Ministry 911

• We’ll see Paul transition away from the method of offering truth in response to lying rumors to more of a streamlined focus of offering truth without any more regard for the rumors. It was as if Paul was saying:
  • You’ve heard the rumors
  • We’ve acknowledged them
  • We’ve responded to them
  • Now, lay them aside, put them to rest, and focus only on what is true (a great theme that comes up again in chapter 4:8)

After doing so, Paul will continue by pealing back the layers of his heart a little more, expressing more intimately, how affectionately and fatherly he, Silvanus, and Timothy felt toward the Thessalonian church.

Looking today at 1 Thessalonians chapter 2, we’ll delve into the first five verses where we see Paul defending the reasons and motives behind his, Silas’ and Timothy’s earlier visit.  We’ll see more about Paul’s boldness and even be challenged to reflect on the level of boldness we might show when faced with similar trials.

Message provided to area fellowships related to stretching faith.  Tackling curious concepts and emotions seemingly perceived by the disciples, to which we can relate to today.  Why did Jesus seemingly delay His help?  Why walk, instead of run, when help was needed?

Looking today at 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 we’ll be reminded of those old mimeograph machines that turned your hands blue with each new copy.  You’ll also hear a fun story related to my dad’s gate and learn a little something about steel weights being piled upon your chest… how can you feel joy amidst that?

In 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 we’ll explore a few different Bible study approaches, including “word studies” and a rather unusual approach I take.  We’ll specifically look at Paul’s word choices of “Beloved” and “Brethren” and why those terms greatly challenged societal norms. We’ll also peak into the concept of election and answer the question: “What must I do to be loved?”

In verses 2 and 3, we'll explore some extreme words like "always" and "without ceasing" in light of Paul's burdens for the Thessalonians, as well as certain God-given character trains these men and women in Thessalonica were already beginning to show.  We'll also examine what it meant for Paul to be a father to the Thessalonians, the responsibilities of these new believers and the implication for us, today.

Looking at Paul’s greeting, we’ll unpack some observations on Christian unity, identify some “best wishes” and exactly who those “best wishes” were from and finally explore a key phrase actually omitted from most current-day prints. 

We’ll look at some of the reactions these men received upon their arrival, and why some of what happened necessitated they leave after just a few weeks, the herculean effort the Lord performed through these men, the role that Timothy played after their visit, and some of what prompted the passion behind Paul’s first letter to what had become the first church in Thessalonica.

Paul's letter to the body of believers in Thessalonica came shortly after a rather unanticipated visit to them in the early 50's a.d.  We'll learn of the people's diverse culture and power, as well as the original name given to this area of land which had something to do with... mosquitos.

MINISTRY 911 exists as a first-responder providing interim support to ministries free of charge.  This podcast series consists of Biblical teaching, business spotlights and guest interviews focusing on day-to-day living and community outreach.