We start the Gospels, with
Matthew who presents Jesus as
the Christ, Israel’s messianic King.
Mark presents Jesus as the Servant
who gave his life for mankind.
Luke presents Him as the perfect
Son of Man saving the lost.
And John presents Jesus as
Son of God offering eternal life.
We have also covered Acts which
chronicles Growth of the church.
Turning to the Pauline epistles:
In Romans, Paul gives a sample of his
message before he arrives in Rome.
And First and Second Corinthians,
Living for Christ in corrupt society.
In Galatians, Paul calls Christians
to faith and freedom in Christ.
In Ephesians, Paul strengthens
the believers in their faith by
explaining the purpose of the church.
In Philippians, strengthens believers
by showing that true joy comes
from Jesus Christ alone. And in
Colossians, Paul shows believers
have everything they need in Christ.
And Paul writes 1 Thessalonians
to encourage them. They were
being persecuted and he urges
them to persevere. Their city is
full of sensual temptation and
he exhorts them to hold to
Christian standards. Finally he
corrects some misunderstanding
about the return of Christ.
As the believers face growing
persecution, Paul writes 2 Thess to
encourage them God’s judgment
will eventually bring about justice.
He dispels the rumour that the
Day of the Lord has already come.
They had concluded they were living in the tribulation and quit their jobs.
Paul exhorts them to return to work
& stop burdening the body of Christ.
Instead they are to use the time
they have and not be weary in
well doing before Christ returns.
We will cover the two letters
to the Thessalonians in two weekends over four sessions:
1Ths 1-3: Faithfulness to the Lord
1Ths 4-5: Watchfulness for the Lord
2Ths 1-2: Hope in Christ’s Return
2Ths 3: Living in Light of His Return
Lord as we meditate, help us
be strengthened in our faith,
be remain faithful to the Lord;
be Prepared for Your Return.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.