Podcasts about thessalonica

They Were Saved.1st Thessalonians 2:13-20 Paul has declared that they were BOLD IN THE GOSPEL. They were REAL in their ministry, for unlike the travelling professional philosophers and preachers of their day, they truly loved their people, they longed for their people, they lived for their people, they laboured for the people and they lead the people. See what a dramatic effect that consistent, steady ministry leading by example and faithfully preaching the Word, had upon the people who lived at Thessalonica. They were Saved. They were saved:-By the WORD of God Alone.By the GRACE of God Alone.For the GLORY of God Alone.Our whole lives, our leisure, our career, our church life our family life… Everything should bring GLORY to God. Do we live our lives Soli Deo Gloria? Can we truly say that what delights God delights in us?READ THE NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The glorious return of Jesus will set right all that is wrong. Paul told the church at Thessalonica of two kinds of people: those of the day who are watchful and those of the night. In this message from 1 Thessalonians 5, Pastor Lutzer notes the first of four contrasts between these groups. Are we ready to walk in the light? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29

The glorious return of Jesus will set right all that is wrong. Paul told the church at Thessalonica of two kinds of people: those of the day who are watchful and those of the night. In this message from 1 Thessalonians 5, Pastor Lutzer notes the first of four contrasts between these groups. Are we ready to walk in the light? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren. SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/ SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

SCRIPTURE: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to enrich your Walk with God. The Apostle Paul traveled across Asia Minor and into Europe on three main missionary journeys. During his second trip (Acts 16:23-20:38), he visited Thessalonica and Corinth. The first epistles Paul ever wrote were those to the church he had established in Thessalonica, Macedonia. These were written from Corinth (Acts 18:1-18), shortly after Paul had left Thessalonica. "Dear brothers and sisters, we can't help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. We proudly tell God's other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering." 1 Thessalonians 1:3-4 Paul had previously been concerned about their faith and love for each other. In this second letter, he praises them for their growing faith and the increasing love they share. Paul also told others about their faithful perseverance through hardship, suffering, and persecution. When we examine early Church history, we gain a clearer understanding. What did believers in Jerusalem and Judea experience after Jesus Christ ascended to heaven? The Jewish religious leaders did not want “The Way” to spread and grow. A man named Saul persecuted them, having some arrested and thrown into prison. This man became Paul after his conversion on the road to Damascus. He personally knew that the church grew during persecution, which makes it even more remarkable. "So, we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do." 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Paul and his companions prayed that the Thessalonians would continue to be purified through their trials rather than stray from the truth. Suffering and persecution can be a great blessing from God and can bring much glory to our Lord Jesus Christ, both now and in the future.SONG: "My Prayer for You" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj_0pvIGkks&list=RDhj_0pvIGkks&start_radio=1

Text: Isaiah 46:10 by Steven M. Kestner, elder in training | Midweek Service | 10.29.25

We're so glad you're here. Our prayer is that this series through the book of 1 Thessalonians stirs up passion and authenticity in your walk with Christ.In this early letter from Paul, his words of affirmation to the church in Thessalonica reveal the genuine purpose and heart of God's people. What he wrote to encourage them still speaks powerfully to us today—reminding us what it means to live out a real faith within a real faith family.Thanks again for joining us as we spend time together in God's Word.

Dr. Batson continues his study of 1 Thessalonians.

Paul exhorts the city of Thessalonica to remember Christ's return. We must keep our eyes fixed on our earthly purpose even as we look forward to the Day of the Lord. We live in the hope of Christ's imminent return, which changes everything. Paul exhorts the city of Thessalonica to remember Christ's return. We must keep our eyes fixed on our earthly purpose even as we look forward to the Day of the Lord. We live in the hope of Christ's imminent return, which changes everything.

He was a native of Thessalonica, born of noble parents. His wisdom and distinction in battle earned him rapid advancement in the service of the Empire: in time he was appointed commander of all the Roman forces in Thessaly, and Proconsul of Hellas. Despite these worldly honors, Demetrius put his Christian faith before all, and by his words and example brought many pagans to faith in Christ.   When the Emperor Maximian, a persecutor of Christians, came to Thessalonica he appointed games and public sacrifices to celebrate his recent victory over the Scythians. Some jealous pagans used the visit to denounce Demetrius to the Emperor. Maximian had Demetrius cast into a fetid cell in the basement of some nearby baths. Maximian had brought with him a huge barbarian of tremendous strength named Lyaios, who fought many men in the arena and defeated them all, to the entertainment of the Emperor and the crowds. A young Christian named Nestor determined to show the people that the only true strength is in Christ: he visited Demetrius in his cell and asked for his blessing to challenge Lyaios to combat. The Martyr made the sign of the Cross over Nestor and sent him to the arena with his blessing. Nestor, a young boy, cried out before the Emperor 'God of Demetrius, help me!' and quickly killed the mighty Lyaios, to the astonishment of the crowd. The infuriated Emperor had Nestor slain with his own sword, and sent soldiers to Demetrius' cell, where they killed him with their spears. Demetrius' servant, a believer named Lupus, retrieved the body of Demetrius and buried it with honor. He kept the Saint's ring and blood-stained tunic, and through them worked several miracles and healings. When the Emperor heard of this, he had Lupus, too, beheaded.   As a sign of the grace that rested on the holy Demetrius, a fragrant myrrh flowed copiously from the Martyr's body after his death, healing many of the sick. For many centuries, St Demetrius has been a patron Saint of Thessalonica.

Sermon 3: The Mandate of Responsibility II Thessalonians 3:10–12 "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread." Responsibility is a word rarely loved in today's culture. We live in a society that wants the benefits without the burdens, the privileges without the price. Yet the Christian faith is built upon responsibility—responsibility before God, responsibility to others, and responsibility to oneself. Paul addresses this head-on in Thessalonica. He warns against idleness and issues one of the most practical commands in all of Scripture: "If any would not work, neither should he eat." In "The Mandate of Responsibility." Paul outlines what it means to stand, work, lead, and protect as responsible Christians. Don't forget your FIVE DAY devotional for this sermon Learn more and support our ministry: cbcgb.co.uk

Sermon 3: The Mandate of Responsibility II Thessalonians 3:10–12 "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread." Description:  Responsibility is a word rarely loved in today's culture. We live in a society that wants the benefits without the burdens, the privileges without the price. Yet the Christian faith is built upon responsibility—responsibility before God, responsibility to others, and responsibility to oneself. Paul addresses this head-on in Thessalonica. He warns against idleness and issues one of the most practical commands in all of Scripture: "If any would not work, neither should he eat." In "The Mandate of Responsibility." Paul outlines what it means to stand, work, lead, and protect as responsible Christians. Don't forget your FIVE DAY devotional for this sermon

