1 Thessalonians // Pastor Gene Pensiero Calvary Hanford

Every chapter in Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians ends with a reminder that the Lord is coming. (Pastor Gene Pensiero)

If you are saved, it’s because you were chosen by God before the foundations of the earth. The sovereign God of creation foreknew you and He predestined you.All Christians believe what I just said. You have to believe it because it is what the Bible unequivocally teaches.Having said that, it must be admitted that there is wide disagreement on exactly how you were chosen and what God foreknew and when you were predestined. (Pastor Gene Pensiero)

The apostle Paul described the church of the Thessalonians in the last portion of chapter one. He said they were an “example” to other churches. This is how we should want to be described. (Pastor Gene Pensiero)

In our text, in verse four, Paul describes the Gospel as something that had been “entrusted” to he and his companions. From the particular word he chose, his readers would have understood that he was comparing himself to a steward – the chief servant in a great household. (Pastor Gene Pensiero)

When Paul uses the illustration of the parent – whether the mother or the father – it is not to command authority over them or demand respect from them. It is the qualities of being a mother or a father that he applies to his ministry among believers. (Pastor Gene Pensiero)

Our text would be a great monologue to describe the Tribulation Zone. Paul used several words to describe what you can expect as a Christian in this world. (Pastor Gene Pensiero)