Podcasts about thessalonica

Reading Acts 17:1-9 where Paul and Silas come to Thessalonica to share the gospel, and they are accused of turning the world upside down and proclaiming another King. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

This week’s Prison Pulpit was recorded on location in Thessalonica, where I am spending a day or two en route to Istanbul. Join me today in studying some of 2 Thess, and talking about a few specific prayer needs, and then looking at a few folks who were tortured and/or martyred in the Tower of London I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city to pray for every single day. Email me with any questions, comments, or complaints: bfwesten AT gmail dot com. Finally, check out my personal landing page PrayGiveGo.us for everything else, including our missions website, substack, and books. Why the Prison Pulpit? The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison. (Here you’ll find some free PDF books by Richard Wurmbrand: https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.org/) Pakistan Raid Forces Digital Gospel Worker Into Hiding https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pakistan-raid-forces-gospel-worker-into-hiding/ Accounts of Persecution in Great Britain & Ireland, Prior to the Reign of Queen Mary I (Fox Ch. 14) https://www.berbc.org/book-of-martyrs-chapter-xiv Anne Askew: Tortured in the Tower of London https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Askew Pray for China Cities of the Week (Aug 24-31): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-aug-24-31-2026 Help Us Equip and Encourage China’s Persecuted Church If you (or your church or organization) would like to “sponsor” a Chinese church leader, I can personally provide you with the name (or secure nickname) of the particular pastor/leader who you sponsor, and for whom you can continue to pray for going forward. Sponsor a Chinese Pastor/Evangelist for $1000! Contact me (bfwesten AT gmail dot com) Or donate directly at: MCI3.org Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books + Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

It's Tuesday, August 25th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson and Timothy Reed Indonesian pastor sentenced for citing Mohammed's polygamy An Indonesian pastor has been sentenced to two years in prison for pointing out Mohammad's polygamy. At the time of his death, the founder of Islam had nine wives. Dedi Saputra was falsely accused of “hostility, hatred or incitement” with a “potential of causing unrest.”  Like Dedi, the Apostle Paul ran into troubles along the way as well.  In Acts 17:4-5, Luke writes, “And some of them [in Thessalonica] were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. “But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar.”     Surrogate mother speaks up for choosing life Baby Gabriel, the child in the middle of a massive rent-a-womb controversy, has survived his first heart surgery since being born two weeks ago. The child's surrogate mother, McKenna West, refused to abort him despite being sued by his biological parents, Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed. However, Baby Gabriel is now in the custody of the very parents who sought to have him killed!  In the New York Post, Miss West wrote, “No woman should be forced to kill the baby inside her. Most importantly, every child deserves a chance to live. As a cardiac nurse, I knew this little one had a great shot at survival if given the opportunity to receive the necessary treatment. “After I communicated to the contracting couple that I could not end this baby's life, their lawyer, and my own former lawyer, sent me letters threatening six-figure penalties if I didn't comply with their demand to terminate. The contracting couple cut off my payments, and I covered the rest of the pregnancy expenses myself.” Here's what Miss West told Lila Rose in the Live Action podcast.  WEST: “A diagnosis does not automatically mean that there is no hope or that somebody cannot live. But I knew that this baby boy that I was carrying, that I was feeling move, that he deserved that chance.” Listen to this word for our day from Exodus 22:22-24. “You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child.  If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry; and My wrath will become hot, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.” America and Canada at a stalemate in trade war The United States and Canada are in another trade war. The White House has announced that the U.S. will impose 50% tariffs on certain Canadian products like vehicles and steel imports. And now, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will “hit back.”  Here's what Carney said in a press conference on Saturday: “You're at war when you're attacked, and we got attacked.” He added this. CARNEY: “We cannot accept what they've offered and we will not give what they've asked.”  (Read the transcript of Carney's remarks) Trump added this on Truth Social on Sunday: “Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of tariffs. No more!!!” United States to buy back its own bonds to lower inflation U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the federal government will be buying back its own bonds in an effort to rein in inflation and reduce the interest on the bonds, reports CNBC. That means that the government will use its $1 trillion checking account -- which happens to be borrowed money to begin with -- to buy its long-term bonds, in an artificial attempt to reduce interest rates. U.S. debt topped $40 trillion The United States federal debt topped $40 trillion last week, reports CBS News. (Check out the eye-opening website www.USDebtClock.org) The market responded. According to Fortune Magazine, gold is back up to $4,650 an ounce and silver is scraping $70 an ounce. Condo prices sinking Condo prices are sinking like a rock in 33 major city markets including in Florida, California, Texas, Colorado, and Washington state.  Wolf Street estimates a 29% average drop since the 2022 peak. Add inflation into that and that's a 38% drop in condominium prices. Condo prices can signal housing stress before the rest of the market collapses.  Divorce rate up for those over 55 U.S. divorce rates are way up for people older than 55 years of age. In fact, they've doubled since 1990. And,  among those over 65, the divorce rate has increase five-fold since 1990.   A recent Bowling Green University study found that the 50+ crowd now accounts for nearly 40% of all people getting divorced. That was only 8% in 1990. 2032 is Social security depletion date The Social Security depletion date has moved up another three months, now targeted for 2032. The ratio of workers paying into Social Security per retiree has plummeted from more than 5-to-1 in 1960 to 2.9-to-1 today. Mel Gibson to release Resurrection movies in 2027 Film producer and director Mel Gibson is wrapping up a 10-year project — a production of the sequel for The Passion of the Christ. The project is slated to be released as a two-part series on the Resurrection sometime in March and May next year — Good Friday and Ascension Day on the Christian calendar. The films were shot in Rome. Spiderman: Brand New Day misuses God's name 16 times And finally, the blockbuster film, Spiderman: Brand New Day, is #1 at the box office for its fourth week -- now at $2.2 billion worldwide. That's a record for the franchise. But Focus on the Family's PluggedIn.com and Ted Baehr's MovieGuide.org both warn of foul language, the single most concerning drawback for families. God's name and Jesus' name are misused a total of 16 times in the movie.  Exodus 20:7 says, “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, August 25th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ. Extra Print Water systems, connected to internet, vulnerable to hackers. Water systems connected to the internet are vulnerable, as systems in many states across the country have been hacked, according to the FBI and Environmental Protection Agency.  CBS News reported that some water systems lost pressure, while others lost their remote-control capabilities. According to officials, no drinking water has been directly affected. Water hackers have been linked to Iran and China.

