Pastor Steve Thompson's podcast

Thankful to God for His calling of the Thessalonians.  Salvation is the great paradox taught in Scripture.   The reminder that God's calling into salvation comes through the Gospel which results in sharing in the glory of Christ.  The benediction is even about God.

It may seem the end is near but there will be definite signs.  Matt. 24:4-8.  The lawless one is a type of anti-Christ.  There are consequences for loving sin.  

Be wary of those that entice to sin.  The end result of those that sin.  The pursuit of wisdom, it is a treasure to be sought.   It does not come through intuition but through diligence in seeking God's Word.  

Jesus shepherds us throughout each day.  He shepherds us all of the days of our lives. Ps. 23: 1-2 - Childhood - Protection & Provision Ps. 23: 3 - Youth - Direction & Discipline Ps. 23:4-5 - Adulthood - Years of Challenge Ps. 23:6 - Years of Maturity - Evaluation, Reorganization, & Preparation

Jesus' return to earth is still future.  There will also be events that happen before He comes again.  There is a "man of lawlessness" or the anti-christ that is mentioned.  He will sit on the temple of God as if he were God.  Daniel 9:23-27 & Matt. 24:15-22 are also discussed.

Eschatology is the basis for standing firm in the future.  There is also a prayer to be counted worthy of our calling.  The present life of a believer should reflect the future reality.

Two things wait in eternity - rest and agony.  What is coming to the believers will be a comfort.  The inescapable destiny for rejecting salvation is judgement!  That is eternity without God.

God is eternal.  Our limited time is a reminder not to make ourselves the center of the universe. The righteous judgement of God on sin is why physical death occurred.  A person that numbers their days, values each and every day in light of their lifespan on earth.

Sound doctrine = Healthy doctrine = good for the well-being of the church.  Good reminder and encouragement for Christian women, both mature and young.

Why is feeling obligated to give God thanks healthy? Faith is described as increasing in abundance.  The issue of perseverance and faith are also talked about hand in hand with each other.  The persecution and trials demonstrate one being worthy of God's kingdom.

There are two similar prayers that have the same theme of sanctification like two bookends.  What is found in between the bookends is instructional.  There is a different outlook for fellow believers in death.  As all of Paul's letters end, this one also finishing with God's grace.

v.16-18 - The inner life of a Christian. v.19-22 - The importance of the Holy Spirit.

How to view leadership in the church. Individual interactions in the church.

Seven problems facing man. Seven solutions from the cross. Seven necessary things that required Jesus' resurrection. Various scriptures.

1) Luke 22:24-27, Who Is the greatest? 2)Mark 14:26-31, The prophecy of despair 3) Matthew 26:36-46, Intense Prayer 4) John 18:10-11, Peter, in response to the arresting party, lashed out in courage.

A closer discussion on "The Day of the Lord".  Follow-up of talking to the Thessalonians about the resurrection of the dead.  Will you be ready?

Where do believers go when they die?  An explanation that "absent from the body, present with the Lord." (2 Cor. 5:8b)

Sanctification in sexual relationships.  The body's design is for holiness not sinfulness.  Sanctification in dealing with other people, brotherly love.

A deeper look into sanctification.

Paul tells them about Timothy's return & that they want to visit but need to pray about it first.  Different things that Paul is praying about for them.  Personal application is that we all need to pray more.

Paul sends Timothy to check on the church in Thessalonica.  He also wanted to tell them that the reality of affliction was part of the curriculum.  He rejoiced to hear that they were growing in their faith.

Paul is writing that he is thankful for the church at Thessalonica and their response to the Word of God.  He tells them that other churches suffer persecution as well.  And that source of persecution is really about faith.

The Gospel cannot be superficial; God sees our hearts.

Paul, Silas & Timothy are grateful for the Thessalonians.  They bring the Gospel and start preaching in Thessalonica.

History & overview of the city of Thessalonica.  The influence of Alexander the Great, the role of Rome and the gospel getting to Thessalonica.