Title: Acts: Finale Text: The Book of Acts FCF: Prop: The Book of Acts is about God's Kingdom advancing without hindrance, so we must seek His Kingdom first. Sermon Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to the book of Acts. There are 1006 verses in the book of Acts, and by God's grace we have looked at each and every one of them. We have investigated every thought of the author, in the order in which he was inspired to present them to us. But we are by nature quite forgetful people, aren't we? Do you remember what we were talking about in Acts chapter 10? Even if you remember what we talked about in chapter 10 – how does Acts chapter 10 fit in with the book of Acts? How does it fit in with the whole of the New Testament or the whole bible? Today will be a different kind of message. Instead of looking at a particular text, we are instead going to assume the role of systematic theologians. Rather than sitting back and allowing one thought to pour over us from the text – we will instead fit together all we have learned into categories of truth. We know, because of the introduction of the book of Luke, that Luke writes these two books to assure Theophilus that what he has believed is certainly true. So how does Acts accomplish that? How does the message of Acts connect with the book of Luke and the rest of the New Testament? How does this message relate to the whole counsel of God's Word? And perhaps most applicable, what does Luke's message mean for us? I have attempted to give you a running start on answering those questions today. I have provided an outline to you of the entire book. And today we'll look at, what I think are the 4 major themes in the book of Acts. Do not assume that these 4 themes are the sum total of Luke's message. And do not assume that after this message you will know everything there is to know about the book of Acts. The Word of God is living and active, its truths run deeper than we may ever know. I'd say that after this sermon, and the 99 before it, you'll be well on your way to a good introduction of the book of Acts.

In this sermon, Pastor Byron explains that many in Thessalonica were troubled, fearing they had missed the rapture and entered God's judgment. Paul wrote to calm their hearts and clarify that the rapture, when believers are caught up to meet Christ in the air, happens before the Day of the Lord, which is a time of judgment on the world. Pastor Byron emphasizes that believers should not be swayed by sensational end-times predictions or social media prophets but should stay grounded in Scripture and find comfort in God's promises. He outlines what must occur before the Day of the Lord, including a great falling away, the removal of the Restrainer, and the revealing of the Antichrist. However, Christians have no reason to fear because God has not appointed His people to wrath. The true danger lies in rejecting the truth of Christ, as those who refuse Him now may later be given over to strong delusion. The message concludes with an urgent appeal to turn to Christ today, while there is still time for salvation.

They Were Real1st Thessalonians 2:5-12 Amos 7Paul has been verbally attacked by some of his enemies in Thessalonica. To those accusations Paul insisted that they were BOLD in the Gospel. He had also been accused of being deceitful. To prove the point that he was not a charlatan, he embarks on a series of distinctions, to differentiate between a professional philosopher and a passionate pastor.This message was recorded live at Ballymacashon Congregational church.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you find yourself getting confused when hearing messages on End Times then you are not alone. Many get confused, in fact, the believers in Thessalonica in the first century were very confused and scared to death. They were believing that they were living in The Day of The Lord - which is actually the Tribulation Period. Some teachers had come in after Paul and they were giving wrong information and they were believing what they were hearing. This passage is simply Paul trying to correct their beliefs and in so doing giving them great comfort.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Job 13-14; Acts 17-18 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, your daily companion on a journey through the Scriptures. In today's episode, host Hunter invites listeners from around the world to gather by the “fires of God's love” on this 23rd day of October. Together, we dive into Job chapters 13 and 14, where Job passionately argues his case before God, wrestling with suffering, justice, and hope. Next, we move into Acts chapters 17 and 18, following Paul and Silas as they face opposition and share the message of Jesus throughout Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Along the way, we encounter inspiring figures like Priscilla and Aquila, who gently guide Apollos into a deeper understanding of faith in Christ. Through thoughtful reflection, heartfelt prayer, and words of encouragement, Hunter reminds us that our true rest and identity is found in Jesus. So grab your Bible, settle in, and let's explore these powerful stories together—trusting that through it all, we are deeply loved and never alone. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Aquila and Priscilla and the Invitation to Rest Aquila and Priscilla went to help Apollos. And they want to help us too. They want to point us to our baptism into Christ. Apollos, we're told, only knew about the baptism of John, but Priscilla and Aquila point us beyond that—to our baptism into Christ, an even greater hope and assurance. This is the amazing, liberating news: that God has reconciled us to himself and drawn us into his life. Our identity is not wrapped up in our striving, our performance, or our attempts at holiness. Our identity is in Christ—deeply rooted in what He has done, not what we can do. Baptism, Priscilla and Aquila would remind us, signifies this new reality. Ours is not to strive after some unattainable perfection, but to rest in who Jesus says we are—trusting in His perfection, His holiness, and His love. In Christ, God assumed all of humanity into Himself, so that we might participate in the loving life that Jesus shares with the Father and the Spirit. This is what Priscilla and Aquila invited Apollos to discover: not just a message about repentance, but the ongoing, participatory life in Christ, where we rest, and our joy and strength is found. And that is the invitation laid before us today—to rest in what Jesus has done, to find our strength and joy there. Let us not be anxious or strive in our own strength, but remember that Jesus has included us, adopted us, and called us His own. That's a prayer I hold for my own soul. That's a prayer I have for my family—for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's a prayer I have for you: may we rest in our true identity in Christ, and live each day from that grace-filled place. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Paul and Silas opened the scriptures in Thessalonica to show that the Christ must suffer and that Jesus was that Christ. Many responded to the truth.But there was heavy paid opposition from the Jews of the synagogue.

In light of Christ's future return, how shall we now live? Today, we come to the book of Second Thessalonians, as Ron continues his teaching series, “The Ultimate Road Trip Through The Bible: The Pauline Epistles.” Some of the believers in Thessalonica were under the impression that Christ had already returned. They were confused, disillusioned, and had begun to shirk some of their responsibilities. The Apostle Paul wrote this second letter to set the record straight, and Ron takes us there next. 

