Three Responses to God's Goodness

Patrice McCormac

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Regardless of our circumstances, we are called to have three responses to God's goodness. First, we are challenged to rejoice always in Christ no matter how good or bad are the circumstances. It is a choice we make to see God at work in the midst of our circumstances. Second, we are to pray without ceasing. We are to have an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day. Third, we must give thanks in everything, but not for everything. We have only to look at the cross to see our source of thankfulness.

Where Is God?

Chris Risley

1 Samuel 4-6

The incident where the Israelites tried to use the Ark of the Covenant as a magical talisman in order to win a battle against the Philistines demonstrates the reality that God cannot be controlled by anyone. He is in control even when it does not seem so. God uses pain and suffering to get our attention so that we will turn to him. He does not want any to perish but wants all to receive eternal life.

The Justice of God

Scott Risley

2 Thessalonians 1:1-9

The suffering Christians experience from living in a fallen world will be evidence God presents in the last days when He returns to put the whole world on trial for rejecting His offer of forgiveness. God's righteousness demands He punish evil. Although Hell is an uncomfortable topic, it is real and no one goes there that did not make a choice to reject the alternative, Heaven.

Introduction to 2 Thessalonians

Conrad Hilario

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Paul writes this letter to the Thessalonians to address the growing persecution they were enduring, the false teachers forging letters in Paul's name, and the growing problem of laziness. God allows suffering for future evidence of His justice, and to further His kingdom, God's future justice comforts believers now. God allows persecution in order to produce spiritual growth.

Who You Really Are

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

It's easy for people to view their mental health diagnoses or traumatic histories as their identity. This session explores biblical identity and its power for lasting change.

God's Call

Mike Sullivan

Ezekiel 1:1-2:7

Through God's call of Ezekiel, we can observe that God often calls people to do His work in times of difficulty.

Follow Up: Growth, Persecution, and Judgment

Dennis McCallum

2 Thessalonians 1:1-10

God, in all His amazing wisdom, is able to use the suffering and persecution Christians receive, to grow us spiritually. He promises that those who persecute us will come under eternal judgment, if they refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus.

Leading Through Difficult Trials

Ben Foust

1 Peter 5:1-4

While Peter exhorts all Christians to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right, in this passage, he specifically addresses leaders. He calls on leaders to shepherd the flock because they are fellow partakers of Christ's suffering and glory, to lead with the attitude, motivation, and authority of one who will share in His glory.

Fervent Love

Ben Foust

1 Peter 4:7-11

Peter is encouraging Christians to have a fervent love for one another, even in the midst of trials. This present suffering is not the whole picture. Having an eternal focus allows us to endure trials and exert effort to love others, which brings glory to God.