Podcasts about thessalonica

Life Upside Down - Pt 8 - Has the world ever felt like it was spinning out of control? The believers in ancient Thessalonica were facing a "triple threat": rising persecution, confusing rumors about the End Times, and a growing sense of "what's the point of working?" that led to idleness. In this part, we dive into the opening chapter of Paul's second letter to this young church—a letter written to anchor their souls when the culture was trying to sweep them away.

In Part 2 of our series through 1 Thessalonians, we see how the gospel advances even through conflict and persecution. Reflecting on the ministry journey of Paul the Apostle and his team—from Philippi to Thessalonica and beyond—we discover that opposition didn't silence the message of Jesus; it produced greater boldness. This message explores how believers are “built different”—called to speak the truth of the gospel without people-pleasing, to endure hardship with integrity, and to live in authentic Christian community where leaders and friends help one another walk worthy of God's calling. ______________________________________________________________________________________ NEW HERE? We'd love to connect with you. Text "NEW" to 323-405-3232 SERMON NOTES: www.bible.com/organizations/f223…-a8fc-3297da42c26a - Or Text: "SERMON" To: 323-405-3232 CONNECT WITH US: Hopeland Website: www.hopelandla.com Hopeland Podcast: @steinbot-519314947 Hopeland YouTube: www.youtube.com/@hopelandchurch Hopeland Facebook: @hopelandla Hopeland Instagram: @hopeland.church To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people with the gospel click here: hopelandla.com/give Or, choose a giving option here: - Venmo: @Hopeland-Church - CashApp: $HopelandChurch - Zelle: shawn@hopelandla.com - Text "Hopeland" to 833-767-5698

If you ever feel besieged, the Thessalonian believers would have sympathised with you. Paul, himself assaulted, nevertheless expressed his concern for and confidence about the saints in Thessalonica. He is realistic about the real danger that Christians face, the evil one who seeks in all things to hinder and harm us. He is confident because of the faithful Lord whom Christians trust. He relies on the gracious care that Christians have as the Lord establishes and guards his beloved people.

Acts Series  Message: 29 Episode: 3 of 3 Broadcast: March 12, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 17:1-15 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 17:1–15 in a message called "Being a Berean." As Paul and Silas share the gospel in Thessalonica and Berea, we see the powerful example of people who didn't just hear the message—they examined the Scriptures daily to see if it was true. Pastor Michael highlights the importance of having a heart that eagerly receives God's Word while also carefully testing everything against the truth of Scripture. This teaching will encourage and equip you to grow deeper in your faith, develop discernment, and apply God's truth to your everyday life so you can confidently walk in truth as a follower of Christ. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Welcome to the TFC Biblecast! Start your day off right and join us as we take the next 10 minutes to dive into God's word. If we can pray for you, email us at biblecast@tfc.org.

Our reading opens with Paul preaching to the Jews on the Sabbath over the course of three weeks in the town Thessalonica. After a bit of unrest, the travel to the town of Berea by night. The Bereans are noted as being of more noble character than the Thessalonians, receiving the word with eagerness and examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul was saying was true. The Thessalonians catch wind of Paul's location and come to town to start trouble again. He moves on to Athens, where he gives his famous sermon at the Areopagus, a place where the Athenian people discussed new teachings and new ideas. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Acts Series  Message: 29 Episode: 2 of 3 Broadcast: March 11, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 17:1-15 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 17:1–15 in a message called "Being a Berean." As Paul and Silas share the gospel in Thessalonica and Berea, we see the powerful example of people who didn't just hear the message—they examined the Scriptures daily to see if it was true. Pastor Michael highlights the importance of having a heart that eagerly receives God's Word while also carefully testing everything against the truth of Scripture. This teaching will encourage and equip you to grow deeper in your faith, develop discernment, and apply God's truth to your everyday life so you can confidently walk in truth as a follower of Christ. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

En este mensaje continuamos nuestro estudio en el libro de 1 Tesalonicenses. Hoy veremos 1 Tesalonicenses 2:1–5, donde el apóstol Paul the Apostle recuerda a la iglesia en Thessalonica que su ministerio entre ellos no fue en vano ni estuvo motivado por ambición personal. A pesar de la oposición y el sufrimiento, Pablo y sus compañeros proclamaron el evangelio con valentía, sinceridad y verdad. Su mensaje no estaba basado en error, engaño ni palabras de adulación, sino en el deseo de agradar a Dios y no a los hombres. Este pasaje nos llama a examinar nuestros propios motivos y a servir al Señor con integridad y fidelidad.