Paul preaches the same message in two cities forty five miles apart. Thessalonica riots. Berea starts a Bible study. Same message, same messenger. The only thing that changes is how the word gets received.We look at why people can miss the truth when it's sitting right in front of them, and why the obstacle is usually not the evidence but the story we've already built our lives around. In Thessalonica the offense was a king who took his throne through a cross instead of a sword, and the claim that if Jesus reigns, Caesar doesn't. Jesus isn't asking for our vote. He's asking for our allegiance. In Berea, people received the word eagerly and put the scriptures on the witness stand every day, and the examining produced faith instead of doubt.We also talk about what hunger and discipline look like now: asking God for an appetite, starving the ones that crowd it out, and making time in the word a custom rather than an intention.

Jesse Holland

This sermon examines the apostle Paul's method of evangelism and discipleship as recorded in 1 Thessalonians 2, highlighting his gentle, loving, and labor-intensive approach to mentoring new believers. The speaker emphasizes that effective spiritual leadership requires a combination of tender care, self-sacrificing work to avoid being a burden, and upright conduct that models godliness. By analyzing Paul's actions toward the church in Thessalonica, the message illustrates how mentors must impart both the gospel and their own lives to guide others toward maturity in Christ. The central theme underscores that discipleship is not merely instructional but involves exhortation, encouragement, and a lifestyle worthy of God. Ultimately, the goal of this process is to help believers walk in a manner that pleases God and reflects the truth of salvation by grace through faith.

August 14, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 11 - Psalm 68:1, 3, 7a, 10b, 19; antiphon: Psalm 68:5b, 6a, 35bDaily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 1:1-27; 1 Corinthians 7:25-40“The righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy.” (Introit for Trinity 11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In A.D. 390, the Emperor of the Eastern Empire of Rome, Theodosius, ordered soldiers to massacre thousands in Thessalonica after a riot. The church historian Rufinus reports: “When Theodosius came to the church, Bishop Ambrose of Milan met him and said: ‘A man such as you, stained with blood, must not come to the Lord's table.' Theodosius wept and repented.” (Rufinus, Church History 11.18)Our Introit comes during the long “green season” of the Church Year, where the Lord focuses us on the perpetual reality that the church is always alive… always growing. Ironic, especially when you consider this coming Sunday's Gospel reading: the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14). The church is alive, always growing because God lifts up the humble and brings down the proud. “God defends the lowly, gives strength to the weak, and provides for those who cannot provide for themselves.”Our brothers and sisters in the faith have heard for centuries: “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered,” and in the early days of the church, they saw Jesus' resurrection. They saw His enemies of sin, death, and the Devil defeated. Those who trusted in and boasted of themselves, like the Pharisee in the temple, are scattered by, crushed by God's holiness. Those who cannot hide, like the tax collector, stand, head bowed in reverent fear and shame, with no good thing in and of themselves; dead… crying out for mercy, and are given life.“Let the righteous be glad.” Yes! And why shouldn't we be overjoyed? Not only are we righteous on account of Jesus, but life is found only in Him. The tax collector was sent home “justified” precisely because He trusted that God alone who judged was the only One Who could save. Theodosius, the most powerful man in the world, was humbled before God by the word of God spoken by a measly little Pastor, Ambrose of Milan, with stunning and miraculous results. God made Ambrose bold… God gave the good confession that God “went before His people.” He's with us, even as He is ahead of us. He comes to us, in His Word, in the promises of Baptism; He dwells in us by the Lord's Supper, and God gives us pastors to preach the word, and God gives faith to follow where Christ our leader has trod. Finally, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up.” God doesn't just bless us once and leave us to fend for ourselves. His mercies are new each morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). He bestows forgiveness, comfort, His word, and strength for each new day. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We pray: In God my heart trusts and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him. Amen.Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.

The early Christians in Thessalonica experienced rejection, ridicule, and persecution because of their faith. But what the world viewed as shame, God transformed into a mark of honor. Pastor Ken teaches you today that persecution and hardship for Christ are never meaningless in God's eyes. While you may not seek persecution, you can take comfort in knowing that God sees every sacrifice you make for Him. And what may appear to be a loss in this life can become eternal gain in the life to come. 

Thinkabout that today. If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are loved byGod! The Bible does not teach us that God loves us because we are good enough,religious enough, or deserving enough. God loves us because of Who He is. John3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begottenSon.” Romans 5:8 says, “But God commended His love toward us, in that,while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God did not wait until wecleaned ourselves up before He loved us. He loved us while we were sinners, andHe demonstrated that love at the cross. ButPaul goes even further. He says, “Knowing, beloved brethren, your electionof God.” Now, the word “election” sometimes becomes the subject oftheological debates. Good and sincere Bible-believing Christians have disagreedover exactly how God's sovereignty and human responsibility work together. ButI think sometimes we can become so occupied with the questions surroundingelection that we miss the wonderful encouragement Paul intended these believersto receive from it. The word simply carries the idea of being chosen to loveand serve God and others. Paul was reminding these Thessalonian believers thattheir salvation was not an accident. God had a purpose for them. God had calledthem to Himself through the Gospel. Andnotice something very important. Paul said, “Knowing… your election of God.”How could Paul know? He could not look into the secret counsels of God ineternity. He could not see their names written in the Book of Life. But hecould see what had happened in their lives. And that becomes especially clearwhen we read the next verse. Verse 5 says: “For our gospel came not unto youin word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.”Paul knew something genuine had happened because he had seen the evidence. Rememberwhat we learned yesterday. Their faith was working. Their love was laboring.Their hope was enduring. In other words, their changed lives gave evidence ofthe reality of their salvation. Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “Wherefore bytheir fruits you shall know them.”  Weare not saved by our works, but when we are truly saved, there should be a workof God taking place in our lives. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it very clear: “Forby grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is thegift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” But we sometimesstop there. Verse 10 continues: “For we are His workmanship, created inChrist Jesus unto good works.” We are not saved by good works, but we aresaved unto good works. That is exactly what Paul was seeing in Thessalonica. Thinkabout what had happened there. Paul had only been with these people for arelatively short period of time. He preached the Gospel to them. They receivedthe Word. They turned from idols to serve the living and true God. Then almostimmediately, persecution came. Yet they remained faithful. Paul could look atthem and say, in effect, “I know God has done something in your lives because Ican see the evidence of His grace.” AndI believe there is a very practical application for us today. What evidence isthere in my life that God is at work in me? Not, “Have I joined a church?” Not,“Have I been baptized?” Not even merely, “Did I pray a prayer sometime in thepast?” Those things may have their proper place, but the question is: Has JesusChrist changed my life? Is there a work of faith? Is there a labor of love? Isthere a patience of hope? Is there a growing desire for the Word of God? Isthere a desire to please the Lord? Is there a love for God's people? When Isin, does the Holy Spirit convict me and draw me back to fellowship with theLord? Do I desire to share Christ with the lost? These are evidences of thework of God within us. 

