February is the month we think of “love”. Pastor Mike agrees this might be so, but maybe not for the best of reasons. Nevertheless, the Apostle John talks about Love in a more important way. Yet it still has a practical side, which Pastor Mike brings out in today’s sermon.
Always With the Lord
Hmm. Interesting how what we might have experienced in the late 1970s in the US could possibly have been the experience of Christians in Thessalonica in the 1st Century. Uncertainty of what to do in light of the eminent return of Jesus and the death of believers who died before Jesus returned. Hmmm. What to do?
Holiness or Healing?
Invalid for 38 years. “Do you want to be healed?” The response is a shocking list of excuses why that is not possible. And yet this does not deter Jesus from healing the man, who obviously thinks his situation is hopeless, and who really is hopeless, save Jesus enters his life.
Pleasing God
It is very common in St Paul’s letters [in the New Testament] to begin with theology and then double back with practical application of the theological truths he has attempted to present, to teach, to reinforce. Such is the case in his first letter to the Thessalonians. Listen as Jim Scullion preaches from 1 Thess 4.
Remember Who You Are
The Lion King – this movie might date you… But Pastor MIke did reference it to make the point that Christians need to remember, need to be reminded, who we are as children of God. As members of God’s family. And that once we remember that, that we are expected to be ambassadors for God, to plead with those who have not yet come to faith, to be reconciled with the God who is waiting to have the relationship restored.
Prayer Against Complacency
Direct. Make. Establish. These three words form the backbone of St Paul’s prayer for his dear church in Thessalonica. They are actions that St Paul prays God will take on behalf of the believers there. Jim Scullion ends by asking if we pray like this for our church.
Sign Faith, Real Faith
Today’s sermon continues in Pastor Jeff’s series from St John’s gospel. In today’s Scripture, we again see two examples of faith: one not real, the other real, true faith. Faith is not natural for human beings. Well, at least not Christian faith. Which might be a good reason to listen to today’s sermon.
Four Basic Things
What “Four Basic Things” might St Paul be trying to get across to his readers in Thessalonica? You’ll have to listen to Jim Scullion’s analysis in today’s sermon.