En este pasaje, el apóstol Paul the Apostle continúa recordando a la iglesia en Thessalonica cómo fue su ministerio entre ellos. Pablo explica que no buscó gloria ni honor de las personas, aunque como apóstol de Cristo podía haber exigido autoridad. En cambio, se comportó con ternura y cuidado, como una madre que cuida a sus hijos, compartiendo no solo el evangelio de Dios sino también su propia vida.También les recuerda cómo trabajó con esfuerzo día y noche para no ser carga para nadie mientras predicaba el evangelio. Su conducta fue santa, justa e irreprensible entre los creyentes, animándolos y exhortándolos como un padre a sus hijos para que vivieran de una manera digna de Dios.

Acts Series  Message: 29 Episode: 1 of 3 Broadcast: March 10, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 17:1-15 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 17:1–15 in a message called "Being a Berean." As Paul and Silas share the gospel in Thessalonica and Berea, we see the powerful example of people who didn't just hear the message—they examined the Scriptures daily to see if it was true. Pastor Michael highlights the importance of having a heart that eagerly receives God's Word while also carefully testing everything against the truth of Scripture. This teaching will encourage and equip you to grow deeper in your faith, develop discernment, and apply God's truth to your everyday life so you can confidently walk in truth as a follower of Christ. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Join Zach and Izzy for an exciting new Bible study series as they dive into 1 Thessalonians, exploring what it means to live out faith so radically that it transforms entire communities and spreads far beyond your own context. This episode unpacks 1 Thessalonians 1, looking at the powerful story of the early church in Thessalonica, a young community of believers who faced extreme persecution yet became known throughout the entire region for their faith, hope, and love. Discover the backstory of Paul's mission to Thessalonica, how he was literally chased out of the city after preaching just three times, and why he felt compelled to write this letter of encouragement to a church he barely had time to establish. Zach and Izzy explore what it looks like to have joy in the midst of suffering, how faith produces work, love produces labor, and hope produces endurance, and why the early believers turned radically from idols to serve the living God. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/ FOLLOW US ON TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/ Want to know more? Find a church that has things happening for young people. Visit https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/ [In partnership with CofE Digital Projects]

"Theophylact was from the east; his native city is unknown. In Constantinople he became a close friend of Tarasius, who afterwards became Patriarch of Constantinople (see Feb. 25). Theophylact was made Bishop of Nicomedia. After the death of Saint Tarasius, his successor Nicephorus (see June 2) called together a number of Bishops to help him in fighting the iconoclasm of Emperor Leo the Armenian, who reigned from 813 to 820. Among them was Euthymius, Bishop of Sardis (celebrated Dec. 26), who had attended the holy Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787 — he was exiled three times for the sake of the holy icons, and for defying the Emperor Theophilus' command to renounce the veneration of the icons, was scourged from head to foot until his whole body was one great wound, from which he died eight days later, about the year 830; Joseph of Thessalonica (see July 14); Michael of Synnada (see May 23); Emilian, Bishop of Cyzicus (see Aug. 8); and Saint Theophylact, who boldly rebuked Leo to his face, telling him that because he despised the long-suffering of God, utter destruction was about to overtake him, and there would be none to deliver him. For this, Theophylact was exiled to the fortress of Strobilus in Karia of Asia Minor, where after 30 years of imprisonment and hardship, he gave up his holy soul about the year 845. Leo the Armenian, according to the Saint's prophecy, was slain in church on the eve of our Lord's Nativity, in 820." (Great Horologion)

