Grace’s Latest Messages
From Sorrow to Joy (John 16:16-24)
The other night Becca and I watched the final episode of the NBC drama series, This is Us.
(Don't worry - there won't be any spoilers below).
I'm not sure if you watched this show or not, but it's goal seems to be to make people cry. Every episode. For six seasons.
What was interesting to me about the final episode was how they attempted to bring joy out of sorrow from a secular perspective. They clearly wanted to end on a happy note, while honoring all the grief and loss the characters had gone through. But without God or the hope of the gospel, the end result was a series of trite cliches (well-acted, beautifully shot, and musically enriched, sure, but still cliches) about finding meaning in the little things in the midst of sorrow.
This week at Grace, we're going to look at John 16:15-24, where Jesus promises his disciples that their sorrow would be the root of their future joy in a concrete and real way because of what he would do on the cross.
Hope to see you Sunday at Grace as we explore how the cross in our source of hope and joy in the midst of sorrow, too.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. If you'd like to know more about what's going on at Grace, I'm trying out a new monthly newsletter with ministry updates on the church called "Inside Grace." You can see the first issue here and let me know what you think or if you'd like to be on the recipients list in the future.
“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
- John 16:16-24
Jesus and the Holy Spirit (John 16:4b-15)
This week at Grace, we're going to look at Jesus' provocative statement that we're better off without him (John 16:5-15).
How could that be? Wouldn't you give anything to be able to switch places with the first disciples and see the feeding of the five thousand, the raising of Lazarus, or hear the sermon on the mount firsthand?
How could we be better off without Jesus here?
Jesus' answer in this week's passage is that the Holy Spirit makes his physical absence not only endurable but preferable.
Let's talk Sunday about why that is.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
- John 16:4b-15
What To Do When They Don't Like You (John 15:26-16:4a)
How does the rejection of other people impact you?
Are you someone who can easily shake it off, or do you brood over snide comments, rolled eyes, and derisive laughter?
I wish I could say I have thick skin but more often I'm in the second camp. It's painful to have people (especially those people close to us) disdain those parts of us that are most precious to us, especially our faith. Whether it's a family member, a friend, or a romantic interest, being scorned and shamed hurts.
In our passage this week at Grace (John 15:26-16:4), Jesus helps us prepare for the rejection of others as a result of our Christian faith.
Jesus knew that his first disciples, as well as all of us who followed him, would face the same painful experiences he did.
Let's look at the resources Jesus gave us to prepare for living in a conflicted world.
Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.
“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.
- John 15:26-16:4a
The More You Know (John 15:12-27)
If you had the choice to enter a love story or a hate story, which would you choose? If you said, “hate story” I’d be concerned about you.
The fact of the matter is we don’t have a choice. As followers of Jesus we enter both. But we’re not alone to navigate these stories.
John 15:12-27 is about love, hate, and help. Read it through a few times before Sunday and you’ll be better prepared to hear it with others.
Many blessings,
Pastor Tim
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.
- John 15:12-27
Living With Jesus (John 15:1-11)
What is it like to live with you? What do people who interact with you regularly become like? Do you rub off on them, even change them?
This week at Grace we're going to look at John 15:1-11. In it, Jesus describes himself with another of his "I AM" statement (which are tentposts of Jesus' identity in John); in this one, Jesus says, "I am the true vine" and that we are his branches. When we abide in him (that is, live in him), it changes who we are. Through connection with him, we are able to bear fruit we never could otherwise.
So, how do we do that? And what does "fruit" look like? Let's talk about it together on Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
- John 15:1-11
I Believe in Jesus...Now What? (John 14:12-31)
I'm writing this the day after Easter Sunday, and I must admit, I'm a little bummed out. The hard-boiled eggs have (thankfully) all been found, my Easter bonnet has been put away for another year, and "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!" is all but a faint memory in my head.
Now what?
And it would be easy for me to say, "cheer up, Chris. Only 36 weeks until Christmas!" But that seems a little superficial, especially after hearing Jesus's words that He's "the way, and the truth, and the life." How shall we live in light of those profound words?
Join me this week at Grace as we dive into John 14:12-31 in our "Now What?" series. I believe we'll get a clearer picture of what life could look like in light of Christ's resurrection and ascension.
