Moms are great, eh? Question for you today: What specifically are we most thankful for to the Mothers in our life. In 1 Thess 1:3, Paul lists 3 specific things he was thankful for in the Thessalonians: "works produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope"

Works produced by faith are much more important and significant than any other types of works. In order for these works to work - If God doesn't show up, then nothing happens. Being a mom isn't always that rewarding, but if you work to raise you children up in the lord, you may not always get the praise of man, but your works will be rewarded as works of faith!

Labor prompted by love is along the lines of being a servant. When jesus and the disciples were in the upper room with smelly sweaty feet, He demonstrated 'Labor prompted by love': He saw the need and took on the role of a common slave or servant to wash thir feet. Moms quietly do many things along these lines continually, never receiving attention or praise.

Endurance inspired by hope Hope is a happy anticipation of good. Do you as moms have that for their families? If so, you will be rewarded with endurance to see things through to the end.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 1 Thess 2:6-8

We already studied Paul, Silas and Timothy and how they became acquainted with the people of Thessalonica. As we send out our people on short term missions trips, it does require a lot of work, time, resources. We should never underestimate the value and impact these missionaries have. The fruit is borne - sooner AND later - in both the lives of the givers and recipients of the missions work. Let's look at What the term 'In God' really mean? God is a person - not a thing. You can be IN an airplane, but how can you be IN someone? Jesus prays in John 17:21, and gives us a better understanding of this concept: 'Father just as you are in Me and I am in you, may they also be in us' and in 1 John 4:18 'Whovever lives in love, lives in God, and God in them.' The Word uses God's character When describing him. God is Holy, God is Just, God is Omnipresent, God is Love. Love - and the other fruit of the spirit found in Galations 5 is our proof of being 'In God'.

Are you In God? Are you In Christ? Let's agree together to walk In God, and In Christ and receive the free, unmerited gift of His grace, peace and His love, and turn away from the works of the flesh. Therefore if anyone be In Christ, the new creation is come: The old is gone, the new is here!. 2 Cor 5:17

We've been around Thessalonica. Now today, let's enter the city and see what's going on with Paul. When entering a city for the first time, it was Paul's custom to go first to the synagogue. It was a major center for study and learning. The Word of God is active! It's alive and - once it enters your heart - it will change you and lead you to the Truths of eternal life. But not everyone comes to church to study and learn. We've seen all types here, as illustrated in the parable of the seeds. The ones who show up, wanting to learn and eager to hear and grow will leave stronger than they came. Paul was looking for those hungry people in the synagogue, proclaiming Christ to them. The good news Paul preached to them brought the good news that the Messiah they were looking for had finally come, with forgiveness and salvation!

How did the people receive his message? Once again, there were different people there with differing backgrounds and preconceived beliefs. The greeks received the teaching with gladness, but some of the jews were angry, because this was no longer exclusive to them. Lord, Let our lives be open to your Word, receiving it gladly, and living it out fully!

A look at Paul's first exposure to the city of Thessalonica

An overview of how Saul became Paul, and his importance along with our upcoming study of Thessalonians.