Paul was a great missionary because of his passion for the people he served. Most people are not shepherds in the strict sense of being a pastor of a church (the word pastor means shepherd), but with a general love of people, we can all treat people like family, under the care of one Good Shepherd who does delegate his work to many people for specific times and settings. We’re glad you’re here to learn from Paul’s good shepherding and from his teacher, the Good Shepherd.
A famous actress once said, "It's useless to hold a person to anything he says while he's in love, drunk, or running for office." A less punchy way to say the same thing is "integrity matters." Paul discovered that the message, even the message of the gospel, is inextricably tied up in the messenger. Integrity matters. God's grace covers our imperfections, but the same grace moves us to integrity. We're not perfect, but we are redeemed. Today, we gather to learn from Paul's teaching on the subject in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16, to receive grace and to pursue integrity. We’re so glad you’re with us. If we can serve you in any way, please let us know.
Two distinct elements can combine to create something wonderful. Hershey did that with peanut butter and chocolate; the result is the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. The Lord did that with a man and a woman; the result is marriage. This weekend we combine two distinct elements: the miracle of Jesus' resurrection and the beginning of a new study of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. The result, should the Spirit grant it, is growth in Christian faith and life. Is that what you seek? We'd love to help you. This is the first of our four-month study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. We invite you to study with us, see the difference Easter made for the Christians in Thessalonica, and savor and give thanks for the difference it makes in us.
“It was bound to happen.” When have you said that? The phrase applies equally to an unwelcome event (“The way he drove, an accident was bound to happen”) and to a happier experience (“As gifted as she is, the promotion was bound to happen”).
The phrase applies to Jesus, too. Jesus was “cross-bound”—given his love for sinners, his obedience to his Father, and the weight of guilt, he was bound to suffer and die. But Jesus took up his life again; it was bound to happen because he rules over death, and his sacrifice satisfied the justice of God. After Jesus paid the penalty of sin, he was “cross-freed.” His resurrection, too, was bound to happen. May these worship services help you acknowledge Jesus: both cross-bound and cross-freed.
“It was bound to happen.” When have you said that? The phrase applies equally to an unwelcome event (“The way he drove, an accident was bound to happen”) and to a happier experience (“As gifted as she is, the promotion was bound to happen”).
The phrase applies to Jesus, too. Jesus was “cross-bound”—given his love for sinners, his obedience to his Father, and the weight of guilt, he was bound to suffer and die. But Jesus took up his life again; it was bound to happen because he rules over death, and his sacrifice satisfied the justice of God. After Jesus paid the penalty of sin, he was “cross-freed.” His resurrection, too, was bound to happen. May these worship services help you acknowledge Jesus: both cross-bound and cross-freed.
All rights reserved. Music used by permission under CCLI #1600166, OneLicense #A-709447, and Worshipflow.com. Video music used by permission from Bensound.com. Pre-service music all rights reserved by Koine (koinemusic.com) & Michael Schroeder.
Jesus’ state of humiliation was the time during which he did not make full use of his heavenly power and glory. To many, he looked weak, and he died a criminal’s death. Palm Sunday was a day of humility; Jesus’ triumphal entry was overshadowed by the details of glory that it lacked and by what was coming. Daniel 12 gives answers to those who ask whether their humiliation is part of God’s plan and how long it will endure. Despite Jesus’ humility, he rose, and everyone will eventually acknowledge him as Lord. Vindication was already God’s plan 570 years before Jesus died. Let’s study Daniel 12 and find out what it means for you.