“We give thanks toGod always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.” What abeautiful verse! In just a few words, Paul teaches us something aboutthankfulness, people, and prayer. First,notice that Paul says, “We give thanks to God.” Paul had many reasons tobe concerned about the believers in Thessalonica. Remember, this was a veryyoung church. Paul had only been with them for a short time before persecutionforced him to leave the city. You can read about this in Acts 17. Paul hadpreached in the synagogue, people had believed, and almost immediatelyopposition arose. A mob was formed, Jason's house was attacked, and Paul andSilas had to leave Thessalonica by night. Paul must have wondered, “How arethese new believers doing? Are they standing firm? Has the persecutiondiscouraged them? Are they remaining faithful to Christ?” Then Timothy returnedwith the wonderful news that they were continuing in the faith. SoPaul says, “We give thanks to God.” Notice that Paul didn't simply say,“We are proud of you.” He thanked God for them. Paul understood that whateverspiritual growth he saw in their lives was ultimately the work of God. That isa good reminder for us. When we see God working in our children, grandchildren,friends, church family, or someone we have influenced for Christ, we shouldencourage them—but we should also remember to thank God for what He is doing intheir lives. ThenPaul says: “We give thanks to God always for you all.” I love those twowords: “you all.” (Especially since I'm from the south.) Paul wasn't simplythankful for the prominent members of the church. He wasn't thankful only forthe people who were easy to get along with. He thanked God for all of them. Everyperson mattered.Sometimeswe become so accustomed to the people God has placed around us that we forgetwhat a gift they are. Maybe today we should stop and think about some of thepeople God has placed in our lives. Your husband or wife. Your children andgrandchildren. A faithful friend. Someone who prayed for you. Someone whoencouraged you when you were discouraged. Someone who helped you along yourspiritual journey.Haveyou thanked God for them lately? ButPaul doesn't stop with thanksgiving. He continues: “Making mention of you inour prayers.” Paul's gratitude became prayer. He didn't merely think aboutthese people. He prayed for them. And notice the expression, “making mentionof you.” I believe there is something important about mentioning peoplebefore God by name.ThroughoutPaul's letters, we discover that he had a remarkable prayer life. He traveledconstantly. He preached. He planted churches. He suffered persecution. Yetsomehow Paul continued carrying people in his heart before God. That challengesme. It is easy to tell someone, “I'll be praying for you.” But the realquestion is: Do we actually pray for them? Whensomeone comes to your mind today, perhaps instead of simply thinking aboutthem, turn that thought into a prayer. “Lord, bless them.” “Lord, encouragethem.” “Lord, give them wisdom.” “Lord, meet their need.” “Lord, draw themcloser to You.” It doesn't have to be a long prayer.  Paul says, “We give thanks to God always.” Prayerand thanksgiving were not occasional activities for Paul. They were a way oflife. That reminds us of something Paul will tell these same believers later inthis letter: “Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this isthe will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17–18).Interestingly, Paul practiced in chapter 1 what he preached in chapter 5. Hewas continually praying. He was continually giving thanks. Maybe that is ourchallenge for today. Think of someone. Thank God for them. Then mention theirname in prayer. And perhaps even take another step. Send them a message, make aphone call, or tell them: “I thanked God for you today.”Younever know how much that simple word might encourage someone who desperatelyneeds it.

Notice that he does not introduce himself here as “Paul, anapostle of Jesus Christ,” as he does in several of his other letters. Why? Probablybecause he did not need to defend his apostolic authority with these believers.They knew him. They loved him. Paul had personally brought the Gospel to them. Thenhe mentions two men who had served alongside him: “Paul, and Silvanus, andTimotheus.” Silvanus is the longer form of the name Silas. Silas hadtraveled with Paul on this second missionary journey. He had been there inPhilippi when Paul was beaten and thrown into prison. He was there at midnightwhen they prayed and sang praises to God. And now he had helped Paul establishthis church in Thessalonica. Timotheus, of course, is Timothy. Paul had metthis young man at Lystra and invited him to join the missionary team. Timothywould eventually become one of Paul's most trusted fellow workers. What awonderful picture of ministry. God'swork has always been about one generation passing the truth to anothergeneration. Butthen Paul says something especially important: “Unto the church of theThessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Theword “church” comes from the Greek word ekklesia, which basically means acalled-out assembly. These people lived in Thessalonica, but spiritually theywere in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Think about that. Geographically,they were in Thessalonica. Spiritually, they were in Christ. Thessalonica was apagan city filled with idolatry and immorality. These new Christians weresurrounded by a culture that did not share their faith or their values. Theywere already experiencing opposition and persecution because they followedJesus. But their environment did not determine their identity. They were in Godthe Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Andthe same is true for us today. We live in a world that increasingly seems to bemoving farther away from God. We are surrounded by temptation. We hearphilosophies that contradict the Word of God. We see values changing around us.But the believer's identity is not determined by the world in which he lives. Weare in Christ. Paul uses that little expression again and again throughout hiswritings. Second Corinthians 5:17 says,“Thereforeif any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” Romans 8:1 says, “Thereis therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Oursecurity is not found in our circumstances. Our security is found in ourrelationship with Jesus Christ. You might say that these Thessalonian believershad two addresses. Their earthly address was Thessalonica. Their spiritualaddress was in Christ. And every believer has those same two addresses. We livesomewhere on this earth. We have a street address, a city, a state, and acountry. But if we have trusted Jesus Christ as our Savior, our most importantaddress is this: We are in Christ. ThenPaul gives them two wonderful words: “Grace be unto you, and peace.” Wejust finished our study of Philippians by noticing how often Paul begins andends his letters with grace. And here it is again. Grace. Then peace. Noticethe order. Grace comes before peace. We cannot experience the peace of Goduntil we have first experienced the grace of God. Grace is God giving us whatwe could never earn and could never deserve. Salvation is by grace. Forgivenessis by grace. Our relationship with God is by grace. Our strength for each dayis by grace. And when we experience God's grace, we can also experience God'speace. Grace and peace. Their circumstances might change.Their friends might turn against them. Persecution might increase. But theirposition in Christ was secure.  Andperhaps that is the great truth we should carry with us today. Our peace doesnot come from living in a peaceful world. Our peace comes from knowing that weare securely in Christ.

