Sunday, August 13, 2023

1 Thessalonians

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? The best encouragement that you’ve ever been given? Was it a coach, or a parent, or a friend? First, it’s just a good exercise to remember the ways that you’ve been recognized from time to time, and second, you may notice the most memorable recognition that you’ve received isn’t about something temporary. “Great haircut!” Just isn’t as meaningful as, “You always find ways to show people love.” When we someone takes the time to see something in us that is central to us, it’s a much more memorable experience.

The book of 1 Thessalonians is Paul’s letter to a church that he absolutely adores. They’re a people who aren’t currently struggling with any particular mess, aren’t currently in danger of falling for some new speaker or cultural ideas, they’re doing really well. While his letter includes some instructions to them, it’s much more in the tone of “keep at it” than “stop all that.” Paul takes the time to write up a letter just to let them know how proud he is of them, and he does it for all the right reasons.

This week we’ll be looking at Paul’s letter to the church in Thessaloniki, and we will consider the things in this life that are worth recognizing, and celebrating, as we follow Jesus together. Join us this week as we talk about the Thessalonians’ work of faith, their labor of love, and their steadfastness of hope.

See you Sunday!

Service times are at 9:30 & 11:00. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch live at those times.