1 Thessalonians 1:1; Acts 17:1-10 1. God makes his people (individually) a people (collectively). 1 Thessalonians has one of the most exciting of the “boring greetings.” The proper names—people hardly known, yet dearly loved. The group terms—“ecclesia,” a whole new reality to live in. The theology—God is my father, Jesus is the Lord Yahweh, The result—divine favor, from Father and Son “makes shalom.” 2. Christ builds his church . . . a. through both happenstance and habit. God’s church growth methods only slightly overlap with human methods at all. b. through unchanging scriptures and adaptive persuasion. c. through human witness and Holy Spirit confirmation. d. for a world-changing birth of a diverse and precious people. -Jews -devout Greeks -“leading women” -The city of “Thessaloniki” has a unique history and character. -Its political and social situation shed light not only on this passage but also on the resiliency and unity of this newborn family. -Note: “Jason” (a Greek) is the one dragged before the “crowd that was made.” -They bring Jason before the demos and the politarchs. 3. Jesus’s work in your life will disturb some people deeply. 4. The family of Jesus is part of his divine gift of peace. -How precious is the blood of Jesus for salvation! -How previous is the love of the new family for endurance! God’s saving grace makes a family that is a home for his sustaining grace.

Related Topics: The Church, 1 Thessalonians | More Messages from Pastor Nathan Sundt | Download Audio

From Series: "Sunday Mornings"

These sermons were given at our 11am service on Sunday Mornings.