Paul identified the church in Thessalonica as a model church. The testimony of their faithfulness was spreading throughout the region and encouraged other suffering churches. However, even this model church was not immune from the devastating pain of loss. Even though they knew that the resurrection was true, in the moment of grief, some members of the church were shaken. Paul wrote these words to remind those who had lost loved ones that they could find comfort in the certainty of their hope. Hope in Christ's return is the source of Christian comfort. The death of loved ones is a tragically common part of life. Death is inevitable in a fallen world. Whether because of a sudden disaster like a car crash, the gradual encroachment of cancer, or slow decay of age, death comes to us all. When death invades your life, where will you find comfort in the midst of grief? The answer is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18. Our passage presents two promises that fix our hope on the return of Christ so that we can be comforted in times of loss. 1 - The Promise of the Resurrection that Fixes Our Hope (13-16) a - Grounded in the Gospel (14) b - Realized by Christ's Return (15-16) 2 - The Promise of Reunion that Focuses Our Hope (17-18) a - Reunion with One Another b - Reunion with Christ

Today we begin a brand-new journey through two wonderfulbooks of the New Testament—First and Second Thessalonians. We have justcompleted our study through Philippians, and now we are going to follow theApostle Paul a little farther down the road on his second missionary journey. Iwould like to give our new series this theme: "Living in Light of HisComing." You will understand why as we move through these two letters. Thereturn of Jesus Christ is one of their great themes. In fact, every chapter ofFirst Thessalonians ends with some reference to the coming of the Lord. ButPaul does not teach prophecy merely to satisfy our curiosity about the future. Heteaches us about the coming of Christ because what we believe about tomorrowshould change the way we live today. Sobefore we begin with First Thessalonians 1:1, let's go back to Acts 16 and 17and remember how this church was born. Paul was on his second missionaryjourney with Silas and Timothy. He had intended to preach in certain areas ofAsia Minor, but the Holy Spirit closed those doors.  After Paul heard the "Macedoniancall." Paul immediately recognized that God was directing them into Europeand went to Philippi. And we know what happened there. After the salvation ofLydia, a demonic girl, and the jailer's and his household, A church had beenborn. But Paul's journey continued. Acts 17:1 says, "Now when they hadpassed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was asynagogue of the Jews." Thessalonicawas about one hundred miles from Philippi and was one of the great cities ofMacedonia. It was located on the Via Egnatia, one of the major highways of theRoman Empire. People, merchandise, soldiers, government officials, andtravelers continually passed through this important city. Paul understoodsomething very important about missions. If you can reach a strategic city withthe Gospel, the people in that city can carry the Gospel far beyond it. So Paulwent into the synagogue, as was his custom. Acts 17:2 tells us, "AndPaul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasonedwith them out of the scriptures." I love that expression: "Reasonedwith them out of the scriptures." Paul did not give them his opinions.He opened the Word of God. Verse3 says he was, "Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs havesuffered, and risen again from the dead." And then Paul declared, "ThisJesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ." That was his message. Jesusdied. Jesus rose again. Jesus is the Christ. And people believed. Some Jewsbelieved, but Acts tells us that a great multitude of devout Greeks and anumber of prominent women also received the message. In a remarkably shortperiod of time, another church was born. But almost immediately, oppositioncame. Unbelieving Jews stirred up trouble. A mob attacked the house of a mannamed Jason, where Paul and his companions had apparently been staying. Whenthey could not find Paul, they dragged Jason and some of the other believersbefore the rulers of the city. Andlisten to the accusation they made in Acts 17:6: "These that haveturned the world upside down are come here also." What a testimony! Theseearly Christians were accused of turning the world upside down. Actually, theworld was already upside down because of sin. The Gospel was turning it rightside up! Because of the danger, the believers sent Paul and Silas away by nightto Berea. Imagine how Paul must have felt. He had only been with these newbelievers for a short time. They were young Christians living in a paganculture.Theywere already experiencing persecution. Paul loved them and was deeply concernedabout them. Eventually Timothy was sent back to see how they were doing. Later,when Timothy brought Paul the wonderful news that their faith was standingstrong, Paul wrote the letter that we call First Thessalonians. 

Heidi Bolt shares in our series, Acts. Today we look at Acts 17:1-15.

   Join me again please with the apostle Paul as he is writing his second letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, Macedonia in early 51ad. Word has come to Paul that the Thessalonians were deeply troubled, and confused, regarding some future events Paul had informed them about.  So, Paul wrote: “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him, we ask you…not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teachings…asserting that the day of the Lord has already come.” (2 Thess. 2:1,2) (Click here to see full text, images and links)    Pastor Doug Anderson    “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)Have a comment or question about today's chapter? I'm ready to hear from you, contact me here. Interested in helping "Walking with Jesus" financially? Click here

We are happy to have you with us! If there are any issues with the stream feel free to message us.

In Acts 17:1-15, Paul faithfully proclaims one central message wherever he goes: Jesus is the Messiah. As he preaches in Thessalonica and Berea, the same gospel produces two very different responses. Some reject Jesus because they refuse to surrender their own kingdoms, while others eagerly receive the message and search the Scriptures to see that it is true. “Messiah” points to God's promised King who would suffer, die, rise again, and reign forever. Paul believed Jesus was the Messiah because his life perfectly fulfilled the Scriptures. The sermon and Scripture leave us with one question: Will you receive Jesus as your Messiah and King, or will you reject him?

