1 Thessalonians

The Comfort of Faithfulness

November 17, 2024 • Pastor Kevin Baird • 1 Thessalonians 3:6–10

Do you experience joy in the realities of God’s Kingdom? Often we are head down in the daily routine, worn by the grind to provide for our future, and faltering under the weight of too many decisions and relationships, but the gospel promises a greater joy. The Apostle Paul had joy because his Thessalonian friends held onto faith in Jesus beyond their circumstances. I hope you will come to encourage others and be encouraged yourselves to see the joy in the realities of faith in Jesus. Please take the time to read https://fcchamilton.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad9905e0b1c54435b5c40dc5&id=4811594c2a&e=d809b29a61 and feel free to invite a friend to join you for worship. See you all Sunday,

Faith vs. Opposition

November 10, 2024 • Pastor Kevin Baird • 1 Thessalonians 3:1–5

Paul’s pastoral heart for the Thessalonians is expressed through his worry about how they are doing as a church. We all face struggles with our faith and can be tempted when we are challenged by persecution or hardship. Christians encourage one another to remain faith-full as we live for Jesus. Read https://fcchamilton.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad9905e0b1c54435b5c40dc5&id=308748e35e&e=d809b29a61 as we prepare to hear from God’s word together. I can’t wait to be with you all.

A Pastor's Heart

November 3, 2024 • Dr. Jeffrey Arthurs • 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20

Reading an epistle (a formal letter) is like listening to one side of a telephone conversation. In https://fcchamilton.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad9905e0b1c54435b5c40dc5&id=175da76e0e&e=d809b29a61 we have heard Paul say again and again that he loves the church, was worried about them, and is relieved that they are standing firm in the Lord even in the midst of trials. We hear Paul reveal his heart, a pastor’s heart, and we ask God to bring us a pastor who will devote heart, soul, and energy into protecting and building up the flock.

What to Expect in Gospel Ministry

October 27, 2024 • Dr. Jeffrey Arthurs • 1 Thessalonians 2:13–18

What can we expect when we engage in gospel ministry? The answer to that varies from era to era, culture to culture, and situation to situation; but https://fcchamilton.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad9905e0b1c54435b5c40dc5&id=b58054c4b5&e=d809b29a61 shows us two outcomes that have occurred throughout time: opposition but also encouragement. Lord, help us to share the good news in spite of opposition. Lord, encourage us as we partner with you in your work.

How to Share the Gospel: Message & Medium

October 6, 2024 • Dr. Jeffrey Arthurs • 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12

In our two-part mini-series on how to share the gospel, we will overhear Paul once again summarize how he shared it. He and his team were bold, gentle, selfless, authentic, affectionate, and blameless. Oh my. Who can live up to that standard? But don’t despair—the Spirit, Church, and role models are here to equip and inspire us.

Our Motive for Our Mission

September 29, 2024 • Pastor Matt Schuberth • 1 Thessalonians 2:1–6

Sharing the gospel is one of our primary missions as Christians but it can be difficult and awkward. Our mission needs to be informed by proper motive. This Sunday, we will explore how as Christians, we share the gospel as approved by God, burdened by His mission, and out of compassion for the lost.

Marks of a Disciple

September 22, 2024 • Dr. Jeffrey Arthurs • 1 Thessalonians 1:6–10

The Apostle Paul said, “We know that he has chosen you.” How could he say that? What were the indications that the Thessalonians had become true disciples? Last week we saw two marks: the gospel comes with power and we receive it; and this week we look at another handful of marks. Lord help us put our faith into action! See you Sunday, fellow disciples.

How to Tell if You’re a Christian

September 15, 2024 • Dr. Jeffrey Arthurs • 1 Thessalonians 1:4–6

How can you tell if you are really a Christian? Afterall, none of us is perfect; no one follows Jesus flawlessly. Yet, the Apostle Paul was sure that God had chosen the Thessalonians. How could he tell? How can we tell? I remember the first time I doubted the reality of my own conversion. I was fourteen years old and could have used some teaching from https://fcchamilton.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad9905e0b1c54435b5c40dc5&id=9271300b98&e=d809b29a61.

Affection for the Church

September 8, 2024 • Pastor Kevin Baird • 1 Thessalonians 1:1–4

Our new series going through https://fcchamilton.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad9905e0b1c54435b5c40dc5&id=ac648a5689&e=d809b29a61, will underscore the beauty of this affection for one another as the church that flows from a shared love for the gospel and its power to transform us to live in the way of Jesus. A great way to prepare would be to read or listen through the whole book in one sitting (five concise chapters). It is such a privilege to serve as one of your pastors and to pray for you. Have a great day and we’ll see you on Sunday,

The First Congregational Church of Hamilton

Handbook for Disciples