In John 13 Jesus tells his disciples that all people will recognize their relationship to him if they have love for
one another. This is something that Paul took very seriously and in this section of 1 Thessalonians he goes to
great lengths to communicate his love for his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica. Seeing how Paul felt and
behaved in this passage can help us learn how to open ourselves up to the power of God’s Spirit so that we
can increase and abound in sincere love for one another and for all people just like Paul did.
Now We Live
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October 2, 2022 • Mark Hartman
More from
Living Hope
Judgement of Christ’s Coming
November 13, 2022 • Chan Mitchell
Just like a serious infection sometimes needs a second round of antibiotics, the young church at Thessalonica needed a second round of Paul’s wisdom and direction. The first round (1 Thessalonians) was effective, but a second round was needed to ensure full understanding. 2 Thessalonians is a very personal, gentle letter written to the believers in Thessalonica who were suffering for their faith. Paul urged their continued perseverance, good behavior, love, and faith. He reminded them of Christ’s coming, at which time the unbeliever would receive punishment, while the believer would obtain honor, glory, and the eternal presence of Christ Jesus.
Living Faith
November 6, 2022 • Chan Mitchell
Faith is not just something we have. Faith is something that is alive in us, growing and striving to obtain holiness in Christ. For the local church, the principles set forth in 5:12-28 are more than just practical. They are indispensable. God has called His people to love one another genuinely and to love Christ devotedly. God’s desire for His church is to be more than a superficial gathering of people. His desire for the church is to be a family of believers devoted to His Word, committed to one another and steadfast in holiness.
The Day of the Lord
October 30, 2022 • Chan Mitchell
Few things in the Bible capture our attention and imagination more than the apocalyptic writings. During Paul’s brief stay in Thessalonica, he taught the church about a coming day of judgement. Yet, despite his teaching, the Thessalonians were still puzzled about many of the details. They had three basic questions: What happens to Christians who die prior to the Lord’s return? Was it possible that they had somehow missed the Lord’s return and were now living in the Day of the Lord? What would be the signs indicating that the end of the age had come? Paul answered the first question in chapter 4 by informing them that they would see their dead loved ones again. Paul addresses the other questions here in chapter 5.