THE BLOG
for the building of the church & the glory of God
Grieving with Hope
Take heart my friend, this world is not our home. This world is not eternal. The pain of grief will cease to exist in the arms of Jesus. Keep going. Soon, we will be home.
More and More
The good work you have been doing, friend—keep on, in increasing measure. It is the Lord working in you, and He will bring it to completion. The person you have been loving and serving, the sin you have repented of, the temptation you’ve been resisting, the work you’ve been doing faithfully. God is doing this work in you, and He has an endless supply of love and mercy and power for you. Do this more and more.
Walk in the Light
We are to shine the light of His everlasting love to the lost and broken world. Walking in the darkness of sin will only lead to hurt and broken hearts. Not only in our life, but in those around us. We all have someone that looks up to us. Therefore, we must take up our cross daily and follow Christ. We must also ask ourselves: “are my words and actions striving to point the ones around me toward the light of Christ, or are they pointing them back to the darkness of sin?”
Belonging to One Another
The Thessalonian church needed instruction, absolutely. In the final two chapters of this book, needed instruction would be given. Yet they also needed encouragement, prayer, and affection. Paul understood that their faith belonged in the context of the family of God, as does ours. We need each other, and the love of Christ is expressed through us in our love for one another.
Brother or sister in Christ, you are loved and you belong in the Body of Christ. Receive the love and affection, prayers and blessings, of those in your church and in your faith family. Give those freely to others as well, following Paul’s example. God has placed us in a family, belonging to one another as we follow Christ.
Stand Fast In The Lord
The Thessalonians did not stand fast in their own strength, or based on their own willpower. They stood fast in Jesus, because Jesus is the one who stood fast to the point of death, even death on a cross. When we look at the story of Jesus, not his death but his resurrection and ascension, we are reminded that no suffering in this life ever gets the last word. Every affliction leads to an even greater resurrection. Even if we suffer to the point of death, we can take comfort in knowing that we will rise with him.
Persevering & Finding Purpose
In 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20, Paul writes that he longed to return and see the Thessalonians but Satan blocked his way. This could have been through means of individuals as enemies physically and literally opposing Paul or the means of spiritual warfare, both very real and possible. So, when you face opposition in ministry, don’t stay defeated. Remember that the Lord is with you and He is your strength. Keep going.
The Cost of Carrying Good News
Every single day we get to come to the Bible and breathe knowing that every word is true. Every word is meant for our formation. Every word can be received for our conviction and exhortation. Our mind finds endless marvels to study. Our heart finds deep comfort and affection as Christ’s beloved. Our soul finds its true, eternal home.
Make Disciples & Be Discipled
Make disciples in every season of your life.
Be continually discipled by loving spiritual parents.
Follow the pace of Jesus so closely that you can confidently invite others to walk in love, righteousness, and freedom beside you.
Gospel in Action
Unlike the false teachers in which the Thessalonians had once encountered, Paul used words filled with the truth of the gospel. In this passage, He gives the church at Thessalonica a clear example of the gospel by reminding them of the way he had once presented it to them. He didn’t come with words of flattery or seeking glory from others, but truly lived in community. We too can implement these same practices when sharing the gospel in our everyday life.
Faithfulness Through His Power
As Paul writes to encourage the Thessalonians in their suffering and persecution, he reminds them of the faithfulness of God to work through the circumstances we face and to be with us and strengthen us.