly rewarded, and his affection is visible in every line of his letter. Paul encourages them to excel in their newfound faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

Sunday Morning Service Series - Mix Tape - a verse by verse study through the book of 1st & 2nd Thessalonians: Today we cover 1 Thessalonians Ch 5 verses 1-11, It's the Final Countdown! Paul has many pleasant memories of the days he spent with the infant Thessalonian church. Their faith, hope, love, and perseverance in the face of persecution are exemplary. Paul's labors as a spiritual parent to the fledging church have been richly rewarded, and his affection is visible in every line of his letter. Paul encourages them to excel in their newfound faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

Nehemiah 3 tells the readers of Judah's consecrating of the gates and the rebuilding of the wall. It contains lists of who built, and why they built. All classes from professional craftsmen (goldsmiths) to common labourers worked - including the high priest Eliashib and his 5 daughters. Sadly, it also listed some, such as the nobles of the Tekoites, who to their shame failed to become involved in the building of the wall.Hosea 13 tells of the LORD's relentless watching over Israel (v7) "like a leopard by the way". Their idolatry would be visited with chastisement, as of a devouring lion. The king they sought in their beginnings - Saul was given by God in His anger and taken away in His wrath. The same remained true for every king from Israel (the northern kingdom). However, the loving kindness of Yahweh is stated in verse 14, which is cited with regards to the blessings of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15verses54-55. But for the time being their discipline remained a necessity.Paul's first visit to the Thessalonians (in Macedonia) was perhaps around 51 AD. The letter commenced with "grace" (Greek ‘charis' - love) and "peace" (Hebrew ‘shalom' - wholeness, or peace), which come from God, our Father. As a group of Christian believers, the Macedonians were severely persecuted, like their fellow Jewish believers in Judea - many of them being put to death for their beliefs. The Thessalonians were, however, extremely generous in financially contributing to Paul's preaching - especially the Philippians. The central message of both letters is the second coming of Jesus Christ to set up the kingdom of God on earth. Every chapter of both letters refers to this - some chapters containing several references (in the Bible we find over 500 references to the second coming of Jesus Christ). Their love and labours for the Truth were exemplary to all believers. Note verse 9 refers to their belief in "the Living God" and cites not only the verse in Jeremiah 10verses10, but the whole context of Jeremiah 10 was relevant to the situation of the Thessalonian believers. Chapter 2 speaks of the love of Paul, Silas, Timothy and Titus among them. Interestingly the name Titus means "nurse", or "rearer". Paul worked to support his companions' needs and for the preaching of the gospel. The Apostle commends the believers for their patience in suffering persecution. Finally, he expresses a desire to see them again and says that in the day of Christ's coming their acceptance of the gospel would be his victor's crown (Greek 'stephanos').Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Pre-Trib Rapture? The Ancient Hebrew Thessalonian Epistles (Episode 1) by Shawn Ozbun

In this episode of Fresh Text, host John Drury and guest Sarah Hinlicky Wilson delve into Second Thessalonians, Chapter Three, exploring themes of community ethics, responsibility, and the balance between grace and accountability. They discuss the challenges of freeloading within generous communities and the importance of personal growth and responsibility. The conversation also touches on the authorship of the Thessalonian letters and the role of imitation in Christian life.

This week Joey kicked off a new series in 1 Thessalonians called “Hold Fast.” In this message, we learned how the Thessalonian church was young, small, pressured, and yet deeply faithful… and how Paul calls them to hold fast by rooting their endurance in the hope of Jesus' future return. We explored how our hope determines our resilience, and how what we cling to shapes the way we live.

In this episode, Paul is giving thanks for the Thessalonian church because of the fact that they are steady and determined in their walk with Christ!

Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians shows how believers become resilient in faith—not through comfort or ease, but through endurance in suffering, reliance on the Spirit's power, and hope rooted in Christ's coming. The Thessalonian church was born in persecution, yet their faith thrived because it was more than intellectual assent—it was lived conviction. Paul celebrates that their faith “came in power and in the Holy Spirit,” producing visible transformation and courage to turn from idols even when it cost them everything. This opening chapter teaches that true resilience grows when faith holds fast in affliction, when obedience continues despite opposition, and when hope in the returning Son of God eclipses the world's threats and promises.

In this episode, we see that Paul is giving thanks for the Thessalonian church, and praying that the love of God would well up in them until it overflows!

Sunday Morning Service Series - Mix Tape - a verse by verse study through the book of 1st & 2nd Thessalonians: Today we cover 1 Thessalonians Ch 5 verses 1-11, It's the Final Countdown! Paul has many pleasant memories of the days he spent with the infant Thessalonian church. Their faith, hope, love, and perseverance in the face of persecution are exemplary. Paul's labors as a spiritual parent to the fledging church have been richly rewarded, and his affection is visible in every line of his letter. Paul encourages them to excel in their newfound faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

Sunday Morning Service Series - Mix Tape - a verse by verse study through the book of 1st & 2nd Thessalonians: Today we cover 1 Thessalonians Ch 4 verses 13-18, I'm Walking on Sonshine! Paul has many pleasant memories of the days he spent with the infant Thessalonian church. Their faith, hope, love, and perseverance in the face of persecution are exemplary. Paul's labors as a spiritual parent to the fledging church have been richly rewarded, and his affection is visible in every line of his letter. Paul encourages them to excel in their newfound faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

Paul pens a fascinating letter: An introduction to 2 Thessalonians The fake letter circulating to the Thessalonian church Paul brags about the faith of the Thessalonians God's judgement shown 2 ways - on Christians and non-Christians alike   Here's other amazing content from YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries P40!

Paul closes his first letter to the Thessalonian church: Should Christians always be happy? What it means to "never stop praying" Ways we quench the Spirit, and how to stop How to tell if a prophet is false or real, and why we should not despise prophets   Episode discussing the Missing Doxology and The "Holy Kiss." https://www.p40ministries.com/the-bible-explained/episode/1c83116b/romans-16-from-christ-the-missing-doxology    If you want to support the Bible Explained: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries

Dr. Alan Kurschner explained how the enigmatic passage in  Matthew 27:52–53 is eschatological illuminating to 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18. When Jesus returns it will not unfold how the Left Behind movies portray it, nor will it be how amillennialists portray it as some amorphous, instantaneous event where everything is ushered into the eternal state. Rather, God will be glorified as he "shows off" his power through many events, especially the resurrection of the saints on earth as a testimony to the world before they are raptured to the sky where Jesus will be, where he then pours out his day of the Lord's wrath on this evil world. Listen to find out how Dr. Kurschner explains the link between Matthew's gospel on the resurrection and Paul's eschatological teaching in his first Thessalonian epistle.   Please consider giving monthly: https://www.alankurschner.com/partner/  

Paul tells the Thessalonian church what their responsibility is as lay members: The pastor and every other church leader is to be loved and respected What to do if you don't respect your pastor Maintaining orderly conduct in the church The congregants are key to building a successful church   Don't just check out one… Take a look at them all! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries

Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Bob Wilkin and Sam Marr are answering a question from 2 Thessalonian 1:8 about obeying the gospel. In this verse, is knowing God equivalent in meaning to obeying the gospel? How perhaps are they referring to the same thing yet different? Please listen to this and every