North Valley Baptist Church North Valley Baptist Church - visitnvbc.com

There is a cost to being a following of Jesus and proclaiming His Gospel. As Pastor Scott teaches through 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20, we read the Apostle Paul continues to defend his and his co-workers ministry among the Thessalonians, and in doing so he demonstrate how they felt and thought concerning the Thessalonians, showing they did not willingly leave them, but were "torn away". In this we read of the suffering of the Thessalonians by the hands of their own countrymen, and how, by their suffering, they became imitators of the churches in Judea who suffered at the hands of fellows Jews. Here we recognize that following Jesus often leads to suffering persecution, but there is also the hope of reward that awaits faithful servants of our great God. 

When Paul and Silas were forced out of Thessalonica, due to persecution, those trying to destroy the faith of the new believers in Thessalonica, attempted to discredit Paul and his co-workers who had ministered to the Thessalonians. Paul, Silas, and  Timothy had ministered faithfully to the Thessalonians and so proved to be an example for the Thessalonians to follow, but if their characters would be dragged through the mud, then they were not able to be an example to the Thessalonians. Therefore, Paul defended his and his co-workers ministry among the Thessalonians, for the sake of the Thessalonians, and the work of the Gospel among them. Paul's ministry is not just an example to the Thessalonians, but also to us as well. As we, at North Valley, ask if we are a church like the Thessalonians, then we also want to ask, are we following Paul's example of a faithful ministry. 

In this sermon, we learn of Paul, Silas and Timothy's gratitude to God for the believers in Thessalonica, since they knew those in this church were God's chosen. Having been chosen by God the works of salvation were being produced in them, as they had received God's Word with much affliction, and so were imitators of Paul and his co-workers, and of Christ. In all of this the Thessalonians became an example for other believers in the surrounding area, as the Gospel went out from them and people were aware of the transformation that took place in them. In this then the Thessalonian church is an example for us to follow, that we would follow the Apostle's example and therefore, we too would become more like Christ, and become an example to those around us. 

In this sermon Pastor Scott introduces a new sermon series in First and Second Thessalonians. To begin with,  the focus is on First Thessalonians, where the Apostle Paul has written to a new church to encourage them in their faith, and give them instructions where they still need to grow, in light of the persecution they face. 

What makes you struggle with your prayer life? What keeps you from coming to God in prayer, expressing your needs, and seeking His will? Could it be that you lack confidence in God when you pray? Could that stem from having a low view of God? David had a high view of God. He saw God as utterly holy and righteous, and so he could trust that God would deal justly towards his enemies. This gave David confidence in God, that God would hear Him and he could expect God to respond to his prayers. 

During COVID-19, restrictions, lockdown, and even with so many losing their jobs, many have been left asking "How long?!" Whatever circumstances you find yourself in, or have been in, you may be asking "how long". As we look at Psalm 13 we find David asking that same question of God, as he suffered through his circumstances. Therefore, in Psalm 13 we see a model for how we are to processes our feelings, complaints, and sufferings in a God glorifying way.