He is (still) risen!
-Pastor Chris
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.
- John 14:12-31
The Hope of Easter (John 14:1-11)
This Sunday is Easter, the celebration of the most pivotal day in history - when Christ conquered death not only for himself but for all who believe in him.
I've been thinking a lot this week about why Easter matters so much to us. Not the holiday itself (though I love a good Cadbury creme egg as much as anyone), but the event of Jesus' resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:3, Paul makes clear that there is no gospel without the resurrection.
For Easter this year we're beginning a new series from John 14-16 called, "Now What?" Because Jesus anticipated his own death and resurrection, he prepared his disciples (and us) for what life could be like afterward.
These three chapters from John are profound, challenging, and rich. Jesus shows us why his resurrection matters for our relationship to God, how it brings life to us, and what is possible now as a result.
I'm eager to explore them with you over these next couple of months in order to live as people of the resurrection.
Looking forward to celebrating with you on Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. We'd love for you to come to any of the three Easter services (8:00, 9:30 and 11:00). We're expecting that the 9:30 AM service will be the most heavily attended, so if you'd like to help create space for visitors (or you just like more elbow room) consider coming to 8:00 or 11:00 AM.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
- John 14:1-11
The End of 1 Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 5:23-28)
"I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers." (1 Thessalonians 5:27)
This week at Grace, we're reaching the end of our series in 1 Thessalonians. One of the final things that Paul writes is a declaration that this letter is for all of us. There is something sacred, significant, and substantial in this section of Scripture that we all need.
So, here's what I'd love for you to do: Before you come to church on Sunday (or tune in online), read the whole of 1 Thessalonians and reflect with God on what you've learned over these last few months.
As you read through the book, look for these major themes that come up one more time in the concluding paragraph of the book:
- The Return of Jesus
- The Pathway to Holiness
- Our Need for One Another
This Sunday in the sermon we'll cover the last paragraph of the book as a lens to review the book as a whole.
Look forward to seeing you on Sunday at Grace!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. We'll be celebrating five baptisms during the 11:00 AM service this Sunday! Please pray for Bill, Emma, Meg, Zach, and Grayden as they take this significant step of faith.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Brothers, pray for us.
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
Don't Throw the Baby Out With the Bathwater (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)
There are a lot of phrases we use in our everyday talk that, if you stop and think about it, are pretty absurd.
“It’s raining cats and dogs.”
Really? What kind? I hope the small kind! Is there a 40% change of chihuahuas this afternoon?
“You have to get your ducks in a row”
What are we farmers? What happens if our ducks are not in a row? Will they form a union and demand better living conditions?
“Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater”
Now, who would ever do that?
I appreciate that the English language is colorful and avoids the boredom of just saying “it’s raining hard today” or “you need to make sure you’re things are in order.” I bet you do too.
Now about that baby and the bathwater. That particularly absurd phrase came to mind this week as I was preparing to preach 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophecies,
but test everything; hold fast what is good.
Abstain from every form of evil.
Nothing God has given should be tossed. Even when the bathwater gets murky.
To hear more, come in person or (if you're not able) tune in Sunday.
Hope to see you soon!
Pastor Tim
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
All the Time (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
This week at Grace we're going to talk about an important and beautiful passage, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
What stands out to me is the consistency that Paul exhorts us to: "always," "without ceasing," and "all circumstances."
How do you become the sort of person who is like that?
What do we do with the times that our feelings don't like up with Scriptures commands to rejoice or be thankful?
How do we deal with the guilt of losing track of God, going not just moments without praying but days or weeks?
Let's talk about it together this Sunday at Grace.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Gift of Leaning In (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
What sort of people bug you? Who are the ones that really get under your skin?
I have some personality types that are more difficult for me than others. Maybe you do, too. For me, it's often when I see personality characteristics in others that I don't like about myself. For others, maybe it's when you meet someone who reminds you of someone who has wounded you in the past or who violates values you hold dearly.
How do we respond to people who we don't like? Do we ignore them, judge them, or dismiss them?
In this week's passage (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15), Paul challenges his readers to respond to difficult people in their church not with harshness but with grace, leaning in even when it is uncomfortable and extending patience through it all.
