Living in hard times

We have a reason for living as Christians, we have purpose, and we have hope amid the hopelessness around us because God is in control and knows what He’s doing.

A young church was born in the coastal city of Thessalonica, and the Christians were facing extremely dangerous times. We feel, as a generation, very close to this 1st century young church.

God was interested in the city. The Scriptures were preached, the truth was declared. The
Thessalonians believed, they sensed the power of the Gospel in their hearts. They were changed. They acted, and by faith, yielded their lives to God. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

In Thessalonica, the city fathers described Paul and his friends by saying, “These men who have turned the world upside down, have come to our city as well,” (Acts 17:6).

Thessalonians shared the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the country of Greece (Macedonia and Achaia).

There was violent opposition to the new Gospel. Opposition from the state; opposition from society; and opposition from Satan. 1 Thes 2: 2, 14, 17-20

1 Thes 3:1-5 serious trials, persecution and temptations from Satan. Where was their hope?
Where was their victory?

The encouraging report in 1 Thes 3:6-9 about the faith and love in the Lord Jesus anad the
standing firm in the Lord by the church!! The Lord rescued the believers from persecution.
He will deliver you as well.

1 Thes 3:10-13. The earnest prayers for the church to continue in the faith, in love, and to live
righteously until the Lord comes