Sun, Apr 09, 2023
Duration: 41 mins 19 secs
Grace gets the last word as Paul ends his friendly letter to the Thessalonians. This is as it should be: grace is the central reality of life with Jesus. We are saved by grace, live by grace, and grow in grace. And we need God's grace because we are woefully incomplete without it. Hence, Paul's prayer that believers be made whole in Jesus. Wholeness does not come from more money or children, better work or fitness, good friends or growing influence. Wholeness is found in Christ alone.
Sun, Apr 02, 2023
Duration: 46 mins 47 secs
The letter to the Thessalonians ends with a recital of house rules. He fires off the instructions to conclude this friendly letter to ensure the church remains healthy. These words address leadership, community, perspective, and discernment. These principles are still relevant for healthy churches.
Sun, Mar 26, 2023
Duration: 41 mins 10 secs
Jesus will return. He will come suddenly, but this should not surprise us. He predicted it. Paul wrote about it. In the meantime, our job is to be ready and stay steady. This includes putting on God's armor, living as a child of light, and avoiding the traps and distractions all around us.
Sun, Mar 19, 2023
Duration: 43 mins 25 secs
Loss is inevitable in this life. The longer we live the more we lose. Grief is the natural response to these losses. It is especially good to grieve when a loved one dies. However, grief must not last forever. Christians have hope in everlasting life, resurrection, and reunion with our loved ones in Christ. This sermon will encourage us to grieve well and hope better.
Sun, Mar 12, 2023
Duration: 48 mins 13 secs
If Simple Living sounds like a magazine title, it's because it is. If it sounds too easier said than done, it's because it is. Living simply is counter cultural. We live in a busy, noisy, greedy age. We want more and do more to get it. We do more and want more as a result. This is not good for Christian witness. Thus, Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonians remains relevant: keep striving to live simply. We can do less, buy less, and speak less to excel more for Jesus.
Sun, Mar 05, 2023
Duration: 48 mins 13 secs
Sex is everywhere. Our world treats it like it's everything. Sadly, sexual brokenness abounds. Paul writes to the Thessalonians about their ongoing spiritual formation. Sexual integrity is one aspect. Though sexual immorality seems to affect a minority of the church, Paul addresses it, knowing the promiscuous port city may tempt them. Sexual integrity is about avoiding self-indulgence, respecting others, and embracing God's design. Finally, sex outside of marriage is not the unpardonable sin. God's grace runs deep.
Sun, Feb 26, 2023
Duration: 41 mins 11 secs
Prayer is a way of connecting with God. We share our heart for him. We express our love for others. This conversation should overflow in our lives. Paul prayed like this for the Thessalonians while apart from them. It is a model prayer.
