Spritual Friendships

Scott Risley
1 Thessalonians 2-3

Spiritual friendships are awesome but Satan and suffering can be serious threats to our friendships. As we help each other grow in our relationship with God and each other, we can strengthen the friendship. We are called to increase and abound in love for one another and for all people.

Serving Love and Sexuality

Dennis McCallum
1 Thessalonians 4:1-5

Even secular studies confirm that God's standard for sexual integrity is the best way to go. The cultural beliefs about sex and marriage are overwhelmingly refuted by research data. The biblical path leads to a God-centered marriage where sexual love is reserved for marriage, where both spouses are growing toward God first , then toward each other.

Using Freedom for Love

Ryan Lowery
1 Corinthians 9:19-24

Paul calls for believers to set aside our personal freedoms and strong opinions for the sake of the gospel and showing God's love to others.

Serving Love in Community

Dennis McCallum
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

As we learn to love one another as Jesus loved us, we become a self-giving community of people who love each other under God's leadership.

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.

Ten Key Elements of Serving Love

Dennis McCallum
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

As Paul went around telling people the Good News, he made every effort to not invalidate his message by his behavior. He modeled these ten key elements of serving love. Serving love is counter-intuitive, based on the Good News, has integrity, is supremely valuable, and is also a "means of grace."

Reason-Based Faith

Dennis McCallum
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

God gave us the Bible so that we can make a reason-based decision to have faith in Jesus. He does not expect us believe based "on spiritual apprehension rather than proof." The Good News is backed by evidence, based on reasonable faith, and is free of charge.

The God Who Makes Us Wait

James Rochford
Exodus 32:1-34:35

As the Israelites grew impatient, waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain, they demanded Aaron make them a golden calf to worship. God often makes us wait to hear from Him. The pressure of waiting can lead to spiritual growth or it can lead to idolatry.

Living Stones

Ben Foust
1 Peter 2:4-10

As living stones in God's spiritual temple, we are a part of what God is doing in the world. As living stones we are different, serve together, and have purpose.