“A FAITH, LOVE, AND HOPE CHURCH”

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

· Did you read the sign?

· “Abaka” = people on fire

· Our 2023 challenge

BACKGROUND:

1. Paul’s difficult, but fruitful, ministry in Thessalonica. Acts 17:1-10

2. Paul’s frustrated efforts toward a return to Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18

3. Paul’s encouragement open hearing good news from Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8

THE THESSALONIAN CHURCH 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

1. They welcomed the gospel message. v. 6

2. They became imitators of Paul and the Lord. v. 5-6

3. The became a model to other believers. v. 7

4. The Lord’s message rang out from them. v. 8

5. Others were telling their story. v. 9-10

6. They had become a faith, love, and hope church. v. 3

OUR CHALLENGE: To be a “faith, love, and hope” church.

THE QUESTIONS:

What does that look like?

Will we all be on board?