He's Coming Back!

FPCBR

He's Coming Back!

October 31, 2021 • Gerrit Dawson • 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

"So we will always be with the Lord." How do you feel about that? How do you feel about being gathered from wherever you are to meet the Lord in his triumphant return? How do you feel about being in his presence always? Do you long to be gathered in his arms? Do you thrill to seeing all things ordered and arranged around the rule of our King Jesus? Are you eager for him to return to set all things right? How do you feel that Paul says, “we,” not “I,” will be with the Lord? Not the “we” of just my favorites, but the we of all who are joined to Jesus, the whole church universal. Does this vision attract you or repel you? Do you trust Jesus to set all things as they should be? Do you long to be with him? This reality calls to you. The fact of his return gave the Scots Presbyterians courage to face every enemy, to recreate a nation. It inspired them to holiness and to hope. Are you with them?

He Is Faithful

November 21, 2021 • Colton Underwood • 1 Thessalonians 5:23–28

Once you know that Christ has set you free from slavery to sin, you’ll come to realize that true beauty, true worth, is only found when we take hold of his instructions, take hold of the call of sanctification and pursue it with courage and by his power. Only then does the law which once condemned become a guide to life. You’re not saved by your works, thank God, but he has saved you to work by his grace and his power. God’s will is for you to be holy, but take heart: He is faithful. He will surely do it.

A List for Life

November 14, 2021 • Gerrit Dawson • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22

Ten meaningful steps you should use to cooperate and participate in what God wants to do in your life. But in the end, this is more God’s work than our work. May he keep on with the process of making you like Christ. That’s sanctification, the holy-making of his people. May God work the gospel through you thoroughly. You have lots to do to work with him in this. But ultimately, this is God’s deal. He has undertaken to save you. He has undertaken to bring you to himself. He has undertaken to use you in his mission to the world. He has undertaken to make you like Christ, a son or daughter formed in his beloved Son. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it!

Children of the Day

November 7, 2021 • Gerrit Dawson • 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11

If you have entrusted yourself to Christ the light, you are children of the light and of the day. He has awakened you. Perhaps he is calling you awake this very moment. Calling you back from darkness. Calling you out of the night. The dungeon doors are open. Light is shining. Won’t you get up and go to him? Trust that it is worth it to leave the smothering dark and fly into his arms. Take up anew the call to live awake and engaged as children of the light. Get up and come to Christ the light of the world.