The Transformation of Death - Death is the enemy. Over and over in the Bible, God’s people are forced to stare down death with hope that God in Christ has ultimately triumphed over it. Abraham, Job, David—every one spoke eloquently of their faith in life beyond death. This week, we turn to Paul’s encouraging words in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 about death and the return of Christ. Death is inevitable. The way we think about death, prepare for death, and ultimately face death must be formed by the work of Jesus Christ. Join us this Sunday for that formation—prepared to face down our great enemy with hope.
This week, we begin a new summer sermon series in the book of First Thessalonians: “Waiting for Jesus.” Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica tackles big questions that all of us still wrestle with today, some 2000 years after this letter was first written: How can we exist in a culture that does not understand or share our faith? How can we live with one foot in the kingdom of God and the other foot firmly planted in a world in which our desires are at war with one another? How can we long for the return of Jesus when so many other things of this world occupy our thoughts morning, noon, and night? Join us this week, as we consider Paul’s introduction (1 These 1:1-10) and his gratitude for the work of God in the life of this church he loves.