In this message from 1 Thessalonians 1, we explore how the earliest Christians learned to live faithfully while anticipating the return of Jesus. Planted in the influential and pagan city of Thessalonica, this young church—founded by Paul the Apostle, Silas, and Timothy—faced persecution almost immediately. Yet their faith became known across the region because the gospel didn't just inform their beliefs—it transformed their lives. This sermon looks at how the power of the gospel, the work of the Holy Spirit, and deep conviction shaped a community whose faith flowed outward in love, witness, and unwavering devotion to the living God while they waited for Christ's return. ______________________________________________________________________________________ NEW HERE? We'd love to connect with you. Text "NEW" to 323-405-3232 SERMON NOTES: www.bible.com/organizations/f223…-a8fc-3297da42c26a - Or Text: "SERMON" To: 323-405-3232 CONNECT WITH US: Hopeland Website: www.hopelandla.com Hopeland Podcast: @steinbot-519314947 Hopeland YouTube: www.youtube.com/@hopelandchurch Hopeland Facebook: @hopelandla Hopeland Instagram: @hopeland.church To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people with the gospel click here: hopelandla.com/give Or, choose a giving option here: - Venmo: @Hopeland-Church - CashApp: $HopelandChurch - Zelle: shawn@hopelandla.com - Text "Hopeland" to 833-767-5698

Saint Gregory Palamas, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

Our Preservation Depends Upon God's FaithfulnessRead 1st Thessalonians 5:23-24 Paul's prayer is that God would sanctify completely, the believers at Thessalonica. But there is a second part to this prayer. He prays that the Thessalonians would not only be completely sanctified, but that they would be PRESERVED until Jesus comes again.Read the NOTES HERE.This sermon was recorded live at Ballymacashon Church, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 If you boil it down, a church with “the right stuff” believes the right message and behaves in the right manner. Its members live compelling lives, like the early church in Thessalonica. Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1 with Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Learn from one of Paul's earliest epistles to a local church. Does your church have the right stuff? Find encouragement and insight for you and your church.

If you boil it down, a church with “the right stuff” believes the right message and behaves in the right manner. Its members live compelling lives, like the early church in Thessalonica. Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1 with Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Learn from one of Paul's earliest epistles to a local church.Does your church have the right stuff? Find encouragement and insight for you and your church.

If you boil it down, a church with “the right stuff” believes the right message and behaves in the right manner. Its members live compelling lives, like the early church in Thessalonica. Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1 with Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Learn from one of Paul's earliest epistles to a local church.Does your church have the right stuff? Find encouragement and insight for you and your church.

If you boil it down, a church with “the right stuff” believes the right message and behaves in the right manner. Its members live compelling lives, like the early church in Thessalonica.Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1 with Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Learn from one of Paul's earliest epistles to a local church.Does your church have the right stuff? Find encouragement and insight for you and your church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/82/29?v=20251111

1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 If you boil it down, a church with “the right stuff” believes the right message and behaves in the right manner. Its members live compelling lives, like the early church in Thessalonica. Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1 with Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Learn from one of Paul's earliest epistles to a local church. Does your church have the right stuff? Find encouragement and insight for you and your church.

If you boil it down, a church with “the right stuff” believes the right message and behaves in the right manner. Its members live compelling lives, like the early church in Thessalonica. Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1 with Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Learn from one of Paul's earliest epistles to a local church.Does your church have the right stuff? Find encouragement and insight for you and your church.

If you boil it down, a church with “the right stuff” believes the right message and behaves in the right manner. Its members live compelling lives, like the early church in Thessalonica. Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1 with Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Learn from one of Paul's earliest epistles to a local church.Does your church have the right stuff? Find encouragement and insight for you and your church.

If you boil it down, a church with “the right stuff” believes the right message and behaves in the right manner. Its members live compelling lives, like the early church in Thessalonica.Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1 with Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Learn from one of Paul's earliest epistles to a local church.Does your church have the right stuff? Find encouragement and insight for you and your church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/82/29?v=20251111

We resume our consideration of 1 Thessalonians 2 from verses 13-16. This is a pivotal passage that reminds the Thessalonians and us that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. Paul also reminds his hearers that this is the Gospel of God, not the word of man to be taken lightly. And as our Lord warned in Luke 8, we ought to be careful how we listen to His Word. Just as the Church at Thessalonica did, may we be strengthened to hear and embrace the Word of God, to stand firm in the faith, imitating these early saints and ultimately our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.

