As you grow in your faith and share your love for God with others, some will make fun of your faith. Not everyone believes in the truth that God is good and in the hope that Jesus is coming back. But God knew you would feel embarrassed sometimes. He knew you would have days of doubt or times of loneliness. So, God sent many before you and worked through them so you would know it is possible to follow Him for a lifetime! Following Him will bring more fulfillment and joy to your soul than anything the world could ever offer!
Before Paul wrote the books of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, Paul and Silas had visited Thessalonica, an ancient city in Greece. They shared the Good News with the Thessalonians, and many of them believed in the truth and hope of God in the very first month! These particular people became the very first church community. It was a very exciting time for the Kingdom!
However, as quickly as they claimed Jesus as their King, they were accused of betraying Caesar- the ruler of Rome. These accusations turned into slander, stoning, and the harshest of punishments. Paul and Silas fled the danger of the city but were concerned about the new followers they left behind. They wished they could be with them to remind them every day that God loves them. So Paul wrote the letters of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians to encourage and strengthen believers in their absence. God gives us joy and peace in the middle of the hardest times of our lives, and Paul wanted them to remember God and grow in their faith, not shrink.
“And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13
People in your school, your family, your neighborhood and those portrayed on social media and in TV shows can make you feel dumb or not cool for following Jesus. Our culture values popularity and getting whatever you want, no matter the cost to yourself or others. But God cares for you infinitely more than the world! His wisdom and knowledge are greater than all of the smartest people on earth added together. And His love not only takes the best care of us but He also teaches how to care for others too. One way God proves His unique and unmatchable love for us is through the gift of His Son, Jesus.
When you are facing hard times in your life, use the gift of Scripture to remind yourself not to give up. Nothing is too hard for our God, and He never leaves us, even when we lack faith in Him. God’s Word proves, again and again, it is not outdated because we all need the very same comfort and confidence today the Thessalonians needed over 1900 years ago.
For the next six-weeks, we will study who walked with God before us, what they faced, and how they kept going even when it was hard. We will also take a closer look at why they kept going – because they continued to believe the promise that Jesus is coming back! And there are many, many rewards that come from serving Him today while we wait patiently for His return. He is worth the wait! We hope this study gives you the confidence you need to build a strong foundation in Christ because a life rooted in Him is rich with eternal rewards!
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STARTS ON MONDAY!!!!!
Let’s not forget all the people around the world who are persecuted for their faith in Christ. Yes, feeling “not cool” is valid, but at least we have freedom of speech and religion in America. We should not reduce Thessalonians to simply not being popular.
Looking forward to this study!
I am so excited to share my love of Jesus with others, I hope I am able to do because I do not have great knowledge of computers but I do of loving Jesus and He loving us!
Loving Jesus and letting others know how much Jesus loves us
This ‘blog’ has excited me to start the study. This book of the Bible has always been a favorite and now will become even more precious. YES–JESUS IS WORTH THE WAIT as is said in the blog. BUT I am anxious to see Him FACE TO FACE.
Excited to begin this new study!
Ready to join you in this study. A much needed encouragement for today. Grace and Peace in God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
I am excited to be joining you in this study!
I love Christ Jesus, my Lord and my God, with an undying love. He is my lif; my everything. I live because He loves me and lives in me.
Do you need to buy the accompanying study or can you just use your Bible?