1. 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 All Scripture quotations are from the NKJV unless noted. Part 1

2. Wrong Reasons To Boast  Size of membership  Rate of numerical growth  Affluence of the membership  Programs offered by the church  Positive view the world has of the church  Positive view the church has of the church  Popularity of the preacher  Size or splendor of the building  Location of the building  Technological savvy of the worship

3. 1. Adopted & Redeemed 1 “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God OUR Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God OUR Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” In God & Jesus THE CHURCH GracePeace

4. Ephesians 4 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Eph. 1:22, 23)

5. 2. Growing Faith 3 “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other” Paul remembered their “work of faith” (1 Thess. 1:3; cf. Jas. 2:17ff) Faith still lacked (1 Thess. 3:9, 10) Now it has grown exceedingly

6. 3. Abounding Love 3 “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other” Paul remembered their “labor of love” (1 Thess. 1:3) Prayed that their love would abound and increase (1 Thess. 3:11-13; 4:9-12) Now abounds toward each other

7. Do You Love The Lord God? LUKE 10:27, “So he answered and said, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’’ “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (Jn. 14:15) “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (Jn. 15:10)