Where Is God?

Chris Risley

1 Samuel 4-6

The incident where the Israelites tried to use the Ark of the Covenant as a magical talisman in order to win a battle against the Philistines demonstrates the reality that God cannot be controlled by anyone. He is in control even when it does not seem so. God uses pain and suffering to get our attention so that we will turn to him. He does not want any to perish but wants all to receive eternal life.

The Justice of God

Scott Risley

2 Thessalonians 1:1-9

The suffering Christians experience from living in a fallen world will be evidence God presents in the last days when He returns to put the whole world on trial for rejecting His offer of forgiveness. God's righteousness demands He punish evil. Although Hell is an uncomfortable topic, it is real and no one goes there that did not make a choice to reject the alternative, Heaven.

Introduction to 2 Thessalonians

Conrad Hilario

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Paul writes this letter to the Thessalonians to address the growing persecution they were enduring, the false teachers forging letters in Paul's name, and the growing problem of laziness. God allows suffering for future evidence of His justice, and to further His kingdom, God's future justice comforts believers now. God allows persecution in order to produce spiritual growth.

Who You Really Are

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

It's easy for people to view their mental health diagnoses or traumatic histories as their identity. This session explores biblical identity and its power for lasting change.

God's Call

Mike Sullivan

Ezekiel 1:1-2:7

Through God's call of Ezekiel, we can observe that God often calls people to do His work in times of difficulty.

Follow Up: Growth, Persecution, and Judgment

Dennis McCallum

2 Thessalonians 1:1-10

God, in all His amazing wisdom, is able to use the suffering and persecution Christians receive, to grow us spiritually. He promises that those who persecute us will come under eternal judgment, if they refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus.

Leading Through Difficult Trials

Ben Foust

1 Peter 5:1-4

While Peter exhorts all Christians to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right, in this passage, he specifically addresses leaders. He calls on leaders to shepherd the flock because they are fellow partakers of Christ's suffering and glory, to lead with the attitude, motivation, and authority of one who will share in His glory.

Fervent Love

Ben Foust

1 Peter 4:7-11

Peter is encouraging Christians to have a fervent love for one another, even in the midst of trials. This present suffering is not the whole picture. Having an eternal focus allows us to endure trials and exert effort to love others, which brings glory to God.

What Does the Future Hold?

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5

Never before in the history of the world have the conditions for the Great Tribulation been visible as they are in our time. Almost all of the signs God has given to us in His Word regarding the preconditions for the end of days are now upon us. Israel has been regathered from the ends of the earth to their own country. The world populations has grown exponentially. We live in a time of amazing technology, moral anarchy and famine/pestilence. But those who have placed their faith in Jesus will not be destined for the wrath to come upon the whole earth. God will rescue those who are His.