May/June 2022
Body Building - Working Out
June 26, 2022 • Ed Eddingfield • 1 Thessalonians 5:14–15
Last week we spoke of building the church with good and healthy relationships between the church and its leaders. Today we see that the “body building” work of the church isn’t limited to leaders though – it is work that each of us may be involved with! Praise the Lord, every one of us, from the smallest child to the eldest adult can be a “body builder”!
Body Building - The Pastor
June 19, 2022 • Ed Eddingfield • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13
1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us that we should “Encourage one another and build each other up”. How do we do that? The final verses of the book give us some very practical ways to be the church that God wants us to be. This week we start that by looking at the relationship between the pastor and the congregation. It is a beautiful partnership that should represent the love of Christ and the beauty of our work together to glorify Christ.
Following the LEADER
June 5, 2022 • Ed Eddingfield • Philemon
This last week has been particularly difficult for my family. But two things came forth that really impressed me. First, God continues to show Himself faithful as the giver of all good things and the only one that holds life in His hands. Secondly, God showed me once again how amazing it is to be a part of a local church that really loves. I pray that today we would all commit to show our neighbors who our God is as well. He has given us much – let us commit to “giving back” as we follow the LEADER.
Confidence: A Beautiful Thing
May 29, 2022 • Ed Eddingfield • 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
How do we relate to the world right now? How do we process the violence and hate? How do we feel safe in a world that doesn’t like our God? We must know who we are! We must know where we are going! We must know that God has told us what is yet to come, and it is happening! Let’s stand firm, awake, calm, and full of anticipation. Jesus is coming – those who are His will NEVER be lost! Have Confidence in Jesus Alone!
The Rewards of Sanctification
May 15, 2022 • Ed Eddingfield • 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
The rewards of living the Christian life are substantial! In the Christian life there is joy, peace, love, forgiveness, and purpose (and many other wonderful things)! But how does a Christian look at eternity? How does a Christian look at death? How should a Christian prepare? Today we will see the strong call to live our Christianity so that we may rejoice in the thought of Christ’s Return!
The Methodologies of Sanctification
May 8, 2022 • Ed Eddingfield • 1 Thessalonians 4:9–12
Last week we discussed the motivations for growing and drawing near to God. This week we continue with 3 very practical ways to avoid temptation and to be more like Jesus. Since the goal is to please the Lord, let’s make sure that we do what we can to avoid temptation and be the productive people of God that bring Him glory. He is worthy! Let’s live our faith!
The Motivations of Sanctification
May 1, 2022 • Ed Eddingfield • 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8
Sanctification is the process of becoming “set apart” for God and it includes the removal of that which isn’t pleasing to God from within us. Make no mistake, we aren’t talking about being “justified” which is what happens at salvation – having a right standing with God. This is the process of becoming more like Him to reflect His glory and love back to Him and the world. Today we start a 3-week study about sanctification beginning with proper motivation!