Man…the post below is so encouraging…I love seeing our young people engaged in the exploration of who Christ is.

This Sunday, we’ll be looking at 1 Thes 4:13-18.  (The Message version)

As we remember, the church in Thessalonica had just been planted, when Paul and company had to leave town under threat of violence.  That meant that these new Christians didn’t have much time to learn a very detailed theology or set of doctrines which could define their faith.  On top of that, they were now facing pressure and persecution for believing in Jesus as the Christ.  When Paul sent Tim to find out how they were doing, we glean from the verses we’ll look at that they had some questions about what they should believe…and what they were waiting for.

The Christians of the early church were all expecting that Jesus was going to return any minute, they had no idea it would take as long as it has.  For them, the pressures they were facing made sense if Jesus were just about ready to burst on the scene.  But then, before Jesus had time to come back, some from their group died.  “Now what?” they may have asked?  Do they miss out?  Did Jesus fail in their case?  Did they mess up somehow?

Paul sets out to answer these questions they apparently posed, and gives them a crash course in eschatology.  In v13-14 Paul says that he doesn’t want them to be sad like people who have no hope.  That small statement is huge in it’s implication!  What is the greatest threat that mankind faces?  What is the strongest threat any tyrant can impose upon a people?  With that quick phrase, Paul tosses finality out the window, and effectively pulls the rug out from under death’s imposing presence.

What does Paul cite as the basis for this hope? (v14)

V15-17 are the foundational verses that support the doctrine of “the rapture” of the church.  How do you interpret what he’s writing there, in light of the context of comforting people who were concerned about their deceased loved ones?   What is the emphasis of v17, in your opinion?

Paul indicates how this doctrine should effect them, in v18.  What effect does the doctrine of the end of this world and Christ’s return have on you?

Stuff to ponder.  See yer’ Sundee.

Just a quick reminder, we’re having a meeting after 2nd service ( 1-18-08 ) for anyone interested in getting an update on Eastgate finances, hearing our present state and future plans, and meeting the supervisors of the various ministries we have currently in place.  Hope you can make it.

This Sunday we’ll be reading all of 1 Thessalonians 3.  Also read it in The Message version.

In this section, Paul is recounting why he sent Timothy to them, what he heard from Timothy that encouraged him, and what his prayers are for them.  In this section, we get an insight into what Paul was concerned about for them as they went through the hardships of persecution for their faith….and I believe his concerns reveal some truths we need to keep in mind concerning the troubles WE face, as 21st Century, American Christians.

In v1-3, Paul is relieved that they weren’t thrown by the fact that they faced troubles.  He reminds them about the reality of hard times…what does he say about them?  How do we apply that to our OWN lives, as we face hardships?

In v4, Paul is relieved that their troubles didn’t result in something undesirable.  What is it?  What does that encourage us to be on guard about when we face difficult circumstances?

In v5-9 Paul goes over the good report that Tim gave him…and in v11-13, he tells the Thessalonians what he’s praying for concerning them.  What is the heart of his prayer, in v12?  What do we take then, as the priority of our journey, even in hard times?

Stuff to think on.  See you Sunday!