1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1 HCSB

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace. We always thank God for all of you, remembering you constantly in our prayers. We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing your election, brothers loved by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we were among you for your benefit, and you became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For the Lord’s message rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out. Therefore, we don’t need to say anything, for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead —Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

How does the gospel go out from (you) FBC Elkhart? (v.8 the Lord’s message rang out from you) For FBC, things like food pantry and

If there were three things we were known for, what would they be? (faith, love, hope)

The heritage of Macedonia does not match the current state of the church there. How do we secure the heritage of the church here? The next generation has to be included.

AND YOU:

Imitators of the Lord, even through persecution: Andrew Brunson and SE Asia

As You have been to me, so I will be to others.

Mercy begets mercy. Love is a response to lovliness.

Welcomed (received) the message WITH JOY: vegetable garden

Became an example

Lord’s message rang out from you, ‘as you went’. Great Commission - and teach them all I have commanded you. You will be my witnesses. Like ‘when you fast’.

Others bear witness: you turned from idols to serve God, waiting for His Son from heaven.

I am responsible, but I dont do it alone. Galatians 6:2

Spirit of God who lives in me

The rest of the body of believers

We fit!

Christ is the head.

Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Rapture or judgement?

Questions for today:

What role does the church play in our society? Community? How far do you think we reach?

For what do you thank God for as you pray for our church?

What does it mean that God has chosen You? How would you explain that to someone who doesnt believe in Christ?