Speaker: Brent Kercheville. The apostle Paul is writing to Christians to encourage their faith to grow further and deeper. While the Christians in Thessalonica are doing well, he is urging them to excel still more (1 Thessalonians 4:1). We have noticed that Paul is looking at areas in the Christian life that might be easily overlooked when trying […] The post More In Future Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) appeared first on Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ.

God may already have answered your prayer. The real question is whether you will obey what He already said.In Don't Waste The Word, Dr. Monique Flemings teaches from Acts 17:1-14, comparing how the people in Thessalonica and Berea responded to the same gospel message. One group resisted truth when it challenged their comfort and influence. The Bereans received the message eagerly, examined Scripture daily, and allowed truth to lead them toward belief and obedience.This message is for anyone who keeps asking God for direction but has not acted on what He has already said. You will learn how to study the Bible with an open heart, recognize where God is correcting you, and move beyond emotional moments into lasting spiritual growth.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why constant access to sermons can create familiarity without reverence• How to receive correction without becoming defensive or unteachable• Why biblical transformation includes research, recognition, repentance, and changed behavior• How to test preaching and prophetic words against Scripture• Why obedience matters more than notes, knowledge, or emotional reactionsPrimary Scripture: Acts 17:1-14 NLT, with special focus on Acts 17:11.Share this episode with someone who needs to act on what God has already spoken.Purpose City Church is a multiethnic, intergenerational church in Aurora, Illinois. Follow The Purpose City Church Podcast and visit https://www.purposecitychurch.com/.

In Acts 17:1-15, Paul faithfully proclaims one central message wherever he goes: Jesus is the Messiah. As he preaches in Thessalonica and Berea, the same gospel produces two very different responses. Some reject Jesus because they refuse to surrender their own kingdoms, while others eagerly receive the message and search the Scriptures to see that it is true. “Messiah” points to God's promised King who would suffer, die, rise again, and reign forever. Paul believed Jesus was the Messiah because his life perfectly fulfilled the Scriptures. The sermon and Scripture leave us with one question: Will you receive Jesus as your Messiah and King, or will you reject him?

Acts 17:11 - These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Keeping us down is impossible because we're UNSTOPPABLE with the gospel. Unstoppable Volume 5 is part 5 in a study through the book of Acts where we are getting a front row seat on how to spread the gospel like the early church.   Today, Pastor Andy will give an overview of the Book of Thessalonians. The church of Thessalonica was planted by the Apostle Paul as seen in the Book of Acts. This book is significant for teaching about the end times, encouragement in hostile persecution, and practical Christian living that instructs believers to remain disciplined and productive while waiting for the return of Jesus. Understanding the Book of Thessalonians will give us a deeper understanding of the context of the Book of Acts.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/03-0725db.mp3 Listen to Bible reading Through My Bible Yr 03 – July 25 Acts 27:1-20 Acts 27 Paul Sails for Rome 1 When it was decided that we [1] would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, of the Imperial Regiment. 2 After boarding a ship from Adramyttium, which was going to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us. 3 The next day, we put in at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends to receive their care. 4 From there we put out to sea and sailed on the sheltered side of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5 We crossed the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia and landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy, and he put us on board. 7 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus. Since the wind did not permit us to go further, we sailed on the sheltered side of Crete, off Salmone. 8 With difficulty we sailed along its coast and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea. 9 Since so much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous because the Fast [2] was already over, Paul advised them, 10 “Men, it looks to me as if the voyage is going to end with disaster and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and the owner of the ship than to what Paul was saying. 12 Since that harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, hoping somehow to reach Phoenix and winter there. (Phoenix is a harbor on Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.) 13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they could carry out their plan. They raised the anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. The Storm 14 But before long, a hurricane-like wind, called the “northeaster,” rushed down from the island. 15 Since the ship was caught in it and could not head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we sailed on the sheltered side of a small island called Cauda, we were barely able to secure the skiff. [3] 17 After hoisting it on board, the men tied ropes around the ship to reinforce it. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and in this way were driven along. 18 Because we were tossed around so violently by the storm, the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship's gear overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the violent storm kept pressing down on us, finally all hope that we would be saved was disappearing. Footnotes Acts 27:1 Luke is included. Acts 27:9 The Fast refers to the Jewish Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) in the fall, just before the winter months, when sea travel was treacherous. Acts 27:16 A small service boat (also mentioned in verses 30 and 32) The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved.

A spiritual battle is taking place in Thessalonica as Satan hinders Paul from returning and through afflictions seeks to destroy the Thessalonian church's faith in Christ. Paul is burdened that the Thessalonians keep the faith and so sends Timothy to strengthen them in their faith. We see from these verses that in every trial God has a good purpose for us—to refine our faith—but Satan has an evil intention too. He aims to destroy our faith. We must be aware of these spiritual realities at play in our lives as we trust in Jesus and go through afflictions.

We invite you to join Jacob and study from teachings of Paul being in Tessalonica.You can connect with Moriel in more locations than just YouTube! Check out all our official links on the About page: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorielTVministries/about.The U.S. Copyright Office protects this video and its contents under section 107 of the Fair Use Copyright Act 1976 which can be found here: can be found here: https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#107.While we do encourage comments, all are held for review before posting. We ask that you please focus your posts on the video and it's topic. Keep it relevant to the message; and of course showering us with love is always welcome. We do appreciate you and thank you for caring enough to speak up and speak out.Please note: Posts that are longer than a short paragraph, contains hate, or disrespectful comments, or links to websites or other videos will be deleted. Comments determined to be inappropriate, obscene, disrespectful or with links to pornographic material, will get you banned. All decisions on comments are at our discretion.

