Dispelling Confusion About the Day of the Lord

Conrad Hilario
2 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Paul writes to the Thessalonians to correct false teachers who had frightened them into thinking they had missed the gathering of God's followers which will happen in the Day of the Lord. Several significant events must happen before the Day of the Lord. Paul shares these details to comfort and give hope to those suffering as they await this Day.

Living Hope in a Hopeless World

Mike Woods
2 Thessalonians 2:1-8

In the face of an increasingly hopeless culture, we will explore how we can have a living and tangible hope that brings buoyancy to our lives and opens hearts to the gospel.

Serving Love in the Body of Christ

Dennis McCallum
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

In this passage of 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul gives five of eleven imperatives for effective body life. (The first imperative was covered in the previous teaching) Here, he urges all to warn the lazy, encourage the fainthearted, care for the weak, have patience, and practice grace toward everyone. A community that practices these things will grow spiritually and be a compelling witness to the world of God's love and transformative power.

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.

Living with Hope

Scott Risley
1 Thessalonians 4:9-5:11

In God's plan for humanity, we were never meant to experience death, but since Adam and Eve sinned, we all have or will experience the evil of death. But Christians do not need to fear death as Scripture is clear, when we die, we go immediately to be with Jesus. Jesus promises to someday come back to earth to gather together those who have put their faith in Him, and take us to heaven, whether we have already died or are still alive on earth. Then the Tribulation period will begin.

Responding to Slander

Ben Foust
1 Peter 3:8-16

Peter challenges us to live a life that a watching world is compelled to demand an explanation for the hope they see in us. And we are to have ready a well-reasoned explanation that points to Jesus.

Lament: Faith Seeking Understanding

Jim Leffel
Jeremiah 15:10-21

Jeremiah laments to God about several of his doubts, and God responds to each one by reassuring Jeremiah of His presence and power.

A Model Church

Scott Risley
1 Thessalonians 1:1-8

The church described in 1 Thessalonians is a model church that we would do well to imitate because they were young and suffering but were happy. They were trusting God more every day and loving each other and those nearby in spite of their trials. They were clinging to their hope of eternity which gave them the ability to endure difficulties with joy.

Three Practical Guidelines for Prayer

Gary DeLashmutt
James 5:13-20

James has three practical guidelines for prayer. He encourages the cultivation of the habit of ongoing individual prayer. Involve other Christians in your prayer life. And pray for straying Christians.