As we begin our study this week in chapter four of Paul’s letter, we are going to be touching on the issue of sexual immorality. Specifically what that is by Biblical standards, the damage it causes in people’s lives, and how we are to live in light of God’s commands against such things as followers of Jesus. My prayer is that we will find clarity and not confusion, compassion and not condemnation, and an understanding of God’s unchanging standards in an ever changing world. Please be mindful of any young person/child who will be staying in the service as this message covers things that you may want to hear first, and then disseminate for yourselves as a family. We offer a nursery as well as a kids program which runs during our main services, and these may be a beneficial choice for those of that age group. 

This Sunday we begin our look at Paul and his concerns for a church he cannot visit for whatever reason. Timothy, his son in the faith, is sent to see how they are holding up under the pressures of being new Christians in a culture that dislikes them and their new way of living. As he is encouraged by what Timothy brings back for a report, Paul begins the discipleing of this church, and as we will see in chapter four, it sets the stage for some tough, yet clear teaching.

This Sunday being Memorial Day weekend, we want to take a moment to think about and be thankful for all those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Let’s reflect on the beautiful privileges we have and the country we live in, and thank God that there are those who have been called to the task of defending those freedoms. Our salvation, while free to us, came at great cost to our Father in heaven. May we never forget either of these truths.  As we gather, we will look at a short passage in Paul’s letter, revealing his heart. Simply put, he misses his friends in Thessalonica. We will be reminded as well that the devil is always at work, but that Jesus has won the ultimate victory for us -life everlasting. 

This Sunday, along with celebrating communion, we will be looking at the “consequences” of following Jesus that have come upon the Thessalonian Church. Paul, as a father to his children, exhorts, encourages and charges them to continue in their faithfulness. They are one of the first to understand the cost and are now being rejected by their own people, just as the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. It seems that the old enemy is working behind the scenes and through non-believers to try and stop the advancement of the Gospel. This sharing with others is the gift that God has given to us In Christ. It is a joy-filled and solemn encouragement from Paul. 

This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and we will be looking at the fifth commandment as well as the childhood of Jesus. Asking the questions: What does it mean to honor your Mom? Is it the same thing as obedience to her?    Mary, favored by God (Luke 1:28) and chosen to be the mother of Jesus, became a great example of what a Mom is to be. Jesus, her son, also became the best example of how one honors their parents.

God's people doubt His goodness and are skeptical of His kindness. They are relationally fractured, apathetic, and have turned their backs on Him. His message to them through the prophet Malachi is "Return to me, for I have loved you".