Living Hope
Judgement of Christ’s Coming
November 13, 2022 • Chan Mitchell
Just like a serious infection sometimes needs a second round of antibiotics, the young church at Thessalonica needed a second round of Paul’s wisdom and direction. The first round (1 Thessalonians) was effective, but a second round was needed to ensure full understanding. 2 Thessalonians is a very personal, gentle letter written to the believers in Thessalonica who were suffering for their faith. Paul urged their continued perseverance, good behavior, love, and faith. He reminded them of Christ’s coming, at which time the unbeliever would receive punishment, while the believer would obtain honor, glory, and the eternal presence of Christ Jesus.
Living Faith
November 6, 2022 • Chan Mitchell
Faith is not just something we have. Faith is something that is alive in us, growing and striving to obtain holiness in Christ. For the local church, the principles set forth in 5:12-28 are more than just practical. They are indispensable. God has called His people to love one another genuinely and to love Christ devotedly. God’s desire for His church is to be more than a superficial gathering of people. His desire for the church is to be a family of believers devoted to His Word, committed to one another and steadfast in holiness.
The Day of the Lord
October 30, 2022 • Chan Mitchell
Few things in the Bible capture our attention and imagination more than the apocalyptic writings. During Paul’s brief stay in Thessalonica, he taught the church about a coming day of judgement. Yet, despite his teaching, the Thessalonians were still puzzled about many of the details. They had three basic questions: What happens to Christians who die prior to the Lord’s return? Was it possible that they had somehow missed the Lord’s return and were now living in the Day of the Lord? What would be the signs indicating that the end of the age had come? Paul answered the first question in chapter 4 by informing them that they would see their dead loved ones again. Paul addresses the other questions here in chapter 5.
Live for Today, Hope for Tomorrow
October 23, 2022 • Chan Mitchell
Albert Einstein once said, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” These words remind us that no one can change yesterday. Therefore, it’s important that learn from our mistakes, we live for today and hold onto hope for tomorrow. The Thessalonians were grieved and concerned about the future coming of the Lord and how it was going to affect their loved ones who had died. To help strengthen them, Paul offers some practical advice about how to live for today, while putting hope in Christ’s return for tomorrow.
A Life Pleasing to God
October 16, 2022 • Chan Mitchell
A genuine faith makes a difference in the way we live. Paul explains how this translates into specific areas of life. The first area that he addresses is sexual purity. The immorality of Thessalonica was certainly on his mind as he wrote this portion of the letter. Nothing destroys relationships, deepens shame, and destroys witness like sexual impurity, which has no place in the life of the redeemed. Paul addresses three truths in this passage that will enable us to avoid such destructive influences: 1.) our walk with God must be a priority; 2.) God’s will must be our guide; and 3.) God’s approval must be our passion. Because God has called us into holiness, we must flee from all forms of sexual immorality.
Now We Live
October 2, 2022 • Mark Hartman
In John 13 Jesus tells his disciples that all people will recognize their relationship to him if they have love for one another. This is something that Paul took very seriously and in this section of 1 Thessalonians he goes to great lengths to communicate his love for his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica. Seeing how Paul felt and behaved in this passage can help us learn how to open ourselves up to the power of God’s Spirit so that we can increase and abound in sincere love for one another and for all people just like Paul did.
Authentic Leadership
September 25, 2022 • Chan Mitchell
“Who am I when no one is looking?” Every pastor, church leader and ministry volunteer should ask themselves that question. Those called to be leaders in the Body of Christ are entrusted with the responsibility of being authentic at all times. 1 Thessalonians 2 shows us that effective spiritual leadership is a combination of character and authenticity. The Apostle Paul’s ministry to the Thessalonians was illustrated by both of those important qualities. Paul’s life and ministry were open for inspection, and he was not ashamed of what would be revealed. No spiritual leader today can authentically lead his/her people if he/she is more concerned with pleasing people rather than God.
Hope in Christ's Return
September 18, 2022 • Chan Mitchell
Paul traveled to Thessalonica around 49-50 A.D. The city was crucial to the Roman Empire and almost became the capital of the world because of the waterways that ran into it, and the amount of trade and commerce that took place there. Paul, Silas and Timothy led the charge as they shared the gospel to the people in Thessalonica. Along with sharing the message of Christ, they were there to encourage the believers and establish the church. The background of the church can be read in Acts 17:1-9. Paul’s letter (with help from Silas & Timothy) gave these new believers guidance for holy living, encouragement through suffering, and how to take hold of the living hope we all have through Jesus Christ.