Drop us a note about the podcast. Churches built in the 1800s go up in flames, steeples collapse, and the public line is often the same: “We don't know what caused this.” That shrug should bother us. We start with the uncomfortable pattern of church vandalism and fires, then move to a sharper question: what changes in a culture when it decides Christianity is fair game?From there we open Acts 17 and walk the road with Paul, from Thessalonica to Berea to Athens. The Bereans model something we desperately need today: they listen, then they search the Scriptures day after day to see if it's true. In Athens, Paul finds an altar “To An Unknown God” and uses it to preach the Creator who doesn't live in man-made temples, who rules over nations, and who commands repentance. The resurrection isn't presented as a metaphor, it's the proof that history is headed toward judgment and mercy is available right now.We also pull the lens closer to home with Song of Solomon and a candid talk about marriage, the confusion inside the church, and why biblical roles and responsibilities can't be treated like optional extras. Psalm 144 and Proverbs 17 add practical wisdom: God is our refuge, our days are brief, and a wise person learns when to speak and when to stop.To connect faith with civic life, we remember Medal of Honor Chaplain Vincent Robert Capodanno and revisit John Witherspoon and Noah Webster on choosing leaders of moral character who rule in the fear of God. If this strengthens you, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it.#ChristianNation#AmericanHeritage#NoahWebsterSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribeCountryside Book Serieshttps://www.amazon.com/Countryside-Book-J-T-Cope-IV-ebook/dp/B00MPIXOB2 America's Christian Heritage Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2622483

Today we continue looking at what I believe is one of themost beautiful passages in all of Scripture on the grace of giving. Paul writesin Philippians 4:16–17: "For even in Thessalonica you sent once andagain unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit thatmay abound to your account.” Aswe've seen, the church at Philippi was unique. Many churches appreciated Paul'sministry, but very few actually partnered with him financially.  Paulhad only been in Thessalonica for a short time. According to Acts 17, hisministry there lasted only a few weeks before persecution forced him to leave.Yet during that brief ministry, the believers at Philippi sent help more thanonce. That tells us something about their hearts. Generous people don't waituntil they become wealthy. They simply look for opportunities to meet needs.  Godisn't looking first at the size of the gift. He is looking at the faithfulnessof the giver. Throughout Scripture we see this pattern. When the children ofIsrael built the tabernacle, the people kept bringing offerings until Moses hadto tell them to stop because there was more than enough. The widow of Zarephathcontinued sharing her last meal with Elijah, and God continued supplying theoil and the meal. The poor widow whom Jesus observed in the Temple gave onlytwo mites, yet Jesus declared she had given more than all the wealthy becauseshe gave out of her poverty. Faithful giving has never been measured by theamount. It has always been measured by the heart. ThenPaul says something that surprises us in verse 17: "Not because Idesire a gift..." Paul wasn't manipulating anyone. He wasn't raisingmoney for himself. He wasn't trying to make people feel guilty. His concernwasn't his own comfort. His concern was their spiritual growth. That is why hecontinues: "But I desire fruit that may abound to your account." Whatan amazing statement! Paul says, in effect, "I'm more excited about whatGod is doing for you than what you're doing for me." He knew that everygift they gave in the name of Christ would become an eternal investment. Jesustaught this same truth in Matthew 6:19–20: "Lay not up for yourselvestreasures upon earth... But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."Every dollar spent on ourselves eventually disappears. Every investment madefor Christ lasts forever. Paulpictures their generosity as fruit that is continually being credited to theirheavenly account. Imagine receiving a monthly bank statement and discoveringsomeone had been making deposits into your account all month long. Paul saysthat is exactly what happens spiritually when we invest in God's work. Godkeeps the records. God never forgets. Nothing given in His name is ever wasted.Sometimes we think only preachers, missionaries, or evangelists receive eternalrewards. But Paul reminds us that those who faithfully support God's servantsshare in those same eternal blessings. WhenWilliam Carey went to India as a missionary, his friend Andrew Fuller remainedin England to raise support and encourage churches to stand behind the work.Carey reportedly said, "I will go down into the pit if you will hold theropes." The man in the pit and the men holding the ropes shared the samemission. The same is true today. Some are called to go. Others are called tosend. Both are equally important in the work of the Gospel.  (Read Romans 10:14-15) When yousupport missionaries... When you help your local church... When you encouragethose serving Christ... You are producing fruit that will one day be rewardedin eternity. The wonderful truth is this: God is never indebted to anyone. Heremembers every act of generosity done for His glory. So today, ask yourself:Am I giving only occasionally? Or have I made generosity a way of life? Am Iinvesting only in things that will perish? Or am I laying up treasures thatwill last forever? 

   One of the things all of us do, from time to time, is reflect on our past life experiences and wonder what the results of those experiences will be over the longer term, am I right? For someone like the apostle Paul I imagine not a day went by that he didn’t spend at least some time doing exactly that, for he had so many traumatic, significant experiences in his life in so many different places.  Join me again in the great city of Corinth, in late 50ad, as Paul is writing a letter to the people in the city of Thessalonica who had trusted in Jesus during Paul’s few weeks there. Today let’s look at chapter two of 1 Thessalonians. Paul’s opening statement reflects his hope that his brief time in their town really had made a big difference. Paul writes: “You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was NOT without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you His gospel in the face of strong opposition.” (1 Thess. 2:1,2) (Click here to see full text, images and links)    Pastor Doug Anderson    “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)Have a comment or question about today's chapter? I'm ready to hear from you, contact me here. Interested in helping "Walking with Jesus" financially? Click here

Speaker: Brent Kercheville. We are in a series in which we are looking at how we have been called to more. In 1 Thessalonians 4:1 that these Christians in Thessalonica know how to walk and are living in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. But Paul instructs them to excel even more in being pleasing to […] The post More In Love (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12) appeared first on Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ.

Pastor Todd opens a study in 2nd Thessalonians chapter 1. He explores how faith grows in the furnace of affliction. The early church in Thessalonica faced intense persecution, yet their spiritual lives flourished. This foundational text reveals that God uses trials to strengthen believers and make them worthy of His calling. Rather than shrinking back from suffering, we can find comfort knowing that God is just and holds the ultimate scales of justice.Are you struggling to find purpose in your current trials? Watch this message to discover how your challenges can reflect the glory of Christ and shape your character.Connect with Crossroads Community Church:Website: https://lifeatcrossroads.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossroadscommunitychurchFacebook: https://facebook.com/lifeatcrossroadsGive Online:https://lifeatcrossroads.org/giveonlineLicensing Information:CCLI License #2915685CCS WORSHIPcast License #9466Crossroads Community Church holds a CCS WORSHIPcast License, which grants permission to publicly play, perform, and stream musical compositions controlled by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in accordance with CCS License Terms and Conditions.