Hello!New episode is out for your delectable delight!Thessaloniki is located in Northern Greece in the region of Macedonia, and has a long, long history, being established in 315 BCE by king Cassander to honour his wife, the half-sister of Alexander the Great, Thessalonike. Today is the second largest and most important city in Greece.As a major port, with access to the Mediterranean, and half way to Constantinople it thrived for centuries, being an important hub for trade and culture from all over the Balkan peninsula, and beyond.It was also home to a thriving Jewish community for roughly 500 years; the Sephardic Jews.In the beginning of the 20th century they accounted for more than half of the total population of the city.As a result, Thessalonica's food culture is a heady mix of influences from all across Greece, Balkans, and Turkey with amazing food, and rightly is considered by many the food capital of Greece.On today's episode, I have the honour to have as my guest Meni Valle, Greek-Australian cook and author, all about the best gastronomic destination in Greece, the city of Thessaloniki!!!In Valle's new book, Thessaloniki: And the Many Kitchens of Northern Greece, published by Hardie Grant, she turns her focus to the diverse and historically rich cuisine of Greece's second-largest city.Well, enjoy our discussion!https://www.menivalle.com.au/Her new book Thessaloniki is released soon in UK.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thessaloniki-Many-Kitchens-Northern-Greece/dp/1761450980My food cultural / historical recommendations for the week include:Dr Roderick Bailey: The British Experience of the Great Fire of Thessaloniki of 1917https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUMh1RoqKiwCulina vetusFreezing and Salting Pork:https://www.culina-vetus.de/2025/09/30/freezing-and-salting-pork/PopChop - Future Food Culturehttps://popchop.at/Building Blocks: Greek Whole Grain Tahini, and the Artisans Behind Ithttps://culinarybackstreets.com/stories/athens/building-blocks-37Music on this episode -as ever- by Pavlos KapralosEnjoy!Love,Thom & The Delicious LegacySupport the podcast on Ko-Fi and Patreon for ad-free episodes! https://ko-fi.com/thedeliciouslegacypodcasthttps://www.patreon.com/c/thedeliciouslegacySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-delicious-legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.” That's First Thessalonians four, sixteen, and this is Something Good Radio. Well, the church in Thessalonica had been misinformed about the Second Coming of Christ, and had now grown concerned that their loved ones who had departed were no longer able to be saved.  Paul clearly and emphatically addressed those false teachings, and then, for good measure, he added some additional thoughts on the subject of Christ's second coming.  

Paul exhorts the believers in Thessalonica to “excel still more.” Kelly explains how many Christians misunderstand how this is achieved and shares how it is truly possible to live out this reality.www.instagram.com/thehishillpodcast/www.hishill.orgkelly@hishill.org

We're so glad you're here. Our prayer is that this series through the book of 1 Thessalonians stirs up passion and authenticity in your walk with Christ.In this early letter from Paul, his words of affirmation to the church in Thessalonica reveal the genuine purpose and heart of God's people. What he wrote to encourage them still speaks powerfully to us today—reminding us what it means to live out a real faith within a real faith family.Thanks again for joining us as we spend time together in God's Word.

Christians who are angry, petty, judgmental, and selfish bring dishonor to Christ's name. The ancient church in Thessalonica underwent intense persecution but with joy. In this message, Pastor Lutzer describes the challenge and the freedom when we turn from idols to the living God. Are we ready for God to be glorified in us—whatever it takes? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29

Christians who are angry, petty, judgmental, and selfish bring dishonor to Christ's name. The ancient church in Thessalonica underwent intense persecution but with joy. In this message, Pastor Lutzer describes the challenge and the freedom when we turn from idols to the living God. Are we ready for God to be glorified in us—whatever it takes? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Paul and Silas continue their missionary journey in Acts 17, proclaiming Jesus as the true King in Thessalonica and Berea. In this sermon, we see how the gospel turns the world upside down—confronting opposition, inspiring belief, and calling believers to faithfully reason from Scripture wherever God has placed them.

They Were Bold1st Thessalonians 2:1-4These first believers prayed for boldness, right from their earliest days… Acts 4:29-31 When Paul and Silas preached at Thessalonica, they preached with great boldness. One of our great needs in the visible church today, is BOLDNESS IN THE GOSPEL.Recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and reproduced here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New life comes to a church when revival begins. God showed up in Thessalonica and the people were transformed by the Gospel. In this message from 1 Thessalonians 1, Pastor Lutzer gives the first of five characteristics of a new, living church. When God shows up, both discomfort and joy are experienced. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29

New life comes to a church when revival begins. God showed up in Thessalonica and the people were transformed by the Gospel. In this message from 1 Thessalonians 1, Pastor Lutzer gives the first of five characteristics of a new, living church. When God shows up, both discomfort and joy are experienced. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. Paul told the church at Thessalonica of two kinds of people: Those of the day who are watchful and those of the night. In this message from 1 Thessalonians 5, Pastor Lutzer notes the first of four contrasts between these groups. Which kind of people are we? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

What happens when the gospel collides with culture? In Acts 17, Paul arrives in Thessalonica and begins reasoning with the Jews in the synagogue. For three weeks, he opens the Scriptures, connecting the prophecies of the Old Testament to the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The result is explosive. Some believe, joining Paul and Silas in following Christ, while others resist violently. A mob forms, riots erupt, and Paul's host Jason is dragged before city officials, accused of treason and upsetting the entire world.In this episode of The Wisdom Journey, Stephen Davey unpacks this dramatic moment in church history. Paul's message was clear: Jesus is not just a religious figure but the true King, the sovereign Monarch of all creation. That claim directly challenged the decrees of Caesar, forcing listeners to choose between loyalty to Rome or to Christ.The story of Thessalonica reminds us that Christianity is not about keeping peace with the status quo—it's about proclaiming the truth that changes lives and cultures. It challenges divided hearts, calls for full allegiance to Jesus, and invites us to live boldly under His rule. Discover how the same gospel that turned the world upside down in the first century still speaks with authority and clarity today.Stephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

What happens when the gospel collides with culture? In Acts 17, Paul arrives in Thessalonica and begins reasoning with the Jews in the synagogue. For three weeks, he opens the Scriptures, connecting the prophecies of the Old Testament to the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The result is explosive. Some believe, joining Paul and Silas in following Christ, while others resist violently. A mob forms, riots erupt, and Paul's host Jason is dragged before city officials, accused of treason and upsetting the entire world.In this episode of The Wisdom Journey, Stephen Davey unpacks this dramatic moment in church history. Paul's message was clear: Jesus is not just a religious figure but the true King, the sovereign Monarch of all creation. That claim directly challenged the decrees of Caesar, forcing listeners to choose between loyalty to Rome or to Christ.The story of Thessalonica reminds us that Christianity is not about keeping peace with the status quo—it's about proclaiming the truth that changes lives and cultures. It challenges divided hearts, calls for full allegiance to Jesus, and invites us to live boldly under His rule. Discover how the same gospel that turned the world upside down in the first century still speaks with authority and clarity today.Stephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

The church is God's people. It's time we took Paul's advice to the church in Thessalonica: choose holiness. In this message from 1 Thessalonians 4, Pastor Lutzer answers three critical questions: what pleases God, why should we please God, and how should we do it? When we choose holiness, we're pleasing God. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Sermon Title: Don't Be Shaken Passage: 1 Thessalonians 3 Sermon Series: Faithful to the End Date: October 12, 2025 Speaker: Michael Hearn What happens to our faith when life gets hard, temptation sneaks in, and we're not sure if we're still standing firm? Paul knew that feeling well — so much so that he sent Timothy to check in on the believers in Thessalonica, desperate to know if their faith was holding strong. Join us and see why standing firm in the Lord isn't just about surviving storms — it's about thriving through them, together.