This Sunday we'll think through why such behavior is necessary for us as Christians, how we become people who can live like that, and the joy that can come from being in a community that functions this way.
Looking forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
How Should We Regard Our Church Leaders? (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
There was an old chorus we used to sing in church that went,
"I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God, I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, For I'm part of the family, The Family of God."
Even though the lyrics may sound a bit dated, it affirms the truth of Ephesians 2:19, that in Christ we "are fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household." That "Family of God" chorus also adds some color to our study of 1 Thessalonians, where Paul repeatedly uses familial language to describe their local church.
We're going to dive into the final part of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians this Sunday, where we'll get a clearer picture of what Gospel families look like. In other words, if an alien from another galaxy visited a healthy church family, what would they see?
The two verses we'll look at together are 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, which answer the question, "How should we regard our church leaders?
I hope we grow closer as a church family this Sunday!
-Pastor Chris
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Be Prepared (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)
What do you do if you don't know something?
People in ages past (like pre-1990) used to go to the public library or consult a dictionary or maybe ask someone who knew. Today, what do we do? Almost instinctively?
We Google it or we ask Siri.
(me) "Hey Siri, what is the capital of Alabama?"
(Siri) "Montgomery is the capital of Alabama."
(me) "Hey Siri, what's the weather going to be like today?"
(Siri) "It's currently cloudy and 55 degrees. Expect partly cloudy skies starting in the morning…"
(me) "Hey Siri, what happens when the end comes?"
(Siri) "Okay, I found this on the web for 'what happens when the end comes.' Check it out."
There is a lot of speculation (online and otherwise) about the End of Days, the End of Time, the Day of the Lord, the Return of Christ. THE END of life as we currently experience it.
When will it be?
What will happen?
How should we prepare?
Maybe these are your questions. Maybe you have others. Join us Sunday as we hear from the Apostle Paul who tells us what we most need to know.
Hope to see you then!
Many blessings,
Pastor Tim
Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Grieving With Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
What would you say to someone who was dying?
In our culture, due to our general discomfort with the topic of death, we try to avoid being in this situation at all. We confine that to the few people who work in hospice, professional clergy, and medical professionals.
But the truth is, all of us are in the process of dying. And therefore we're around people who are dying all the time. Ignoring that fact is helpful for many of us in dealing with the discomfort, but it doesn't change reality. And it certainly leaves us vulnerable when death rears its ugly head in life, as the war in Ukraine makes clear.
This week at Grace we'll be studying 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 together. Paul tells them to encourage one another in the face of death with the hope that comes from the death, resurrection, and return of Jesus.
In the message this week, we talk about how you can do that: both how you can encourage others and be encouraged yourself.
Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
A Life Pleasing to God (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8)
This week at Grace we're continuing our series in 1 Thessalonians, covering 4:1-8. This passage addresses the question: Why live a life of sexual holiness?
I've got to be honest, I have no idea whether a sermon on sex is going to be a hit.
On the one hand, we live in a culture obsessed with sex. We are deluged with images and depictions of it all week. It can be disorienting. Reflecting together on God's Word about sexual morality gives us a rare sense of order in a sexually disordered world. I really believe that what 1 Thessalonians 4 says is beautiful, helpful, and encouraging.
And yet there are few topics so personal, so emotionally laden, and (frankly) so awkward to talk about. I would understand if some people said, "I'd rather not talk about this in public."
I imagine that for some of us, we think of sermons about sexual immorality to belong to a bygone era - either for a previous generation or for a younger aged audience. But I hope that when we look at 1 Thessalonians 4 together we will see the goodness, timelessness, and hope that the gospel brings for all of us in this area.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. While I have no desire to be provocative or crass, the nature of the topic makes this sermon sensitive for younger kids. Parents/Grandparents/etc, it's your call!
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Living in Love (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12)
What do you want to be known for?
Is it your accomplishments in your career? Your beauty? Your wit or insight? What you have? Your reputation?
This Sunday at Grace we'll be looking at 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12. Paul commends the Thessalonians for excelling at brotherly love, and encourages them to continue to grow in this by being thoughtful in their ambition, energy, and work.
