April 21, 2024 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali • 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15
Over the centuries, including the first century, believers have made the imminent return of Christ into an excuse to be lazy and disruptive. Yet how much more, Paul says, should Jesus' return find us working hard and remaining on guard? So let's continue to actively participate in God's unfolding plan of redemption, ensuring our approach to work mirrors our devotion to God.
Unshaken
April 7, 2024 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali • 2 Thessalonians 2:1–15
Have you ever believed something, only to find out later that it wasn't true? The Thessalonians had been deceived into believing that Jesus had already returned, and they were shaken. The Apostle Paul writes 2 Thessalonians to correct them, identifying the signs they are to look for at the end of the age and to stand firm in the Lord. As deception and chaos continue to shake our world today, let's encourage each other to stand firm in Jesus.
Courage in Chaos
March 10, 2024 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali • 2 Thessalonians 1:1–10
Most would agree we are living in the most stressful period in human history, and that the world can't go on much longer. Yet as the church under Jesus Christ, unified with the One who is in control of it all, we can have hope, peace, and the courage to share His message with an anxious and dying world.
In Step with God's Will
November 19, 2023 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali • 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Do you know God's will for your life? The Bible says God's general will for His people is that we rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. These are not easy to do, but by following God's general will we will be able to know and follow His specific will, and be better able to trust Him to work on our behalf and unfold plans that are bigger and better than our own.
Love Lived Out
November 12, 2023 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15
We live in a very individualistic culture, where love is defined by autonomy and tolerance of every opinion and lifestyle. Yet Christ calls us to a counter-cultural love - one that honours and esteems those in leadership and empowers us through the Spirit to be accountable to each other and live at peace with each other. So in light of the imminent return of Jesus, let's make every effort to live out our faith by demonstrating God's selfless love to those around us.
Don't Ignore the Warnings
October 29, 2023 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali • 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6
What if you knew that Jesus was returning this week? How would you live these final days on Earth? Though we don't know the exact moment of Jesus' return, we can see the warning signs, and be ready. In 1 Thessalonians 5, the Apostle Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers to remain alert, and not to be afraid, remaining confident in Jesus' salvation and His return.
What Happens After You Die
October 22, 2023 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali • 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
When someone dies, we ask, "Will I ever see them again? Will we know each other?" The Apostle Paul answers many of our questions about the end times and about life after death in his epistles to the Thessalonians. As Christians, our faith and hope of eternal life is rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that when Jesus returns, we will be united with Him, whether dead or still alive!
Committed Regardless of the Results
October 15, 2023 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali • 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20, 1 Thessalonians 3:1–5
The Apostle Paul's ministry was extraordinary - but what kept him committed to sharing the gospel and ministering to people despite the struggles? Love and trust. A love for people where they're at, and trust in God's providence above everything, regardless of the results. And effective, life-transforming ministry still requires these same things today.
Effective Ministry
September 24, 2023 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali • 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12
What qualities make a truly effective leader? One who says all the right things, or who leads by example? The effectiveness of the Apostle Paul's ministry during his short three weeks spent with the Thessalonians is incredible, and it was due to his integrity, gentleness, and personal demeanor while speaking the truth in love. May we also rely on God's strength to lead others to Him in the same manner.
The Model Church
September 17, 2023 • Pastor Larry Hasmatali • 1 Thessalonians 1:1–7
Though no church is perfect, the church at Thessalonica was considered a model church. The Apostle Paul himself commends them in his opening greeting for their faith, hope, and love. At COG, we feature these same qualities in our mission statement; inward qualities meant to be a catalyst for an outward expression. Therefore may we also be known as a people who do work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and have endurance inspired by hope.