We're so glad you're here. Our prayer is that this series through the book of 1 Thessalonians stirs up passion and authenticity in your walk with Christ.In this early letter from Paul, his words of affirmation to the church in Thessalonica reveal the genuine purpose and heart of God's people. What he wrote to encourage them still speaks powerfully to us today—reminding us what it means to live out a real faith within a real faith family.Thanks again for joining us as we spend time together in God's Word.

Hi Wellness Warrior, This is the date 2 years ago that this podcast began. And on November 7th- just one month, we will celebrate with my 200th episode with a super fun giveaway! I was thrilled to see today was a breath prayer episode on the calendar. I found that very fitting for a 2 year celebration. In light of that, today's prayer will be my brand verse. This verse is a prayer in itself- Paul is praying this over the early Christians in Thessalonica. And I pray this for you and I. We can not achieve, strive for, people please enough, be perfect enough, stress enough, or produce enough to have perfect peace. The peace our holistic beings desire only comes from the God who made us. And as we pursue holistic wellness, we can only do that through God who wholly created us. As we do, there will be hardships, trials, challenges that try to steal our wellness, peace and identity. But, if we continually go back to our identity and who God calls us, trust that and His faithfulness- He will make us holy and whole along this healing journey called life. He will do it. verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." The message says " May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole.." Get in a comfortable position, can do this anywhere at anytime. But closing eyes is a good way to focus, unless driving. inhale.... deep breath.....expand chest and lungs... each one taking deeper… exhale...breathe out audiably... let all the muscles and tension relax Talk to God in this time, notice what thoughts come in these 3 minutes, what feelings arise, what each word feels like as it comes out of your mouth. Meditate on these words. 3 min : Inhale: God identifies me. Exhale: His faithfulness makes me Holy and Whole.    Shalom Shalom,  Xx, Shan  ……CONNECT……  Are you in burnout or just stressed??  Take the Free QUIZ

Whenever Christians stand for something, conflict will generally arise. The church of Thessalonica was facing persecution and opposition, yet they stood firm. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shares Paul's strategy to stand against temptation—together. Let's remain united, rooted in prayer and Scripture. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Dr Batson continues his series through 1 Thessalonians.

We're so glad you're here. Our prayer is that this series through the book of 1 Thessalonians stirs up passion and authenticity in your walk with Christ.In this early letter from Paul, his words of affirmation to the church in Thessalonica reveal the genuine purpose and heart of God's people. What he wrote to encourage them still speaks powerfully to us today—reminding us what it means to live out a real faith within a real faith family.Thanks again for joining us as we spend time together in God's Word.

Paul's ministry in Thessalonica shows that true gospel work is never in vain, even when it's costly. Faithful ministry trusts God's Word, endures suffering, speaks boldly, and depends fully on his power. When we cling to his truth and rely on his Spirit, we can be assured that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

Are you walking in holiness and honor according to God's call? This week's text in 1 Thessalonians is vital for understanding God's will for your life and for considering your relationship to God, the church, and the world. It is also a word of encouragement for a church that is walking in faithfulness in the midst of Thessalonica's immorality.Discussion & Response Questions for 1 Thessalonians 4:1-121. As you look back at this Sunday's Scripture text and sermon, what were some of the takeaways? What did you find helpful or encouraging? What questions do you have?2. What does this text reveal to us about the character and work of our Triune God?3. What is the Thessalonian church doing right that they should do “more and more”? 4. What is the nature of Paul's instructions to them? Consider verses 2 and 8.5. What are the two ways of walking that we see in this text? What does it look like to walk and please God, and to walk properly before outsiders?6. Consider how Paul calls and instructs the church in purity. What does he reveal about the nature of immorality, and the nature of holiness?7. What is it that helps one to walk in holiness?8. What are ways for the church to grow in holiness? How does this reflect one's relationship to God?9. How would you counsel someone who is apathetic when it comes to pursuing holiness? What are motives for holiness?10. How should we respond to this text?