In this message, Pastor Seth Drewry launches the new series “More and More” from 1 Thessalonians and asks a crucial question: “Is there still a church?” Looking at the story of the young church in Thessalonica, Pastor Seth shows how believers not only survived persecution, but thrived in faith, love, and hope.From 1 Thessalonians 1, he outlines seven marks of a biblical church:• A church anchored in Christ alone—Jesus at the center of our past, present, and future.• A church that knows whose it is—rooted in God's love and chosen identity.• A church of truth and power—holding fast to Scripture while welcoming the work of the Holy Spirit.• A church that suffers without surrendering—enduring affliction with Spirit-given joy.• A church that echoes the gospel—faith that rings out into homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.• A church that has truly repented—turning from modern idols to serve the living and true God.• A church looking for Jesus—living with real hope in Christ's return.From Belleville, AR, Pastor Seth calls Believers Fellowship and every listener to examine our own lives and church: Are we the kind of people whose faith endures, whose lives echo the gospel, and who are eagerly waiting for Jesus?Join us next week at Believers Fellowship. The Sunday morning worship service begins each week at 10:30am. You can also stream the service online at www.bfchurch.tv/live. We are located at 16194 W Highway 10, Belleville, AR 72824To stay up-to-date with everything happening at BF, download our mobile app at www.bfchurch.tv/appFeel inspired to support the vision and mission of BF? Give online at www.bfchurch.tv/giveNeed Prayer? Contact us with your prayer request at www.bfchurch.tv/prayerBe sure to "like," "subscribe," or follow us on social media and in your favorite podcast streaming app.facebook.com/believersfellowshipaginstagram.com/believersfellowshipag

Worship Service

This is an interview from ‪@billschlegel1‬ where Bill Schlegel interviewed me about the Cappadocian Fathers. Original video :    • The Trinity is from the Cappadocian Father...  00:00:00 - Introduction & Gaps in Church History00:03:59 - The Myth of Nicaea vs. Late Trinitarian Development00:06:59 - The Culture, Wealth, and Geography of Cappadocia00:11:31 - Meet the Fathers: Elite Pedigree & Radical Charity00:24:22 - The Arian Crisis & Stacking the Bishoprics00:41:00 - The Edict of Thessalonica & Imperial Orthodoxy00:48:01 - Tweaking Definitions: Usia vs. Hypostasis00:59:00 - Political Infighting at the Council of Constantinople01:06:45 - The Surprising Transmission & Forgery of the "Nicene" Creed01:26:06 - Non-Biblical Language, Final Reflections & Recommended ReadingCappadocian Fathers, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory of Nazianzus, Church History, Doctrine of the Trinity, History of the Trinity, Council of Nicaea, Council of Constantinople, Nicene Creed, Arian Crisis, Arianism, Unitarianism, Biblical Unitarianism, One God Report, Sam Tedman, Transfigured podcast, Ousia vs Hypostasis, Homoousios, Triune God, Edict of Thessalonica, Emperor Theodosius, Council of Chalcedon, Saint Augustine On the Trinity, Saint Ambrose, Athanasius of Alexandria, Arius, Battle of Adrianople, Church Councils history, Filioque Controversy, Richard Rubenstein When Jesus Became God, RPC Hansen, early church history, development of the trinity, Cappadocia Turkey history, church fathers history, how the trinity developed

This week's At the Movies takes on Wicked, the story of Glinda and Elphaba and how a friendship gets tested when one of them decides truth matters more than popularity. It's the same choice believers in Thessalonica faced in Acts 17, and the same one we face today: do we accept what we're told, or do we test it for ourselves like the Bereans did? We're unpacking Paul's charge in 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 to "test everything, hold fast to what is good," and what spiritual discernment actually looks like in practice. Because what we don't know can hurt us, and it's never too late to see the truth.

 After years of civil war, betrayal, and imprisonment, Emperor John V and his loyal son Manuel find themselves trapped in a collapsing empire while the ambitious Andronicus IV sits upon the throne of Constantinople. As Genoese and Venetian merchants wage war across the Mediterranean and Ottoman influence tightens its grip on the Balkans, Manuel emerges as the last great champion of Byzantine independence. From the dungeons of the Blachernae Palace to the walls of Thessalonica, he launches a desperate resistance against Sultan Murad and dreams of restoring Roman dignity and freedom. Yet as cities fall, allies disappear, and the Ottoman war machine advances relentlessly, Manuel is forced to confront an uncomfortable reality: survival may require submission to the very power he has spent years fighting. In this episode, we follow the dramatic struggle of the empire's "good son" as he rises in rebellion, wages a doomed war for Thessalonica, and ultimately finds himself standing before the court of Sultan Murad, where the future of Byzantium hangs in the balance. The History of Modern Greece Podcast covers the events from Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, and the fall of Constantinople in 1453, to the years under the Ottoman Empire, and 1821 when the Greeks fought for independence... all the way to the modern-day.EMAIL US: historyofmoderngreece@gmail.comWebsite: www.moderngreecepodcast.comSOCIAL MEDIA: Go here to chat with us. https://www.instagram.com/historyofmodern%20greece/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578023316172Music by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.com

Acts 17:11 NLT And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

Join us as we complete our reading of Paul's letters to the church at Thessalonica with an admonishment against idleness and continued encouragement, that we may all have the peace attained not through lack of work but as a gift from God.Visit: abideatascadero.orgEmail: info@abideatascadero.orgInstagram: @abide.calvary_atascFacebook: @AbideCalvaryAtascadero

Will the world be different because of you?That is the question Pastor Josh Joines asks in week one of Because Of You, a brand new series at Faith Family Church. In 1 Thessalonians 3:9, Paul looks at an ordinary church in the city of Thessalonica and writes, how we thank God for you. Because of you, we have great joy. He was not thanking them for what they did for him. He was thanking God for what God was doing through them. And God has not stopped working that way.In this message, Pastor Josh shares how God changes lives because of your service, your giving, and your love. You will see a live illustration you will never forget, hear why the majority of the weight in most churches is carried by a small minority of the people, and discover the three things God is inviting every believer to carry: your cross, your part, and His heart.If you have ever wondered whether your life actually matters, whether God can really use somebody like you, or what church is truly all about, this message answers that question. God brought you out of brokenness so He could heal others through you, and He is ready to start today.

