Technology, urbanisation, pandemic isolation, crime and societal norms all converge in making us more and more self-aware and self-focused. We even tend to read Scripture through a selfish lens, rather than the God centred and other-centred priorities that Jesus taught. Ironically, self-centred lives lead to loneliness and a struggle for identity and purpose, whereas living out God’s design for the Church (Jesus’ body) grows and strengthens each individual member. We are part of Jesus body and we need to be cared for, and to care for every other member.

When we are faced with a lot of instructions at one time or a lot of tasks at one time, we need to deal with the most pressing, troubling ones first, right? That’s what’s happening when we get to this stage in Thessalonians. The Thessalonians needed to know how to build the Church and needed instruction, but first, they had to deal with the concept of the rapture. Now that Paul has addressed their concerns about the second coming, Paul moves on to give them powerful instructions on how to build the Church in Thessalonica.

God invites us to celebrate with Him, to feast with Him. From Ancient times, He prepares a place for us to gather and celebrate Him and what He’s done for us. We are told to remember Him and look forward to His promises by doing this until we gather in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Looking back and forward helps us to celebrate the present.

One of the reasons that Jesus was rejected by the Jewish nation is that they were expecting a military Messiah. The had waited centuries for the Messiah to liberate them from the oppression of the nations and restore the kingdom of Israel. They had expected these prophecies but missed the predictions of Christ’s suffering and humble sacrifice. The opposite can be true for the Church. We see the fulfilled prophecies of the suffering servant but neglect the predictions of the Conquering King. God is faithful, He fulfils all His promises, and that realisation is of immeasurable value to us the Church.

The Rapture is described as a mystery, having been prepared to hear about the return of Jesus Christ and being encouraged to persevere in works of faith, labours of love and steadfastness of hope, we come last to be informed about it’s details. It is wonderfully encouraging to hear that despite how we do and will suffer the effects of evil, Jesus Christ is the One to save us from the wrath to come.

The Holy Spirit takes great care to guide Paul to prepare the Church in Thessalonica to deal with the topic of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. What good is the right belief if it doesn’t lead to the right behaviour? More than three chapters have been written to prepare the Church to deal correctly with the teaching of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ before details of His return are discussed. These details, if dealt with correctly, help the Church to stay encouraged and focused on the works of faith and labours of love which lead to our holiness, without which nobody will see the Lord.

One of my favourite quotes from Martin Luther King is “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hatred cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” Love is a powerful thing! Today’s scripture is about how that power abides in a family context, referred to as brotherly love. The Thessalonians had to overcome a great deal in their journey of faith. The way they did it was to bound together in loving brotherhood and in doing so, they turned the world upside down!

Are we ready for Christ’s return? If we are then we’re ready to leave this world, in fact in many ways, we have already left this world. When we believe in Jesus Christ and repent of our sin, we say goodbye to our old identity, our old passions, fears and ambitions. We are new creations, set apart and changed so that we can grow to be more like Jesus every day. This pleases God, saves us from His wrath and gives us great joy in the midst of our suffering.

The way we pray for the Church and it’s people reveals our own faith. Paul is concerned for the faith, love and holiness of the church in Thessalonica. His prayer not only reveals his priorities, but will have us examining ours, especially in light of the promise that Jesus Christ can return at any moment. When He does, will we fit in with His Kingdom or the world’s?

The Bible records the prophecies and fulfilment of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead almost 2000 years ago. How can we trust the Bible and why Jesus His resurrection so important?

The events of the day of Jesus crucifixion are covered by the four Gospels. The greatest story that ever happened had been unfolding since the dawn of time and came to a dramatic head on the Passover, and the days that followed it, almost 2000 years ago. Listen to what happened from the experiences of John, the disciple who Jesus loved.

When Jesus fulfilled Zecharia’’s prophecy by riding down the Mount of Olives on the foal of a donkey, some acknowledged Him as Messiah, some rejected Him strongly and the majority remained indifferent. In the days that followed many who received Him as Messiah gave up on Him because He didn’t meet their expectations. He will return to the Mount of Olives, but before that happens, how will we receive Him?

Today we take part in the Lord’s table… It’s one of the two ordinances we’re given to carry out as believers in Jesus Christ. And to truly understand the impact of the Lord’s table, we need to back in time… To look at more of these stories. In fact, today, we’re going to cover more of Rehab’s story as we build-up to the Lord’s Table. As we take a look at these stories today, I want you to seriously consider them. These are not mythical stories like much of the world would have us believe. They are ancient realities that tell us about our creator and how we got to this point. When we understand the stories, we get a better grasp of the current state of the world and what our response should be.

The two spies that Joshua sent into Jericho were there to gather information for the coming invasion of the city, or were they? God soon destroyed the walls of Jericho and threw the city wide open. In hindsight, the reconnaissance didn’t seem all that necessary, but their visit was. Jericho’s walls were seemingly impenetrable, much like may literal and figurative walls keep us from spreading the Gospel. The story of Jericho teaches us valuable lessons on how God gets through to the people He has called.

One of the great tragedies of the Church is the way that worship can become an instrument of division and distraction. Self-centred expectations and desires dismantle its purpose and break down the Church instead of building her up. As we journey with Paul and Silas through their arrest, and meditate on the their imprisonment, we see the birth of a Church and how selfless God-centred worship was vital to its construction.

Worship is far more than singing, it’s the very thing that God created us for. Worship is the true response to the awesome power, beauty and glory of the God who created everything by the power of His Words. Worshipping God empowers us to do His work, strengthens us and unifies us as His body. It’s not surprising that something so powerful would be attacked and threatened by the enemy. Paul and Silas show us the power of worship and how to keep it pure and purposeful.

How often do we take time to think about all the people God has sent into our lives to help us become what He created us to be? Do we ever consider all the labour that has gone into getting us to where we are today? God is always at work, Jesus is building His Church and He sends people out to do the work of ministry. We need to be grateful for all the investment that has been poured into us, and then take a decision as to what we’re going to do with it.

Do you ever wonder why God is allowing such painful suffering and cruel treatment of people who are trying to live in faith and obedience to His Word? One of the ways that Paul encourage the Church through their suffering at the hands of persecutors, is to remind them that persecution is a sign that God’s Word is working in us, and to remind us that God will avenge His children with righteous wrath. We generally find it easier to focus on God’s love, but God’s wrath is part of His love and meditating on it is of great encouragement to His children, especially in times of suffering.

Do you ever wonder why God is allowing such painful suffering and cruel treatment of people who are trying to live in faith and obedience to His Word? One of the ways that Paul encourage the Church through their suffering at the hands of persecutors, is to remind them that persecution is a sign that God’s Word is working in us, and to remind us that God will avenge His children with righteous wrath. We generally find it easier to focus on God’s love, but God’s wrath is part of His love and meditating on it is of great encouragement to His children, especially in times of suffering.