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Passage: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-16
When it comes to big changes or significant life events, most of us don't like surprises. We like to have a heads up, some kind of sign or indication that something is on the horizon. The Bible tells us the most significant event still to come in history, in fact the final culmination of all of history, the second coming of Jesus, could come at any moment. And while in that sense it will be surprising, it need not catch us by surprise as God has given us a heads up as to how to be prepared. In addressing some questions about Christ's return, Paul reminds the believers at Thessalonica, and us today, that certain things must happen before that day that give us a heads up that the day is near. These signs are not meant to confuse us, but to confirm to us the truth of God's promises in the gospel and the confidence we have in that truth. Join us Sunday as we look at what must happen before Christ appears.

Passage: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
When we think of judgment, the first image that often comes to mind is negative. We think of being judged wrongly or with the idea of penalty often connected with judgment. Even as believers we'd sometimes would rather not think about God's judgement. But judgment actually has a very positive element as well when it involves clearing the innocent and exercising rightousness and justice. On the Day of judgment at Christ's second coming, both will be true. It will a righteous judgment that vindicates and releases believers from all suffering to glory, and that also unleashes the vengeance of God upon all who do not know him or believe in his Son Jesus. This week, we will move into Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians where he continues to instruct the church on the details of Christ's return, and in particular to help them see that trials and suffering they are facing are actually an indication of God's righteous judgment both in affirming their worthiness as his children and in anticipating his wrath upon those who oppose him and his church. Join us Sunday as we resume our study in 1 & 2 Thessalonians and consider the righteous judgment of God in Christ's return.

Passage: Matthew 5:1-12
Paul's message to the Thessalonians tells us that these new, mostly non-Jewish believers, had experienced transformed lives. Paul is also clear that his instructions in how to live were grounded in what Jesus himself had revealed about kingdom living. This is why this week's excursion into the Sermon on the Mount, specifically the Beatitudes, provides a window into the characteristics Paul and the other apostles taught in terms of living lives that were to be pleasing to God. Join us this Sunday as we consider Kingdom Living in the Fallen World.

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:11
There have been countless books, articles and pamphlets written and predictions made on when Jesus will return. To this day, they all have missed the mark. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they don't need anything written on this, because all we know regarding that time for sure is that Jesus is coming and it will be sudden. For believers, this is not a matter of speculation or, even in some ways, surprise, but one of certainty and assurance. We've been given the light of day to see this grand event clearly and to meet if confidently in Christ. So of all people, Christians should be ready when Jesus comes again. Join us Sunday as we continue in Thessalonians encouraging one another with the truth that Jesus is coming!

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
We often associate advent with the season of Christmas and the anticipated, awaited hope of the birth of the Jesus. But because of Easter, we live in an ongoing season of advent hope, awaiting the coming of Christ again, at which time all those in Christ will be raised with him in glory to eternal life in his presence. And yet this second advent period is not without its grief, as we still face the trials of sin, the loss of loved one and the specter of death ourselves. Paul reminds us that when it comes to death, Christians do not grieve as those without hope, because we know Christ died and was raised from the dead. Therefore our hope is sure, and we will see him again. Join us this Easter Sunday as we celebrate our risen Savior and the resurrection hope that he will coming again so that we will always be with the Lord.

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
As Jesus entered Jerusalem on what has become known as Palm Sunday, he did so knowing that the week ahead held forth incredible suffering and ultimately a painful death by crucifixion. The power by which he was able to enter into and endure such trials was that of love. Love for his Father and love for those whom his death would redeem. He taught and demonstrated this love to his disciples on the night before his death, and he commanded them, "as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." (John 13:34-35) This love would be the defining mark of his followers. In Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, he commends them for having learned this love from God, and having lived it out among one another, and then he exhorts them to do so more and more. And the way he encourages them to demonstrate that love is by living a quiet life and working hard so as to be a good witness to outsiders. Join us Sunday as we consider what it means to live a quiet life of love that labors well.