This pious and beautiful maiden lived in a village near Thessalonica. One day a Janissary, come to collect taxes, laid eyes on her and was struck by lust. When she refused his advances, the wicked official brought her before the judge in Thessalonica and, using other soldiers as false witnesses, said that she had agreed to marry him and to convert to Islam. To all these claims Kyranna replied, 'I am a Christian, and I have no bridegroom but Christ, to whom I have offered my maidenhood as a dowry. Him I love and for Him I am ready to shed my blood! That is my answer; expect no other from me.' Having said this, she 'enclosed herself in silence' (Synaxarion) and would testify no more. She was cast into prison, where she was tormented and finally beaten to death by her jailer. When she died, a divine Light surrounded her and illumined the entire prison. When news of the miracle spread, the shamed Turkish officials handed over her body to Christians, who laid it to rest outside the city.

He was born to a wealthy, noble family in Thessalonica around 347. Filled more and more with a yearning for God, he abandoned his worldly possessions and traveled to Egypt, living for five years as a monk at Sketis. From there he went to Palestine, where he lived for another five years in a cave in the Jordan desert. Suffering from a severe ailment, he was forced to move to Jerusalem; there he was suddenly and completely cured following a vision on Golgotha, in which he saw the Good Thief come down from the cross to lead him to Christ, who gave the Cross into his keeping.   Porphyrius took up the trade of a shoemaker in Jerusalem to provide for his few needs. His humility and charity became so well-known that the Bishop of Jerusalem ordained him to the priesthood at the age of forty-five, and made him Stavrophylax, keeper of the True Cross of the Savior — thus fulfilling Porphyrius' vision on Golgotha. Three years later, much against his will, he was elected Bishop of Gaza.   Throughout his episcopate he was persecuted by the pagans who still dominated the life of that city — though he was able to convert many of them by his own example of holiness, and by the many miracles that were wrought through his intercessions. Once, when the city was suffering from a long drought, the Saint gathered the city's Christians (who numbered no more than 280), told them to fast, and celebrated an all-night vigil. The next morning, as the Bishop and his entire flock went in procession through the city it began to rain. At this, 127 pagans were converted. When the pagans' violent attacks continued, Porphyrius appealed to the Emperor Arcadius for an edict closing of the pagan temples in Gaza. With the support of St John Chrysostom the edict was issued. When the Imperial representatives entered Gaza, accompanied by Bishop Porphyrius bearing the Cross, the statue of Aphrodite in the city's main temple shattered into pieces. Eight temples were destroyed, and a Church was built on the site of the largest. Hundreds of pagans embraced the Faith and, after instruction, were baptized by the Saint.   After twenty-five years as bishop, during which he had seen his see transformed from a small flock of beleaguered Christians into a Christian territory, Saint Porphyrius reposed in peace in 420.

rWotD Episode 3220: Adamantius (praefectus urbi) Welcome to random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Thursday, 26 February 2026, is Adamantius (praefectus urbi).Adamantius (Ancient Greek: Ἀδαμάντιος; fl. 474–479) was a politician of the Eastern Roman Empire, praefectus urbi of Constantinople (474–479), patricius and honorary consul.Adamantius was the son of Vivianus, consul in 463 and praetorian prefect of the East; his brother was Paulus, consul in 512.Between 474 and 479, Adamantius held the office of praefectus urbi of Constantinople.In 479 he is attested as patricius. That year he was conferred consular honours by Emperor Zeno and sent as envoy to the rebel general Theodoric the Great. He went to Thessalonica, where he freed the ex-consul Iohannes from an enraged mob, and joined with Sabinianus Magnus at Edessa; they reached Theodoric in Dyrrachium, where they started negotiations, but Zeno recalled them back when the rebels kept on attacking imperial territories.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:07 UTC on Thursday, 26 February 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Adamantius (praefectus urbi) on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm generative Danielle.

