Living Hope
1 & 2 Thessalonians series
5 Practices to Grow in Christ
November 27, 2022 • Pastor Lyle Thompson • 2 Thessalonians 3
As we conclude our series through 1 & 2 Thessalonians, we see Paul reiterating the importance of putting into practice the things he modeled for the Thessalonians during his time with them. Looking at the rhythms established by the early church fathers, we see five practices that one can turn into habits that will help us stand firm and grow in our spiritual formation.
Stand Firm
November 20, 2022 • Pastor Jack Schull • 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17
We live in a culture that allows great freedoms; but there is also growing opposition to faith and tradition of faith and the teachings of Scripture - it will bring rising heartache and pushback. We are to stand firm & hold fast. We’re to be people that love like Christ. People full of conviction and compassion. People who hold to truth and grace.
Do You Love The Truth?
November 13, 2022 • Pastor Lyle Thompson • 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12
As we move into 2 Thessalonians, we see Paul wants to comfort the Thessalonians Christians that, contrary to what has been said in their church, the second coming of Christ has yet to occur. Paul gives more details as to what will happen before Jesus appears again in an effort to bring peace and stability to the church. What will bring us this peace? It’s not having knowledge of the return of Jesus, it’s having a love for the truth of God — so much so that we spend our days seeking to put this truth into action in our lives.
God's Family and Godly Practices
November 6, 2022 • Pastor Jack Schull • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–28
The Apostle Paul wraps up this first letter to the church in Thessalonica with a reminder that as followers of Jesus we are enfolded into the family of God with familial responsibilities and we are to live into 3 key family practices. Joy, Prayer and Thankfulness are to mark our lives. When these three qualities are present, believers will be vibrant witnesses to a needy world.
How To Be Ready for Christ's Return
October 30, 2022 • Pastor Lyle Thompson • 1 Thessalonians 5:1–12
Continuing his discourse on Christ’s return, Paul warns the Thessalonians that unbelievers will be caught completely unaware at the return of Christ. He exhorts the Thessalonians to live in such a way as to always be ready for the Lord to appear. As those who have placed their faith in Christ, their love for Jesus gives them a hope that they can ensure they are prepared for the Lord’s coming. How, then, should we live in order to be prepared — like the Thessalonians — for the second coming of Christ? By utilizing the spiritual armor that already belongs to us in Christ, we can exercise our faith, love, and hope to live as to please God until Christ comes again.
What Happens Next?
October 23, 2022 • Pastor Jack Schull • 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Paul always taught people about the future—that salvation in Jesus carried a promise of eternal life. He told his audiences that the same Jesus Christ who died, arose, and ascended - would one day return. So, if we're around when that happens, what happens and if we die, what happens next? Friends, because of Jesus, we get to live with hope always and forever...
Live to Please God
October 16, 2022 • Pastor Jack Schull • 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12
Paul is instructing these early Christians to withstand the pressures of the culture around them when it comes to their behavior around sexuality and in their work life. They are to live in order to please God and not just please themselves. They are to follow the ways of Jesus over cultural norms. They are not to settle in and be molded by the culture around them, but rather, they are be revolutionary in how they live.
Encourage More
October 9, 2022 • Pastor Jack Schull • 1 Thessalonians 3
God used Paul as an encourager to the Church in Thessalonica. Not only was Paul concerned about their safety; but he was also concerned about their spiritual growth. So he let his concern motivate his heart to stir into active encouragement for the people of this church. How can God leverage you to encourage more around you?
Receive the Word
October 2, 2022 • Pastor Lyle Thompson • 1 Thessalonians 2:12–20
The Apostle Paul reiterates his thankfulness for the church in Thessalonica — this time, because they readily received the Word of God as it is. This leads us to ask ourselves, do we readily receive God’s Word as divine revelation? Is it something around which we pattern our lives, despite any hardship we may face in doing so? When we do so, however, we will find our greatest joy — just as Paul did — comes when we disciple others and see them put the Word of God into practice in the same way we have.
Live This Way
September 25, 2022 • Pastor Jack Schull • 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12
We see the Apostle Paul model and call us to live with 4 key motivations as followers of Jesus. He speaks about these in 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 and tonight we examine how we’re to imitate these in our here and now moment. We’ll examine some questions that help us check how our motivations might be in alignment or out of it.
Authentic Faith
September 18, 2022 • Pastor Jack Schull • 1 Thessalonians 1
The Apostle Paul writes back to a church that he began, to encourage them about remaining faithful amidst opposition and persecution. He celebrates what he’s hearing about indicators that mark their faith as authentic and genuine. Faith lived out loud will have signs of authenticity and will have an impact that radiates outward.