Group Guide Use this guide to help your group discussion as you meet this week. Transcripteah, I did that two weeks in a row. It's not a good start. All right. We are, as Matt said, we're working through our membership commitment, which is kind of uncommon for us normally. We're working through books of the Bible. We just finished First Samuel. We're going to pick up and go through Second Samuel next year. Don't cheer too loudly. I know you're super excited. You're like, I want to know what happens. Well, we're going to get there. But right now we're working through our membership commitment and we're trying to say, where do these truths come from if we're going to commit to these as a church, if this is going to guide us as how we're going to make disciples and how we're going to have life together? Where did we get that? And we are walking through each of these points and then looking at the Scriptures. If you want to grab a Bible and go to Matthew chapter 28, that's where we'll begin. But we are going to move all over the place this morning.During World War II in 1941, the Ford Motor Company built the Willow Run plant right near Detroit, Michigan. It was about a mile long. And they were building B24 Liberator heavy bombers. That's an actual picture of the plant and where they were assembling them. They were assembling those one every 63 minutes was coming off the line. That's like a squadron of bombers a day just in that one plant. Now, in order for them to do that, they needed to have the right equipment. They needed to have the right people. The right people with the right equipment needed to be doing the right job. And in order for them to go as long as they did and as quickly as they did and as well as they did, they needed to know the purpose. They needed to know why it was worth the energy, the effort, the time, the focus in order to do this. And in some ways, I feel like that's what we're looking at when we look at commitment six and seven for us today, which we're going to look at those two, is that we, as a church, God has designed his church to function where they are equipped and working together for a purpose. And that's what we're going to look at this morning.So commitment number six for us is I have been sealed by the Holy Spirit for salvation and empowered by him for mission and service. Now, we looked at sealing by the Holy Spirit for salvation last week. So we're going to start with and empowered by him for mission and service. That the Spirit has empowered us, has equipped us for what we need to do what God has called us to do. So Matthew 28. Look at verse 18. It says.> And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."So that the church is commissioned. This is the Great Commission, where Jesus says, this is what you're supposed to do. This is the purpose. This is what I'm sending you out. That you would go and make disciples, that you would bring people into what it looks like to follow me, just as I've brought you into it. And then he says, teaching them to observe all that I've commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age, that Jesus is going to be with them, to empower them to accomplish what he sent them out to do. And the way that he does that is through the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God or the Spirit of Christ. It's referred to Jesus says that he's going to send the Spirit. It says that the Spirit proceeds from the Father, that we've got the Holy spirit, Spirit.Acts 1:8. This is what he says to the same group, same disciples. He says,> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.So they're going to be empowered. That's why we use that word. We're empowered by the Spirit. They're going to be empowered. They're going to receive power, and they're going to receive power for a purpose. He says, you're going to receive power from the Spirit. And he doesn't just stop. He says, and you'll be my witnesses that this Spirit is going to empower what he's called them to do. If you showed up for your first day at work, they sat you down in the office and they gave you three pool noodles and a sword, you'd have some real questions about what your job was. But if you come in and they give you the exact equipment that you need for the job that you're going to do, it makes sense. And so when the Spirit empowers us, he's empowering us for what God has called us to do, for what he's equipped us to do, what he's sending us out to do.So in Acts 2, 8 2, 38. Peter says this while he's preaching, and it's a helpful clarification for us to understand. Says,> And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."so that the Spirit is received upon conversion. That when we place faith in Jesus, when we repent, when we're baptized, when we're following him, that the Spirit then goes to work in us. We're not waiting for some later manifestation of the Spirit or some later filling of the Spirit, but that we are equipped with the Spirit. The Spirit comes in when we're sealed for salvation. We're also empowered for the work that he's called us to. And this is going to be referenced throughout the New Testament letters. We're going to look at Romans 12 together. First Corinthians 12 also speaks of this, and it's Ephesians 4 talks about it, but it says Romans 12 having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. So if you're a Christian, the Spirit has sealed you for salvation. Spirit's at work in your belief, and the Spirit is at work in empowering you to fulfill the calling placed on the church. But we have gifts that differ. Now they're gifts given to us by grace, meaning we haven't earned them. They've been granted to us through the grace of Christ and through the work of the Spirit, but they're different. So there are some things that you are good at, empowered by the Spirit intentionally for the sake of the work of the church. And there are some things that you're bad at. And that's just how it works. And there's some people around you who are good at something else because we differ in this. But he says, let us use them.> Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in his serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.So you are gifted and you should use your gifts for something. And we see this right? You see this in the church. This is actually one of the reasons why we exist in community groups. We're just trying to practice together as a church, what it looks like to be Christians. So in your community group, you're meant to bring the work of the spirit in you for the sake of the good of your group. This is why it matters. If you're consistently not there, that means there's work of the spirit that's consistently not there. This is why it matters. When your group says, hey, we're going to go do this as a mission effort, or we're going to go do this as a serving effort, and you just don't show up, that matters because the spirit empowers you for work, for service, for mission. But you see this in your group, right? There are some people in your group who, when they're like, hey, let's all go do this. Everybody all goes and does that. And they're somehow gifted to get people to lead, to get people to come along with them. And there are other people who are like, we're going to go this way. And they just head off by themselves. And it's like, hey, let's. Maybe that's not the thing that you're the best at. There's some people who, if they throw a party and they invite people, everybody shows up. My brother was like that. He could throw a party. He could get everybody to come. He wouldn't talk to them once they were there. Wasn't his thing. He was bouncing around, doing other stuff. There are other people who. They can't. They're not good relationally, socially getting everybody around. But when you're at a party. I was talking to some group leaders today. They were talking about this. They said, this person in our group, they can get people. And then they said, and I just show up and start talking to those people about Jesus. And that's my job. He said, I'm kind of feel a little socially awkward anyway, so conversation with me is going to be uncomfortable. Might as well be about Jesus. So he's just in there asking questions, talking to people. He said, that's what he feels gifted to. Do you know that there are people in your group, when somebody cries, everybody else just kind of looks at this person like, you gonna make them feel better? There are other people in your group who, when they go to encourage you, it's not encouraging. They're like, that's all right. One day you'll die. It's like, that doesn't. I don't feel better. Were you trying to make me feel better? Like, and we have gifts that differ, and we're meant to use these for the sake of building one another up. We're meant to use them. So if you were to say, well, I don't really have anything. The New Testament's going to say that you're wrong and that you're actually being a poor steward. What God has given you first.First Peter four says it this way, as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. That we are empowered for mission and service.