Daily Dose of Hope February 25, 2026   Scripture:  2 Corinthians 8   Prayer to the Divine Tutor from St Clement of Alexandria (150–215):   Be kind to Your little children, Lord; that is what we ask of You as their Tutor, You the Father, Israel's guide; Son, yes, but Father as well. Grant that by doing what You told us to do, we may achieve a faithful likeness to the Image and, as far as is possible for us, may find in You a good God and a lenient Judge.   May we all live in the peace that comes from You. May we journey towards Your city, sailing through the waters of sin untouched by the waves, borne tranquilly along by the Holy Spirit, Your Wisdom beyond all telling. Night and day until the last day of all, may our praises give You thanks, our thanksgiving and praise to You: You who alone are both Father and Son, Son and Father, the Son who is our Tutor and our Teacher, together with the Holy Spirit.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently walking through Paul's letters.  We are working our way through our fifth pastoral letter, 2 Corinthians. Today's reading is 2 Corinthians 8.  There is significant need among the believers in Jerusalem and Paul is imploring the churches in Macedonia and Greece to give, not out of obligation but truly out of love for their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Those in Jerusalem were Jewish believers who the Gentile Corinthians had never met. This offering would not have been part of a tithe, but rather over and beyond their normal giving, in order to help those who needed it. While the Macedonian churches were located in a fairly wealthy and prosperous area, that doesn't mean all the churches were affluent. There were some among them who were wealthy but many more were just working class or poor. And yet, Paul is calling them to give anyway. He has called all the Macedonian churches to give; this includes Corinth but also Philippi and Thessalonica. He is asking the Corinthians church to finish up their previous collection, keeping in mind the extreme need in Jerusalem. This is not a command, by any means, but rather encouragement to do what is right. Giving does not come naturally to human beings. We seem to have this need to keep things for ourselves. We tend toward selfishness over sacrifice. Generosity is something that God nurtures in our hearts. Jesus taught often about being generous. Think about Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The beauty in the Scripture is that it demonstrates that when we invest in the things of God, our heart will be pulled in that direction as well.  We start by giving sacrificially and God changes our heart. What's been your experience with giving? Do you tithe? If you don't, then what keeps you from giving on that level? Have you ever given above and beyond the tithe, as Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to do? What motivated that giving?  How has God blessed your giving? Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

The Gospel is disruptive. It always has been and always will be. In fact, in Thessalonica, it's introduction to the city caused a riot. It's detractors accused Christians of turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6), not understanding that the Gospel frees us to see clearly and live peacefully in accordance to God's original intent. Maybe it's not that the Gospel makes things upsidedown, but that it corrects and turns it right-side up? But if one lives their life in a gargage heap, you normalize the stench and putrid food, and can't imagine what it's like to live in the peaceful countryside. By what right do Christians have to say we're living according to God's intent? By what authority can we say that's true? And by what empowerment can disciples strive to live that way? That's the focus of our talk today on Church for Normies! ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ytp4e3df

February 15, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class In this episode we study 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, exploring how the apostle Paul shifts from defending his ministry to instructing the church about generous giving. Neal situates these chapters in the broader context of the letter, contrasts the wealthy church at Corinth (Achaia) with the poor but generous Macedonian churches (Philippi, Berea, Thessalonica), and explains the urgent need: support for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Topics covered include: the relationship between grace and giving, examples of eager and sacrificial generosity from the Macedonians, the spiritual qualities reinforced by giving (faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love), and the practical call to complete pledged gifts rather than leaving needs unmet. Paul's emphasis that giving should come from the heart — willingly, cheerfully, and sacrificially — is highlighted, along with his insistence on accountability in handling contributions. The episode uses practical illustrations from modern disaster relief and congregational stewardship to show how voluntary, faith-driven giving differs from forced redistribution. The speaker references related texts (Matthew 6; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 16; Titus 3) and points to the ministry roles of Titus and a well-known brother who accompanied Paul to ensure transparency and trust in the offering. Listeners are invited to examine their own hearts toward giving and to grow in the grace that produces generous, joyful stewardship.   Duration 44:26