I'm fascinated by this passage because it is so timely for us today. In many ways, our culture yells at us to live life in opposition to what Paul describes. We are encouraged to create isolated, anxious, and selfish lives, all out of fear that we will miss out if we don't grab everything we can. Self-expression, self-awareness, and self-fulfillment are idols of the age; and they all foster isolated selfishness.
We need to hear (I need to hear) these words of Scripture and how good it is to live a quiet life, free from comparison or grumbling, in Christian community with my brothers and sisters in the faith.
Let's listen to God's Word together this Sunday at Grace and reflect on the goodness of God together.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. If you're saying, "Wait, didn't we skip a part of 1 Thessalonians? What happened to 4:1-8?" Yep, you're right. We'll come back to that next Sunday (2/20) but due to widespread COVID exposure in our Grace Kids program last Sunday, we are going to have Grace Kids online and/or joining us in all-ages worship this week. And, if you read 4:1-8, you might understand why it's best to hold off on covering that passage with young kids present.
Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
It's Good to Be Together (1 Thessalonians 3:6-13)
This week at Grace, we'll be continuing in our series on 1 Thessalonians with 3:6-13. It's a warm paragraph, where Paul expresses his affection and gratitude to hear how well the Thessalonians are doing, as well as his prayer for their continued growth in faith.
I wonder how often any of us hear, "You're doing really well in faith. Keep it up."
And if we do hear that, I wonder if we'd be able to take it in. Would we minimize it, thinking, "If only they knew..."? Or get lost in a comparison game? Or just squirm at the pridefulness of it all?
I'm looking forward to Sunday so we can dive into this passage together and delight in God's work in the Thessalonians and in you.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Longing to See Your Face (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5)
I assume that if you're reading this, on your computer or phone, that you've probably made an online purchase. A book. An article of clothing. 27,000 other things. It's pretty typical for us to make purchases without actually checking the binding or trying on the product before we hit "buy" and have it arrive at our door within a day or two. Now, return policies being what they are, there's little to no risk in this. If it's damaged or doesn't fit, we simply send it back and try again.
But what if our purchase was a lot of money, like buying a car or even a house online or over the phone? Now that would definitely be a risk. There are some things that you need to be there for, right? Descriptions, and even pictures, just don't cut it. You can't kick the tires online and you'll never know to ask, "what's that smell?" when you walk through a virtual tour of the kitchen in your soon to be new home. Some things just need to be experienced in-person.
Books and clothes and cars and homes are important. But nothing is more important than people. Relationships. Being with others. Being together. There is no substitute for being face-to-face. During the past 2 years, we've had to settle for less, in some cases. And thank God for technology that makes distance not quite as devastating as it would have been in previous generations. But still, there's no substitute for physical, unmediated, flesh-and-blood presence.
When you have it, with those you love, it is sweet and you want to savor it. And when it's gone, you want it back. You long to see your loved ones. Phone calls and text messages are great. Zoom and FaceTime, even better! But nothing can replace being face-to-face.
If you've ever felt this longing, Paul knows how you feel. He had a lot of reasons for wanting to return to the Thessalonians. You can read the passage to discover them for yourself. Even better, join us in-person on Sunday and we can discover them together!
Many blessings,
Pastor Tim
But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
Receiving the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16)
This week at Grace we're going to look at 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16, a little passage with huge questions.
What do we do when people claim to speak for God?
Why does religious persecution happen?
What do we do with passages of the New Testament that seems anti-Semitic?
Let's get into these tough questions together on Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
You Know the Truth (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12)
Apparently this is a thing. Tie a string around your finger to help you remember something important. In fact, when I Googled to find the above image, I typed, "string tied" and then auto-fill took over and finished it - "string tied around finger."
I have never tied a string around my finger to remember something. Have you? In fact, I'm curious if you know anyone who has actually done this. The reason I've never used this tactic is because I am confident I would look at the reminder string and think, "now, what's that for?" It wouldn't help me. I have other ways to remind myself of what's worth remembering. And God has His ways to remind us of what's worth remembering. And, needless to say, His reminders are most important.
Leave your strings at home and join us Sunday!
Pastor Tim
For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12