> As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.Now, we're going to talk more about mission in a moment, because that's going to show up again in seven, in our seventh commitment. But we're empowered for service, that there are things that are meant to be used for the edification of the church, for building one another up in love. And if you aren't doing anything and saying, well, I don't really think I'm gifted, I would tell you that the reason you don't think you're gifted is because you aren't doing anything. You all know when Superman found out he was bulletproof is the first time someone shot him. That's how he figured that out. That's how that works. That the Spirit has empowered us for the work that he's called us to. But if we don't ever go and we don't ever serve and we don't ever try and we don't ever know, he's not empowering you to sit at your house by yourself watching tv. That's not the thing that is empowered in us. He's empowering us as we go, while we walk in faith, while we go into missionary efforts, while we go into service effort, while we talk to someone who's struggling, while we pray with somebody. He empowers us as we go, and then we begin to learn what it is that he's gifted us to do. This is why you should try things. This is why you should serve. This is why you should ask the Christians around you, am I any good at that? This is why when someone asks you that, you should tell them the truth. No, I'll tell people. Sometimes I think if you really desire that, you can get better at it. Sometimes we'll say, hey, because we believe the Spirit has gifted you somewhere, we don't mind telling you we don't think this is it, y'. All. I spent one summer serving with children. I just felt called into ministry. I was like, I'm gonna go serve with kids. That was the last summer I ever spent serving with children. I've gotten a little bit better at it now that I have children, but only in, like, select circumstances, like when I'm coaching and I can make you run, but, like, you go Try some things, go have some people witness and tell you and help you along in it. But we are meant to go and we're meant to steward it. And if you were saying, well, I don't really have anything, that's actually an accusation against the work of the Spirit, his goodness and his grace. So let's be good stewards and let's go. Let's begin to serve, let's begin to labor, let's begin to work. When you show up to your group, start asking them, are there things I'm good at? Are there things you've find encouraging or helpful? Or the things that I should be doing? And start intentionally putting forth effort to serve and to build up your group. And it matters if you're there or not there. And it matters if you're pulling weight or not pulling weight. But there's something beautiful that happens as we do that together. I feel like that every once in a while when my group eats a meal together. It's actually like this beautiful picture of what the church is. Because all I brought was taco shells, but someone else brought meat and someone else brought cheese and someone else brought lettuce. And together we've made something beautiful, a taco, something wonderful. But if somebody doesn't show up and they're the meat person, it's like, get them on the phone. What are you talking about? You're not showing up. I'm eating shell with cheese and lettuce. Have you lost your mind? But that's the way it works with the church. That when we aren't participating, we lose something. Okay, I've said enough of that. Here we go.Number seven. Jesus will return to rescue his church and judge his enemies. Those who have trusted in something or someone other than Jesus will be separated from God for eternity. As a part of God's church, I'm sent to proclaim the gospel so that as many as possible might be saved. And through Jesus. Now it feels like a shift. And it is from. From our commitment number six to commitment number seven. But commitment number six, part of the reason we wanted to carry walk through these together is a number six says, the Spirit's empowered us for what God's called us to do. And then number seven begins to clarify, what is that? What is it we're supposed to be doing? Why are we building one another up in love? Why are we loving one another? Well, why are we caring for one another? It's so that the church might move forward and see people come to know Christ, so that we might see disciples made. So we're going to walk through this piece by piece and try to understand, where does this come from? So it says, Jesus will return to rescue his church and judge his enemies. This is often referred to as Judgment Day. The Bible calls it the Day of the Lord. We'll refer to it as the Day of Wrath, the day of Jesus Christ. Or often just that day, the day or that day that there is coming. A day, a moment in history when Christ returns. And when he does, there is judgment. Jesus will speak about this. Jesus actually says that on that day, people will be held accountable for every word they use. Acts 17, 30 and 31. Paul preaching says,> The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.And of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead, so that God in Christ is the righteous judge. That Christ will judge all of humanity down to everything we've ever done that's coming.First Peter four, five, he says,> They will give an account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.Now, this day is distinctly different, depending on whether or not you belong to Christ or you don't. And so I want to, as Christians, point out, that this is a day of joy for us.Romans 5 says this.> Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.So that the Day of Wrath is a day of salvation for those who are in Christ. If we've been justified by his blood, if we've been made right by his blood, if you've trusted in the blood of Christ to cover you where it says that there's a proclamation of forgiveness of sins, if we're trusting in the forgiveness of sins through the work of Jesus, then on the Day of wrath, we are saved from wrath. It's a day of salvation. Second Thessalonians puts it this way in chapter 1, verse 10.> when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.So that on that day of salvation, the Church marvels and Christ is glorified. And I always feel like John Piper is very helpful in These kind of passages. So I looked to see. I was like, I'm sure he has something to say about this. So I went to see if he did, and he did. And here's what he said, and I thought it was helpful. He says, what is marveling? Another word for marveling is being amazed. Amazement and marveling are not thoughts, their emotions. If you see something marvelous and you feel nothing, you're not marveling. I don't care what you think. If you see something amazing and you don't feel any amazement, you're not amazed. Marveling is a feeling. Being amazed is a feeling, not a mere thought. And I think that's helpful, and I think it's true. I think he's onto something here, that we feel it. You're either amazed or you're not, but you feel it. You have this moment of. Catches your breath that you lose yourself for a moment, and it's something that happens inside of you. That's why you ever tell a joke. And I mean, I do this. I tell jokes a lot of all the people around me, unfortunately, if you're going to be around me, I'm going to make jokes about things. But I'll be around people sometimes and they'll go, that's funny. And it's like, well, then laugh. You must not have thought it was funny. You just made a comment on the humor of it. And that's what A little bit like, you ever tell somebody really good news and they're like, that's wonderful. And it's like, wrong. You've done this wrong. That's not how you respond to good news. You should feel something. You should respond better. And that's some of what he's saying, is that when this happens, it'll be something we feel. He goes on, he says, well, what kind of feeling is it? It's a good feeling. People pursue amazement, they pursue marveling. That's why we go to the mountains and the canyons. That's why we get out of the city light so that we can see the stars. People pay money to be amazed, to marvel. It's a good feeling. It's a desirable feeling. It's a species of pleasure, joy, gladness, and satisfaction. So he's just looking at this passage and he's saying, when Jesus shows up in the church, marvels, it means they feel something wonderful. And y', all, as Christians, and I feel like Christians understand what I'm talking about. You've had those moments you couldn't describe, but you wouldn't. You couldn't talk, tears just ran down your face. You just had these moments where you were caught by the beauty and the glory and the goodness of Christ. These moments when you were overwhelmed by it. And what it's saying is that when he arrives, all of Christianity, everyone who belongs to Jesus, is just going to go, it's here. He's here. The moment has come and we're going to feel it. John Piper goes on to say that God will get the glory and we will get the joy, and that in our joy he will be glorified. That's what's happening on that day. And this is why Jesus is going to use language like he's the groom coming for his bride. It's going to be these pictures of joy, of love, wonder. And this looking forward to this day offers us comfort in the middle of difficulty, when we're facing trials we can remember. I know where this goes is what we're saying about. I know how this story ends. It comforts us. It also calls us to endurance. This ought to help you say no to sin. There are times when I think, no, I have a Lord. I can't just do what I want. And I'm going to stand before him one day and I'm going to give an account. I can't just chase after the things I desire. I have a king. But it also gives us endurance in the midst of trial and persecution. We know where this is going and that the Lord sets it all right. But throughout the Scriptures, there is clear and compelling and startling language given to this day of judgment. Clear and compelling and startling language. So I want us to consider those who have trusted in something or someone other than Jesus will be separated from God for eternity. Those who have trusted in something or someone other than Jesus will be separated from God for eternity. I'm now going to read two passages. We're just going to try to take them in. The first is Jesus speaking about this day. It's found in Matthew, chapter 25. He says,> "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."Jesus says, there's a day when the Son of man will come and the glory of his angels will sit on the throne and he'll separate and everyone will head eternally in one direction or the other. This is the way 2 Thessalonians says it, this is the evidence of the righteous judgment of God that you he's writing to this church in Thessalonica may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering. Since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us. When the Lord Jesus is revealed. So he's saying on the day of Christ, when he's revealed, there will be relief and affliction when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming the fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.> and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.We're told that no one comes to the Father except through the Son, so that in order to know God, you have to know Christ. Jesus says, if you reject Me, you reject him who sent me. So to know God is to know Christ, to know God through Christ. And he says, do not obey the gospel. I think that's helpful when you consider what we just read in Matthew, that the Gospel is the news that there's forgiveness of sins proclaimed in the name of Christ, that we would submit to and repent in light of what Jesus has done, and then walk in obedience so that all those things that he talks to the righteous about in Matthew 25 show up. Because we're following Jesus in obedience to the Gospel. So it's not a list of ways that you earned it. Jesus has qualified us through his death and resurrection. His blood has covered us. That's what he said. If we made, if we're justified by his blood, how much more will we be saved from the wrath of God? So that it's work of Jesus that saves us. But it shows up in how we live. And there is a moment when people are separated. Those who knows Christ and those who do not, verse 9. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints and to be marveled at among all who have believed they will suffer the punishment, eternal destruction. This is what the Scriptures teach. This is what we believe. That there is a day where Jesus Christ, as the King of all things, judges the world, and that the stakes for that day are eternal. But at that moment, there is nothing left to do but to be sorted and evaluated, welcomed and cast out. And as we look forward to this day as Christians, and as we look to it as a day of joy, and as we look to it as a source of comfort and a call to endurance, it also should give rise to such compassion in our hearts that drives us into Willing, delighted obedience to proclaim this message, because we should not want to see any cast out.So as a part of God's church, I am sent to proclaim the gospel so that as many as possible might be saved through Jesus. What we're saying is we understand this reality and we're supposed to go. It's what we say every Sunday when we're finishing up some version really of this. Our world is broken and marred by sin. The people around us are caught in it, in despair and headed towards destruction. And that Jesus tell us, tells us that judgment is coming. But we know that there's salvation in him and him alone. So empowered by the Spirit, you are sent. The church is plan A for this message. There is no plan B. We talk through this every week. We remember this every week because there are people around us who are going to be sorted with the goats on that day. So Jesus in Luke 24 says,> and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem."But there's a proclamation of the hope of the gospel that is to be sent forward. Acts 10. This is Peter speaking. He says,> And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.That we're commanded. Peter says, we were. He's talking about the. The disciples. But all of us that follow after them are commanded to proclaim this news that Jesus is the one who's going to judge and that there's forgiveness and hope in his name. Second Peter 3. He says,> The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.There are moments when you think, I just wish the Lord would come back. I wish he would end this. I wish he would come get us. And in those moments, I want you to hear the voice of the Spirit say, he's not slow, he's patient. And there are more who need repentance. He's not slow, he's patient. And there are more who need repentance. The message hasn't gone far enough yet. It hasn't reached them yet. He's got some that are going to believe at the message that's proclaimed and are going to marvel and weep and dance for joy on that day, but they don't know yet. And he says, but the day of the Lord will come like a thief. We won't see it coming. Two weeks ago they said the Rapture is coming. I don't know if y' all heard that. No, it wasn't. That's not how it works. Facebook won't know about it. It's going to come like a thief. It's going to catch us off guard. But then the heavens will pass away with a roar and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.Why are we empowered? Why are we equipped? Why did they build a mile long factory? Because they were at war. And y', all. We should not be any less focused than someone who's building a bomber to fight Hitler. We should not be any less focused. We should not have any less ability to understand the purpose of what God has called us for. We should not lose sight of what really matters. Because there is going to be a day, and on that day, there's going to be a lot of things that do not matter. And there's going to be one thing that really, really does. Do you know Christ? Have you surrendered? Have you repented? Have you been saved by his blood? That's going to matter. But there's a whole lot of things that we focus on, spend time on, have energy in that do not matter. And we say things like, I don't know, it's been really busy. I don't know. It's hard for me to read. I don't know. I just feel so awkward. I don't. You know, I just. Bible's always been kind of confusing to me. Somebody's saying, hey. You say, hey, you need to be trying to build with people and share the Gospel. And it's like, well, I just don't know what to say. Then you say, well, read your Bible. Yeah, but it's hard for me to read. Okay. Didn't you quote stats to me about a sports team? Did you make those up or did you read them and memorize them? I don't know. I just kind of. It's hard. I'm busy. I can't. I can't make it consistently to this. I can't be a part of mission stuff. Okay. Do you miss a workout? Do we know what matters? Do we know that there is a day that will be to the glory of Christ, but there will be judgment on that day? Y' all have neighbors that don't know Jesus. Do I care or am I busy?As I was working on this and considering It I was considering how our groups function. We meet with one another and we have time where we're intentionally. We're just trying to practice what it means to be Christians, trying to practice what it looks like to follow Jesus. So we study the Bible together. We're not just a Bible study, but we study the Bible because Christians study the Bible. We eat a meal. It's not just about eating a meal, but we belong to each other. So we share a meal. We confess sin, we encourage one another, we ask, how's your life going? And we have a section in our normal group rhythm that's called Review the Mission, where we ask, who are you building with? How's that going? Who are you sharing the gospel with? And I've been considering recently that we have care nights. So if you're not in a group, there's a thing called a care night. If you're in a group, you know what I'm talking about. We sit and we say, how are you doing? Where do you need to repent? Where do you need to believe the Gospel? And I know as a group leader that if someone just said consistently was like, nah, oh, I don't do this. This isn't my thing. Or when we went around and we said, how are you doing? They just went, you know, basically some form of pass. We would be telling them, hold on a second. No, you. You need to understand how Christ interacts with your life. You need to know that you have sin, you need to confess, you need to walk in openness, you need to be rescued, you need to be redeemed. Like, we'd be pressing on this, but I started realizing that they're consistently. I feel like our group sometimes when it comes to considering mission, we just kind of. I don't have anything to say because that's not really a thing I do. And we need to have the same understanding. If that's not acceptable for people who know this, you have nobody in your life that you're praying for, that you're going out of your way for that. You care about meeting Christ? Nobody. Then find somebody. Love somebody. We tell people all the time, join a bowling league, but join it. As a missionary. I'll tell people. Sometimes I say, it's so hard to work at my job because I'm the only Christian. And it's like, I want to hug them and praise Jesus because Jesus has already infiltrated a place where there's no Christians, but you're there. Start praying, start pleading with the Lord. Start building friendships. We're supposed to Go.I was reminded as I was studying this, where Jesus says in Matthew, as he's telling the parable of the sower, he says, as for what was sown among thorns. So he tells a story. Somebody's casting out seed, and some of it lands in a place where crows come and eat it. And he says, that's the enemy. He just steals it away. They didn't understand. He tells about some lands in an area where it's got thin soil and it just burns up as soon as the sun comes out. He tells there's a place where it begins to grow, but thorns grow out. And he says, there's a place where there's good soil and it grows and produces. When he's talking about the thorns, he says this. He says, this is what that picture was. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word. But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word and it proves unfruitful.> As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.And I just wonder how much of when we talk about what it looks like to obey Jesus, what it looks like to share the gospel, do the things that we say are in the way, fit in the category of the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches. And if we heard the Word, but it's being choked, there's hope in Christ. There's a day of judgment. And those who don't know Jesus and have not had him rescue them will spend eternity away from them. And on that day, there's a lot of things you're not going to care about on that day. There's a lot of things I'm not going to care about that I've spent time, energy and effort on. And I read this and I say, lord, stay patient. Because there's more people who need repentance and we need to go. Let's pray. Where we ask that your spirit would empower us, that you would burden us with the glorious weight of the good news, that we would carry this message, that we would risk awkwardness, that we would risk difficulty, that we would focus on, that we would see clearly that day so that we might be comforted, so that we might endure, that we might run from sin. And so, Lord, that we might proclaim that you were going to judge the living and the dead, but that you are the living God who died so that there might be forgiveness. May we go to hell in Jesus name. Amen.The band's gonna come back up. We're gonna sing. But I would ask you at this moment to consider what needs to change? How do you need to organize your life if this is true? What does that mean? Who do you need to tell? Who do you need to tell today? Who do you need to call and say, hey, can we get together? Where do you need to be more intentional with the way that you organize your time so that we might go? This news is too good and that day is too real for us to stay quiet.