Andy shares insight from 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 as we continue looking at the books of the New Testament that Paul wrote. Today, Andy looks at the faith of the believers in the church at Thessalonica. Today's Music: Act Justly Love Mercy Walk Humbly, I Know a Name, O For a Thousand Tongurs, and Goodbye Yesterday

Do we even understand real persecution in these United States? How discouraged would we become if we suffered just a fraction of the trials facing the church in Thessalonica? - Thank you for joining us. Please submit any questions or requests to: Pastor Matt's email: mgrimm@cstoneepc.com Thadd's email: thadd@truth316.com Planted intro/outro: Straight Through by Groove Bakery | https://groovebakery.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ 

Send a textIn this podcast Paul has concern for the new converts in Thessalonica. He is concerned because false enemies were invading there church for 6 years and he wanted to go clear up the false confusion. He tells them about his past which opens the door to teach them about how to discern the will of God. Listen to get some tips on how to soundly follow God. Support the show

Pastor Lance's study through 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, focuses on effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of boldness and integrity. He shares about Paul's ministry in Philippi and Thessalonica, the opposition they encountered, and the miraculous outcomes of their faith. We celebrate leadership growth, ordaining and welcoming new pastors, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the impact of authentic ministry.

Acts 27 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. 4 And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5 And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. 8 Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. 9 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much 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 to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. The Storm at Sea 13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. 21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.” 27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms.[d] A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go. 33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. The Shipwreck 39 Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40 So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

Jesus: Consultant or King?In Acts 17, Paul went to Thessalonica and declared “Jesus is King”. It wasn't just spiritual language, but was was a bold claim that challenged every other authority of that time. Today we have to look at the invisible kings on the throne of our hearts— comfort, approval, success, security. Jesus isn't meant to be a consultant in your life. He's King, and he's worth it.---Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM.Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected!Website: http://localchurchgr.orgFacebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgrInstagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgrWeekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLCVisit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expectEvents: http://my.localchurchgr.org/eventsIf you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

In verses 1-3 of chapter 3, the apostle Paul expresses his great concern for the faith of the new believers in Thessalonica because of their suffering. Paul reminds them that believers in Jesus are “destined” for such suffering.

Send a textWe trace how Cyril and Methodius turned language into a path to the altar, shaping a people through Scripture, liturgy, and courageous unity. From Thessalonica to Rome, their trials, papal vindication, and lasting legacy offer a model for mission today.• early life in Thessalonica and family faith• studies in Constantinople and intellectual formation• mission to the Khazars as preparation for greater work• call to Moravia and pastoral strategy rooted in unity• creation of the Glagolitic alphabet for Scripture and liturgy• opposition from German clergy and synodal trials• vindication in Rome under Pope Adrian II• Cyril's monastic vows and holy death in Rome• Methodius as archbishop and persevering leadership• imprisonment, political pressure, and faithful endurance• translation of the liturgy into Slavonic and its impact• legacy of Eucharistic unity across Slavic landsTake the next step today, explore our Catholic bookstore, discover compelling stories of the saints, Eucharistic miracles, Marian apparitions, and so much more, always faithful to the magisteriumVisit journeys of faith today where every resource points you toward your ultimate pilgrimage, union with GodBe sure to click the link in the description for special news itemSaints Cyril and Methodius Items at Journeys of Faith ShopOpen by Steve Bailey Support the showDownload Journeys of Faith App for Iphone or Android FREE https://journeysoffaith.com/pages/download-our-app Journeys of Faith brings your Super Saints Podcasts Please consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith we are actively increasing our reach and we are seeing good results for visitors under 40! Help us Grow! ***Our Core Beliefs*** The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Catechism 132 Click Here “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1Thessalonians 4“ Click Here ... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” Matthew 6:19-2 Click Here The Goal is Heaven Click Here...

