Living Grace Lutheran Church - Omaha Nebraska

Growing Together, Together Growing

The Christians in the city of Thessalonica are new to the faith and have been meeting for only two to three years when Paul, the man who started their church, sends them a letter. They need some encouragement and direction, as well as some correction in their theology. He writes this letter to help them grow and mature in their faith, encourage them in their troubles, and give them a framework of how they should live as they anticipate the second coming of Jesus.

No matter if we are lifetime Christians or just came to faith recently, the words of Paul to the Thessalonians can help us grow in faith and grow closer to others.

Download a PDF of the Growing Together: 2011 Daily Readings for Lent bookmark

• 3/13/2011 - Don't Win Friends and Influence People
  (1 Thessalonians 1:6-9)
  There are many methods and techniques to "win friends and influence people." Usually people practice these methods in an attempt to get what they want from others. The Thessalonians are influencing believers in other cities, but not by using any deliberate methods. They are doing it by being role models and examples to others. Who has been a role model and an example for your faith? How can you be the same for others this week?
  
• 3/20/2011 - Praise Junkie Problems (1 Thessalonians 2:4-6)
  Most people, deep down, like to receive at least some sort of recognition and praise for their efforts. Liking to be praised is fine, but we should also have a certain amount of internal satisfaction from doing a job well done. Christians also derive internal satisfaction from doing what they believe God has called them to do. This kind of satisfaction is not based on receiving outward praise, but comes through pleasing God.
• 3/27/2011 - Surviving the Shakes (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5)
  Life was not easy for the Thessalonian Christians. They faced their fair share of persecution for their faith and grief at the death of their loved ones. Paul wants to make sure that they are not "shaken" by their troubles so he sends his traveling companion Timothy to encourage them. Are you feeling "shaken" in your life right now? God can give you stillness and peace in the midst of your trials and troubles.
• 4/3/2011 - Transition Your Ambitions (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
  Being ambitious is not a bad thing. Ambition can make us strive to better ourselves, our workplace, community and even our family. But an ambitious person doesn't necessarily have to be an obnoxious one. Do you have great ambitions? That's a good thing, but is God calling you to transition your ambitions for his glory, rather than yours?
• 4/10/2011 - Living With the End in Mind (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11)
  It seems like someone every few months is predicting the date of the end of the world. Unfortunately for them their predicted day comes and goes quietly. The world keeps turning, life continues on and their prediction is relegated to the dustbin of history. But Paul instructs the Thessalonians that Jesus will return one day and the world as we know it will end. But how are we to live in light of the certainty of this future event?
• 4/17/2011 - Create Your Own Sermon Sunday (1 Thessalonians 5:14-22)
  Most letters or e-mails end with words like: "Thank you," "Sincerely," "Best Wishes," or even "God bless." But 2,000 years ago, they tended to end their correspondence a little differently. They would fill their final paragraphs with instructions, brief challenges and encouraging words for their recipents. When Paul wraps up his letter to the Thessalonians, he does this same thing. Although his final instructions in this letter are many, God may just be speaking to you through one of them. You can create your own sermon this Sunday.