Days of Awe & the Rhythm of the Kingdom: True Readiness, Not Date-Setting – KIB 499 Description In this Kingdom Intelligence Briefing, Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake call the Remnant back into the rhythm of the Kingdom during the Days of Awe—away from hype, date-setting, and pagan substitutes. From Matthew 24 to Numbers 10, we explore daily practices that cultivate holiness, discernment, and protection for our homes, and we address the rising chaos around Halloween and other occult seasons. This is a sober call to walk in sync with Jesus, close the doors to Babylon, and live ready. Key themes: Day of Atonement & the believer's judgment, the “wheat and tares” reality, why hyper-grace and universalism miss the mark, how feasts tune us to Heaven's cadence, and practical morning/evening prayers to guard your home.

New life comes to a church when revival begins. God showed up in Thessalonica and the people were transformed by the Gospel. In this message from 1 Thessalonians 1, Pastor Lutzer gives the first of five characteristics of a new, living church. Do we want God to show up in our church? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.  Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.  Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.    SUPPORT:  Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/  Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/    SUBSCRIBE:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia  Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Dr. Batson continues the study of 1 Thessalonians.

We explored what total transformation looks like in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, where Paul prays that God would sanctify us "through and through." This isn't about becoming boring or religious. Sanctification means becoming the most fully alive version of ourselves.Paul wrote to people in Thessalonica who had already experienced complete transformation once before. They had pledged total allegiance to Caesar, reorganizing every part of their lives around imperial loyalty. When Paul preached about Jesus as King, he was calling for that same comprehensive devotion, but directed toward a crucified rabbi instead of the emperor. This was revolutionary and dangerous.Paul's prayer covers three key elements: comprehensive scope (spirit, soul, and body), the goal of blamelessness (completeness and integrity), and a timeline that bridges now and future. The transformation God wants isn't compartmentalized. Physical existence matters. Our sexuality, health, work habits, relationships, and how we care for our bodies all fall under God's transforming agenda.We face a tension: Is sanctification God's work or ours? The answer is both. God does the transforming work through his Spirit, and we cooperate through intentional choices and spiritual practices. Like wind and sails on a boat, both are essential for movement.The spiritual disciplines create space for the Holy Spirit to work. They're not about sin management but character formation. We're called to identify areas needing growth, repent where necessary, and ask God to reveal our blind spots. God isn't trying to make us miserable but fully alive. The one who calls us is faithful, and he will complete what he started.URF WEBSITE: ➤ http://www.urfellowship.comSOCIALS: ➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urfellowship/➤ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urfellowship

This Sunday, Rev. Dr. Lori Walke preaches from Paul's first epistle to the church in Thessalonica, chapter 4, verses 13-18. Live-streamed from the sanctuary of Mayflower Congregational UCC Church in Oklahoma City.

Wouldn't it be nice to find a church with no problems, and no problem people? Of course we know they don't exist . And so it becomes necessary to learn how to deal with it. Today we're introduced to a problem within the church of Thessalonica. Apparently there were some in their midst that were taking advantage of the church. They were refusing to work. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1459/29

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Thessalonians 3Paul shares his deep concern for the believers in Thessalonica. Unable to endure the uncertainty any longer, he sends Timothy to strengthen and encourage their faith, especially as they face trials. Paul reminds them that suffering is part of following Christ and that he had warned them about upcoming hardships. When Timothy returns with good news about their strong faith and love, Paul is filled with joy and thanksgiving. Their perseverance comforts him in his own struggles. Paul earnestly prays for the chance to see them again and help strengthen their faith even more. He asks God to make their love overflow for one another and for all people, and to establish their hearts blameless in holiness before Christ at His coming, who will return with all His saints in glory. Christians are reminded that we are called to strengthen and encourage one another in faith, especially during times of trial and mistreatment. We are not meant to face hardships alone; God has placed us in a community to build each other up. Like Paul, we should care deeply about the spiritual growth of others, praying faithfully for them. When we hear of others standing strong in their faith, it should fill us with joy and inspire us to persevere as well. We must also ask God to increase our love for one another and for all people. As we wait for Christ's return, we should seek to live holy lives, letting God establish our hearts in steadfast faith and sincere love. Marvelous God, we thank You for the faith You have planted in our yearning hearts and the strength You provide through every trial in life. Help us encourage one another and be a source of hope to those who are struggling. Grow our love for each other and for all people, just as You have loved us. We will strive to focus our hearts on holiness and keep ourselves blameless as we wait for the return of Jesus. Fill us with joy in seeing faith grow in others, and teach us to pray with persistence and trust.  Thought Questions: Who in your life encourages you to live by faith and is always a spiritual support for you? How can you show gratitude to them for their help? Temptation is especially strong in times of stress and trial. What do you do in those times to draw close to God and reject the lures of the devil? Christians are called to “increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people.” How are you reaching new and higher levels of love?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Thessalonians 1The apostle Paul expresses deep gratitude for the believers in Thessalonica, praising their faith, love, and steadfast hope in Jesus Christ. He reminds them that the gospel came to them not only in words but also in power, the Holy Spirit, and full conviction. The Thessalonians became imitators of Paul and of the Lord, receiving the message with joy even amidst suffering. Their faith quickly became an example to believers throughout Macedonia and Achaia. News of their transformation spread widely as they turned from idols to serve the living and true God and now eagerly wait for Jesus, who rescues them from coming wrath. This chapter celebrates a church whose authentic faith and endurance shine as a powerful testimony to others. We must embrace lives that reflect genuine faith, active love, and unwavering hope. We are reminded that the gospel should not just be something we hear, but something that transforms us through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we follow Christ, even in times of hardship, we can be examples to those around us. Like the Thessalonians, we are called to turn away from anything that competes with God's place in our lives and to serve Him wholeheartedly. Our faith story has the power to encourage others, spreading hope far beyond what we can see. Each day, we live with joyful expectation, knowing that Jesus is coming again to renew us and rescue us from the wrath to come.  Almighty Lord, we thank You for the faith, love, and hope You cultivate within us through Jesus Christ. Help us receive Your Word with full conviction and joy, even in difficult times. May we become true imitators of Christ, shining as examples of Your grace to everyone around us. Turn our hearts away from anything that leads us away from You, and teach us to serve You with passion and sincerity. Strengthen us to remain faithful as we wait for Jesus, our Deliverer. Let our lives declare Your goodness, and may Your Spirit work powerfully through us each day. Thought Questions: In what practical, daily ways are you growing in your “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”? What does it mean to be an imitator of Paul, Silas, Timothy, and the Lord? In what ways are you striving to become more like them? Jesus is raised and returning. How are you preparing for His return? What are some idols you must turn from in order to be ready for Jesus?