·         Nothing should stop us from doing God’s Will.

1 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

·         Don’t isolate. We need other Christ-followers close to us

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

·         Adjust expectations on finding a perfect church. We are all imperfect

1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. (a ki ya)

·         Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”

·         Jon Courson: “When our upside is turned downside, what’s on the inside comes outside”

·         True disciple of Jesus:

·         Power for life change - Not just words

·         Deep convictions – assurance of faith

·         Imitating Christ

·         Holy Spirit Joy while suffering

·         Godly example to others

1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

·         If Jesus has changed our life, we will live differently. People will see a difference.

Romans 5:8-9 (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

·         3 Main Principles in this chapter:

·         1. Faith - Turn to Christ from idols/sin

·         2. Love - Serve God. Our faith should be visible to others

·         3. Hope – Joyfully endure waiting for Jesus’ return

·         Responses to the Gospel of Jesus

·         1. Reject – refuse or delay – don’t want to change lifestyle

·         2. Agree but head knowledge – little to no change

·         3. Surrender and repent – God’s power to help change

·         Call or text YES to 321.574.6970 if you have chosen to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.