1 Thessalonians | A Healthy Church in Uncertain Times (1:1 — Called to Hard Places, for Good)

1 Thessalonians 1:1

Acts 16:6-10; 17:1-10

God has not designed the Christian life to be lived alone: He places us in a church family, teaches us through trustworthy servants, and sustains us together by His grace and peace.

The letters of the New Testament implicitly identify the local church as the singular community for Christian encouragement and doctrinal formation.

Ephesians 4:11-16

As Christians, it is important, not just what is being taught, but who is teaching us, because they have: motives, a manner of life, and a theological milieu.

1 Timothy 3:1-7; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17

Grace and peace are the foundational doctrines of gospel-living: Grace is the unmerited favor of God by which our peace with Him was secured in Christ. And thus, peace with God is the starting point of a God-glorifying life empowered by grace.

Luke 2:13-14; Romans 5:1