September 15 , 2024 Welcome to Trinity !
Sermon Title : Love Letters : Stand Firm Rev . Chris Neikirk
Basic Theme : “ Love Letters ” is a sermon series exploring Paul ’ s transformative encounter with God on the Damascus Road and how it shaped his heartfelt letters to early Christian communities . Each sermon delves into themes of grace , redemption , and the power of God ’ s love as revealed through Paul ’ s writings . “ Love Letters ” emphasizes how Paul ’ s church planting efforts laid the foundation for the early church and shaped the trajectory of Christianity . Paul ’ s Epistles serve as timeless “ Love Letters ,” guiding and encouraging all believers in their faith journeys .
Sermon Snapshot ( Key Points ): Paul ’ s letters to the church at Thessalonica is believed to be his earlies letters . Paul encourages the Thessalonian church to remain steadfast in their faith despite trials and challenges . Paul commends the believers for their faith , love , and endurance , highlighting them as an example to others . Paul urges them to stand firm and hold onto the teachings they ’ ve received , even in the face of deception and hardship . This sermon emphasizes the importance of perseverance in faith , reminding us that God ’ s strength enables us to stand firm and that we too are called to an unwavering commitment to Christ .
So What ? What challenges do you face in your faith journey ? What
11:11am Service Information :
Opening Music : Won ’ t Stop Now
Elevation Worship Stand in Your Love Bethel Music / Josh Baldwin The Way ( New Horizons ) Pat Barrett Communion Song : Here I Am to Worship
Tim Hughes
Closing Song : No Body
Elevation Worship Bill Maetschke , Praise Team Leader
challenges do we face as a church ? What encouragement can we draw upon to enable us to stand firm and continue the mission to which we have been called ?
Scripture : 1 Thessalonians 1:1-8a , 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 ( NIV )
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Paul , Silas , and Timothy , To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ : Grace and peace to you . 2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers .
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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 . 4 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 . 8 The Lord ’ s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia — your faith in God has become known everywhere .
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But we ought always to thank God for you , brothers and sisters loved by the Lord , because God chose you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth . 14 He called you to this through our gospel , that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ . 15 So then , brothers and sisters , stand firm and hold fast to the teachings [ c ] we passed on to you , whether by word of mouth or by letter . 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father , who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope , 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word .