Even the most honorable church leaders will have their motives questioned by some congregants. How does Paul handle this very circumstance in Thessalonica?  - Thank you for joining us. Please submit any questions or requests to: Pastor Matt's email: mgrimm@cstoneepc.com Thadd's email: thadd@truth316.com Planted intro/outro: Straight Through by Groove Bakery | https://groovebakery.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ 

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 4:17. Some people talk a good game. Timothy lived one. Paul had a big problem in Corinth—a proud, divided church drifting from the way of Christ. So he doesn't just write another paragraph. He doesn't send a rebuke. He sends a person. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. — 1 Corinthians 4:17 Timothy wasn't a random choice. He was the right man, in the right moment, with the right life. History of Timothy: Paul met him in Lystra as a young man known for sincere faith (Acts 16:1–2). He was raised by a godly mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5). Paul invited him into ministry early (Acts 16:1–3). Timothy proved faithful through suffering, travel, pressure, and conflict (Phil. 2:19–22). Paul trusted him so deeply that he sent him to tough churches—Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus… and now Corinth (1 Thess. 3:1–2). So why send him? Because Timothy didn't just know Paul's teaching—he knew Paul's ways. He lived the gospel Paul preached. Timothy is who Paul would be if Paul were standing in the room. The Corinthians didn't need more clarity. They needed more example. A humble one. A faithful one. A consistent one. A fellow worth following. We all need examples like Timothy… and we're all called to become examples like Timothy. Not perfect. Just faithful. Steady. Growing. Becoming the kind of person who makes it easier for others to follow Jesus. Be a fellow worth following. And here's the truth: You can be. Not by being impressive. Not by being flawless. But by walking closely with Christ until your life naturally points others toward Him. God can shape you into the kind of person others look to for strength, courage, and clarity. The kind of person who lifts prayer burdens, speaks truth gently, and carries the presence of Christ into every space. You don't need a platform. You don't need a title. You just need a faithful life. Let God form you into a fellow worth following. DO THIS: Choose one area of your life where you want to grow into someone "worth following." Invite God to shape you—and someone you trust to sharpen you. ASK THIS: Why did Paul trust Timothy so deeply? What qualities in Timothy do I need to grow in? Does my life help others follow Christ more clearly? PRAY THIS: Lord, form in me the kind of life others can follow. Make me faithful, steady, humble, and true—like Timothy. Shape me into a fellow worth following. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Lead Me to the Cross"

Send a textThis podcast goes over Paul giving an example of what he and his companions went through to not only get to Thessalonica but also the pain and suffering Paul experienced being run out of the city so quickly. He wanted the Thessalonians to know he had experienced whatever they might encounter in their future. It was obvious that false teachers and false leaders would invade this thriving church. Paul's wanted them to be prepared so they would keep their fiery faith strong. Listen to hear what Paul says to them. Support the show

