Sermon Series: Word Of God
July 30 , 2023 – Word Of God
One of the first Bibles I received as a child was from a group of Gideons that came to my school one day to give each of us a copy of God’s Word. I probably still have that Bible tucked away in box of relics from my elementary days. Throughout my years, the Bible has been the most transformative book in my life. We know the Bible is so much more than a book; it is the Word of God! It is living and powerful. This Sunday we will give our 3rd graders a gift of God’s Word and talk about how our lives can be forever changed by its message.
Rev. Jimmy Criddle
1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
New International Version
13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.[a]
Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians
17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.