Send us a message!We read 1 Thessalonians 1–3 and listen to Paul's relief when he learns the Thessalonian believers are still standing strong under persecution. We connect Paul's long-distance concern to our own relationships and remember that God, not us, brings real spiritual growth. • Paul's rushed departure from Thessalonica and why it worries him • Encouragement for new believers enduring pressure and affliction • The Thessalonians' faith, love, and hope as visible fruit • Paul's ministry integrity, refusing flattery, greed, and people pleasing • Gentle spiritual parenting, sharing the gospel and our lives • Timothy's role in strengthening faith when Paul cannot be present • Letting go of the pressure to control someone else's growth  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

What does a healthy, gospel-centered church look like? In this message, guest speaker Norm Howell explores Paul's words to the believers in Thessalonica and reveals the blueprint God has given for His Church. As Paul highlights the faith, perseverance, and witness of this young congregation, we discover timeless principles that are just as relevant for the Church today. Join us as we examine God's design for His people and consider how we can faithfully live out His mission in our generation.

This week Joel walked us through Acts 17, where Paul and Silas move from Thessalonica to Berea and the same Gospel meets two very different responses. He showed us that the claim "Jesus is King" always lands as a threat to our personal sovereignty, and the only real difference between the two cities was whether they met that claim with a clenched fist or an open hand. The question we are left with is not which city we are but where our throne is? The seat we would still start a riot to keep, and how gently the King knocks on that door rather than storming it.Support the show

How can followers of Jesus make a lasting impact in today's culture? In this message from Acts 17, Pastor Dave takes us to Thessalonica, where Paul and his companions faithfully shared the gospel despite intense opposition. Their example reminds us that our greatest calling isn't simply to win arguments or change culture; it's to lead people to Jesus while standing firmly on God's truth. Discover how Christians can live with both grace and conviction, remaining faithful to Christ while making a meaningful difference in the world around them. Follow us for more weekly messages from Eastside pastors!

In Week 12 of our Welcomed. series, we explore two very different responses to the same gospel message. In Acts 17:1–15, Paul faithfully proclaims Jesus in both Thessalonica and Berea, yet one city responds with jealousy, opposition, and hostility while the other receives the Word with eagerness and examines the Scriptures daily.What makes the difference?This passage challenges us to consider whether we approach God's Word as a threat to our assumptions, preferences, and priorities—or as a gift from a good and loving God. The Bereans remind us that the welcome of Jesus creates hearts that eagerly receive the truth, submit to God's authority, and delight in hearing His voice.Join us as we discover the joy, freedom, and transformation that come from receiving God's Word on His terms and allowing the gospel to shape every part of our lives.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.orgConnect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity!Instagram: @integrity_churchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/

In Acts 17:1-9, Paul preaches in Thessalonica that the whole Old Testament story points to a Messiah who must suffer, die, and rise—not merely seize power—and declares plainly that Jesus is that Messiah. The message divides its hearers into three responses: faith that embraces the cost of following Jesus, jealousy that clings to lesser authorities to protect comfort, and ambivalence that just wants to keep the peace. Jesus' death, resurrection, and kingship are the fulfillment of everything Scripture promised, confronting each of us today with the choice of whether He truly reigns as King in my life.

It's easy for faith to become something we believe, but God wants to build a faith in us that actually changes who we become. The first followers of Jesus in Thessalonica became an example of what happens when ordinary people respond to the work God is doing in them. Discover the kind of faith God wants to produce in you—a faith that changes how you live, how you love others, and how you keep going when life gets difficult.

Which sex research conclusions can we trust, especially as believers? In this second of a two-part series, we discuss sex research with licensed psychologist, college professor, and certified Christian sex therapist, Dr. Jessica McCleese. Sponsor/Special Request Regent University's Cherish research team invites married adult women to take part in an important study on women's thoughts and feelings around their sexual experience. Participation involves completing a confidential 20-minute online survey. Your privacy will be fully respected and you may choose to opt out at any point; if you choose to participate, more information will be given with regard to informed consent. Your responses will help shed light on an area of women's health that is often underrepresented in research. By joining, you will be contributing to meaningful insights that can improve awareness, resources, and future care for women. Your voice matters, and your voluntary participation can make a real difference. Click HERE to participate. Please contact abigwi3@regent.edu if you have any questions. From the Bible Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 But they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Revelation 12:11 (NET) Resources White Stones Podcast with Dr. Jessica McCleese Jessica McCleese, Psy.D. | Regent University How to Read a Marriage Book - Hot, Holy & Humorous Psychologists map out the pathways connecting sacred beliefs to better sex | PsyPost (just one study of several on sexual sanctification) Thanks for joining us at the virtual kitchen table for another great chat! We'd love for you to join our inner circle by supporting us on Patreon. You can contribute to our wonderful ministry while getting some fun perks for yourself! Check it out here: https://patreon.com/ForChristianWives If you want to contribute without using Patreon, you can donate here. If you could, leave a rating and/or review so that others can find the show. Please also check out our website and webinars at forchristianwives.com. And visit our individual ministry pages for more resources as well: Strong Wives - Bonny Burns Honeycomb & Spice - Chris Taylor Hot, Holy & Humorous - J. Parker

By Carl Koester - Today we will follow Paul as he and Silas journey in Macedonia preaching the gospel. In it we will look at his message, and adventures as we set the stage for our next sermon on the book of Thessalonians.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260618dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 The Power of the Gospel Paul appealed to the believers of Thessalonica to pray. His concern was “that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.” The apostle knew the difficulties involved in proclaiming the good news about Jesus. Just before Paul went to Thessalonica, he was jailed at Philippi for preaching God’s word. Before that, he was stoned at Lystra. Just after leaving Thessalonica, he debated with some philosophers at Athens, and they scoffed at his message and rejected it. Nevertheless, Paul’s enthusiasm for sharing the saving message of the gospel never faded. He sought to spread the word of life wherever and whenever he could. He recognized the urgency of telling people about Jesus and how the Savior rescued them from sin and hell. He asked, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). It is vitally important for people to hear about Jesus so that the Holy Spirit can work in their hearts. Therefore, include in your prayers the plea that God will cause the good news of salvation through Jesus to spread rapidly so that many people may hear the message of free forgiveness and eternal life. And pray that the word of God be honored by those who hear it—that through the power of the gospel, the Holy Spirit turn people from damning unbelief to saving faith in Jesus. Prayer: Holy Spirit, use the message of salvation to call many more people out of the darkness of unbelief to the marvelous light of faith in Jesus Christ. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.