MY RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS Matthew 7:16 By their FRUIT you will RECOGNIZE THEM. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? (NIV) Matthew 7:20 Thus, by their FRUIT you will RECOGINE THEM. (NIV) Matthew 12:33 “Make a tree good and its FRUIT will be good, or make a tree bad and its  fruit will be bad, for a tree is RECOGNIZED by its FRUIT. (NIV) 1 Timothy 4:15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that EVERYONE MAY SEE YOUR PROGRESS. (NIV) 1. GROW IN LIVING BY THE TRUTH  1 Timothy 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (NIV)  1A. GROW IN TRUTH BY RECOGNIZING FALSE TEACHERS 1 Timothy 4:2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. (NIV)  2 Timothy 4:3–4 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (NIV)   2 Corinthians 11:13–15 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (NIV) Jude 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. (NIV)  1 Timothy 6:3–5 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. (NIV)  1B. TEST THEIR DOCTRINE AGAINST SCRIPTURE  Acts 17:11 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. (NIV)   1C. GROW IN TRUTH BY LIVING BY GOD’s WORD 1 Timothy 4:3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. (NIV)  Mark 7:13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that. (NIV)  1 Timothy 4:16 Watch your life and DOCTRINE closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (NIV)  A. WORK-BASED SALVATION B. HYPER-GRACE C. UNIVERSALISM D. DENIAL OF CHRIST’S DIVINITY OR HUMANITY E. SPEAKING IN TONGUES AS A REQUIREMENT FOR SALVATION F. EXTRA-BIBLICAL REVELATION G. FOLLOW YOUR HEART  H. CHRISTIANS DON’T SUFFER  I. THERE’S NO SPIRITUAL ENEMY  2. GROW IN GODLINESS  2A. GROWING IN THANKSGIVING  1 Timothy 4:4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, (NIV)  2B. GROWING IN THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAYER 1 Timothy 4:5-6 because it is consecrated by the WORD OF GOD AND PRAYER. 6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, NOURISHED on the truths of the faith and of THE GOOD TEACHING THAT YOU HAVE FOLLOWED. (NIV)  2C. GROWING IN TRAINING YOURSELF TO BE GODLY  1 Timothy 4:7-8 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (NIV) 3. GROW IN MAKING DISCIPLES  1 Timothy 4:6 If you POINT THESE THINGS OUT to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. (NIV) 1 Timothy 4:11Command and teach these things. (NIV)  4. GROW IN BEING A LEADER BY SETTING AN EXAMPLE  1 Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but SET AN EXAMPLE for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (NIV)  5. GROW IN YOUR DEVOTION TO CHURCH 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, DEVOTE yourself to the PUBLIC reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. (NIV). 6. GROW IN YOUR GIFTS 1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. (NIV)  7. GROW IN YOUR FAITHFULNESS 1 Timothy 4:15 Be DILIGENT in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. (NIV) 

As Paul proclaims Christ in Thessalonica and Berea, we see two very different responses to the same Word. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts—whether we resist God's truth or receive it with readiness, humility, and faith.Time:MorningMinister:Rev. T. R. KernTexts:Acts 17:1–15Series:Acts: The Church on Fire

On the Road Again | Week 5 |  Ken Miller--On this second missionary trip, Paul and Barnabas part ways and Paul travels with Timothy and Silas. While in Corinth, Paul writes his two letters to the believers in Thessalonica. On this trip, Paul begins to experience increasing hostility to his message and ends up in prison in Philippi.--Notes

Send us a textPhilippians 4:14-20Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.Support the show

In this sermon, we begin a new series through the book of 1 Thessalonians. Paul is thankful for the work of Christ in the believers in Thessalonica as he remembers them. Over verses 1-3 of chapter 1 we learn much about discipling young believers, the work of the Lord in His church, and the steadfast hope we have in Christ. May you be blessed by the preaching of the Word!

Paul and Silas preach the gospel in Thessalonica, and some are converted, but the Jewish leaders round up a mob to drive them out. The Bereans like what Paul has to say, but want to double-check the scriptures. And they finally end up in Athens to bring the gospel to the city of philosophers. Have a listen. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird More from the hosts: Daniel Emery Price Erick Sorenson

In the fourth session of our Return of Christ Conference, Pastor Maiola calls us to develop a ready faith - a faith that actively prepares for the return of Jesus Christ rather than passively waiting or becoming distracted by speculation. He reminds believers that the purpose of end-times teaching is not curiosity about signs, but transformation of life. Paul's instruction to the church in Thessalonica makes clear that readiness for Christ's return is expressed through obedience, sanctification, and faithful living.   Readiness is not found in staring into the sky, abandoning responsibilities, or disengaging from the world, but in faithfully obeying Christ in everyday life. Maiola emphasizes that true faith produces real fruit. Salvation is not merely intellectual belief or simply praying the sinner's prayer, but a life-altering trust in Jesus that leads to repentance, growth, and obedience. Sanctification is God's will for every believer - a joyful process of becoming more like Christ as we prepare to meet Him.   As we wait for the Lord's return, we are encouraged to live as a bride eagerly preparing for her Bridegroom—marked by holiness, love, faithfulness, and mission. As believers fix their hope on Christ's return, they are called to live awake, obedient, and ready, echoing the prayer of the early church: "Come, Lord Jesus."