Each of us as Christians has different struggles and different strengths. We should use our strengths to help our brothers in Christ. Today's verse gives four examples of how we can lift others up, but they require that we sacrifice our time.
The Cost of Discipleship (Luke 9:57-62) Alex Morse
How valuable is Jesus to you? The way we follow Jesus shows how much or little we value Him. The cost of following Jesus is to carry our cross daily. There will always be things that compete for our attention, but none more valuable than Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Pastor Rich Chapman
Godly leaders are recognized by their service. They lead by example and do not neglect their own time for God. We are instructed to love, respect and esteem those Christian leaders whom God has appointed. Most importantly, we must pray for them.
Rescued! From What? (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11) Pastor Rich Chapman
The Bible makes it clear that there is a terrible day of God's wrath coming, a necessary consequence of His justice. Jesus took that wrath upon himself and we are rescued from it. Such news should be a great encouragement to all believers!
The lights are on and Jesus is home! (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8) Pastor Rich Chapman
While we are on this earth, Jesus makes His home within us and His light must shine on others through us. When we enter our final home, taking with us only those good deeds offered up to Jesus, He again provides the light.
When? BE READY! (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) Pastor Rich Chapman
The early church was curious about the dates of things to come but Paul reminded them that that day would come without warning. For the unbeliever it will be a dreadful day, but the believer receives power through the spirit to witness until then.
Hope Blessed Hope and the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) Pastor Rich Chapman
Although we can grieve as Christians, we are not to grieve as those who have no hope. We have the confident expectation of an eternity with our saved loved ones. Believers also have the hope of Christ's return to this Earth at His appointed time.
Live a Quiet Life? (1 Thessalonians 4:11,12) Pastor Rich Chapman
Goals are good, but peace comes from making it your ambition to live a quiet life. Working with your hands and finding enjoyment in your toil are gifts from God. A quiet life is not lazy, but is doing what you are supposed to and finding peace in it.
Agape Love (1 Thessalonians 4:9,10) Pastor Rich Chapman
We love because He first loved us. God is the teacher of love, and we need to be good students so that we may increase in Agape love--a love that is focused on the needs of others.
Grace for the Race (2 Cor 9:6-15) Matt Kinnaman
Although we all face scarcity, faith is full of surprises and may provide an unknown abundance--an abundance of grace. Such abundance was shown to the woman at the well. Often, God's grace abounds when we give more of ourselves.
Faithfulness of God Norm LeBlanc
Why is God's Faithfulness important and what does it take to be always faithful? Although our faithfulness cannot be compared with God's, we should remember that we are required to live in faith. The word of God provides the reminders we need.
What is Christmas Without Worship and What is Worship Without Truth? (Luke 1:68-79) Dan Freitas
Good praise music can be a way to prepare our hearts to come before the face of God. But for praise to be meaningful, it must be based on God's truth, just as Zechariah's song was. Truth must be the focus of our worship, words, and witness.
God, Jesus, and the Bible Jim Hines
The desire of God's heart was to have children with whom He could have fellowship. For this to be possible, Jesus came into the world as a human baby, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and became a savior. He is also coming again as a judge.
Living a Holy Life in an Unholy World (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8) Pastor Rich Chapman
In business, relationships, and sexual behavior, we are called to be set apart. When necessary, we must remove ourselves from situations and conversations. Flee, remove temptations, and maintain accountability. God has given us everything we need to live godly lives.
Living to Please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1,2) Pastor Rich Chapman
Singing praise, sharing with neighbors, worshiping with reverence and awe, and bearing the faults of others are just some of the ways we can please God. It is giving ourselves completely to Him that He desires, and He will equip us to do so.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 Pastor Rich Chapman
IN all things, make it a habit to give thanks. We are not entitled to anything, and when we are ungrateful, God's heart is saddened. Being thankful sweetens us, but being critical makes us a clanging cymbal.
A Blessing (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13) Pastor Rich Chapman
How should we bless others? Saying, "God bless you" put's God's name upon that person and God will bless them (Num 6). But fellowship with other believers is another form of blessing. Pray that God in His strength would cause our love to overflow.
How Ya Doin'? I'm Glad You Asked! (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10) Pastor Rich Chapman
As Christians, part of our concern for others needs to be concern for their spiritual walk. It is God who strengthens us and we need to call on Him to help us stand firm and to pray for one another that the enemy would not "sift us as wheat."
Go Tell Your Friends! (Mark 5:1-20) Alex Morse
All saved souls attain five things: new life, deliverance from bad behavior, maturity in Christ, a covering for sin, and a new purpose. Once you have been saved, the only proper response is to go and tell your friends.
How's Your Faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5) Pastor Rich Chapman
Three things common to all Christians are that we need help and encouragement in our faith, we face trials, and we are in battle. The enemy wants us to trust in ourselves, but God is faithful and will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.