1 Thessalonians 3:1 – 9 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for. In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith;
1 Thessalonians 3:1 – 9 For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?
What Is Wrong With Us?
“ Deflategate ”
Reminding Them Of God
If God? 1. Give up my control? 2. Do what? (no fun) 3. Repent ? 4. Judgement?! 5. Responsibility!
Are Things Better?
Our Trials Are Appointed By God “This is what we are destined for”
For you will not fit
Trying To Fit
We Were Warned
5. But Faith “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen .” Hebrews 11:1
You Are Not Alone “we send Timothy”
Disliked and Rejected 1. Matthew Killed in Ethiopia by a sword. 2. Mark Dragged by horses until he died in Alexandria. 3. Luke Hanged because of his nonstop preaching. 4. John Burned with oil, survived then exiled to Patmos. 5. Peter Crucified upside down. 6. James Thrown from the pinnacle of the temple. Survived, but then beaten to death with a club. 7. James (Son of Zebedee) Beheaded for his faith.
8. Bartholomew (Nathaniel) Flayed to death by whip in Asia. 9. Andrew Whipped severely by seven soldiers then crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. He preached for two days while on the cross till his death. 10. Thomas Stabbed with a spear in India. 11. Jude Shot with arrows when he refused to deny Christ. 12. Matthias (replaced Judas) Stoned and then beheaded. 13. Paul Tortured and beheaded by Nero in 67 AD in Rome.
He is alive!
2 Timothy 4:1-5 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
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