Recent Sermons

As Mary considers all that God is doing in her life, she is overwhelmed. Mary breaks out in praise to God not only for what he has done but also for who he is. As we ponder Mary's wonderful tribute to God, there are some important lessons that we can learn about God and about worship.

As Paul wraps up his second letter to the Thessalonians, he expresses his heart-felt desire for them. He prays for peace that can only come from the Lord. He sets their minds at ease by giving them confidence in the truths that he has just shared. He concludes with a benediction calling for the grace of God to be at work in all of their lives.

When problems are not solved, they grow and become worse. Unresolved issues in the church spread and infect other people. Sin and disobedience in the church will infect the church body in the same way that an untreated infection spreads in your physical body.

As the Apostle Paul brings the letter of 2 Thessalonians to a close, he begins a section of strong exhortation. He starts by requesting prayer for himself and his ministry team. From there he launches into a series of practical instructions for the Thessalonians.

In contrast to the multitudes that will believe what is false and refuse to love the truth and be saved, Paul brings comfort to the Thessalonians based on their relationship to God in Jesus Christ. In just a few short verses, he reassures them, challenges them, and prays for them.

In order to alleviate the fears and concerns of the Thessalonians concerning the evil and suffering that they were experiencing, Paul reminds them of important truths that they already had been taught. It is easy to lose perspective and be led astray from the truth when life is difficult! Even in the midst of their very real trials, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God has a plan and he is actively working out that plan.

Why do we observe these two ordinances? What is their purpose? How important are they? How do they relate to the ministry of the local church?