Sermon Central
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Be Ready - A Study Of 1 & 2 Thessalonians
Contributed by David Owens on Feb 28, 2012 (message contributor)
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1. A Model Church
Contributed on Feb 28, 2012
In this sermon, we work through the first chapter and learn the characteristics that made the church of the Thessalonians a model church.
Introduction: A. No doubt you have heard a preacher say, “If you ever find the perfect church, please don’t join it. If you do, it won’t be perfect anymore!” Right? B. I came across a poem based on that statement. It goes like this: “If you should find the ...read more
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2. A Church Is Born
Contributed on Feb 28, 2012
In this introductory sermon, we learn about the beginning of the church at Thessalonica.
Introduction: A. The story is told of two preachers who were standing by the side of a highway holding up two signs. One read, “The end is near!” The other held a sign that said, “Turn around before it’s too late!” 1. As a car approached, they lifted their signs, ...read more
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3. A Model Ministry
Contributed on Mar 5, 2012
In chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul reminded them of the ministry he conducted among them. His description of his ministry provides us with an excellent model for our ministry.
Introduction: A. Last week, in our sermon, we worked our way through 1 Thessalonians chapter one and noticed why the church at Thessalonica was a model church. 1. We discovered that they were a model church for at least three reasons: (1). Their Faithful Service. (2) Their Open Receptivity. (3) ...read more
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4. Growing Pains
Contributed on Mar 26, 2012
In this sermon, we learn how to grow spiritually through our growing pains.
Introduction: A. How many of you had growing pains when you were growing up? 1. I remember going to my mom as a little boy and I would describe some pain I was having in my leg or my side. 2. Usually, she would look it over, ask a few questions about it, then say, “Well, it’s ...read more
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5. Living To Please God (Part 1)
Contributed on Apr 16, 2012
In this sermon, we learn what God's will is - that we are sanctified, which includes avoiding sexual immorality.
A. It always disturbs me to see road kill along the highway (maybe except for opossums), how about you? 1. It is sad when the lives of beautiful, innocent animals are unintentionally extinguished by passing cars and trucks. 2. The consequences of these collisions can be severe for both the ...read more
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6. Living To Please God (Part 2)
Contributed on Apr 23, 2012
This sermon continues and concludes the section of 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 that I began last week. Paul gives three aspects of living a life that pleases God. This sermon covers the last two aspects.
Introduction: A. Today I want to talk about living a life that pleases God. 1. Ultimately, living a life that pleases God will also be a life that will get the attention of others and will impact them. B. I like the story told about the person who visited the mental institution and asked the ...read more
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7. Being An Encouragement
Contributed on Apr 23, 2012
In this lesson we learn how the Thessalonians were such an encouragement and how we can be one also.
Introduction: A. If I asked you to turn to someone near you this morning, and in 30 seconds or less give them some encouragement, would you know how to do that? 1. Chances are, many of us would struggle with that assignment, perhaps for a number of reasons. 2. Let me ask you this: “Do you ...read more
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8. Something Better Is Coming
Contributed on Apr 30, 2012
This sermon discusses the hope we have because of the resurrection of Jesus. We know that there is something better for us after we die and we can be encouraged by that.
Introduction: A. The story is told of a young preacher who was preaching his first sermon. 1. He was a little nervous, and about ten minutes into his sermon his mind went blank. 2. All he could remember was what he was taught in his preaching classes to do when this kind of thing took place ...read more
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9. Ready Or Not, Here I Come!
Contributed on May 13, 2012
After answering the Thessalonians' concerns about the dead in Christ, Paul then addressed their concerns about when Christ would return. Paul makes three very important points about Christ's Second Coming.
Introduction: A. Do you remember which childhood game included these words: “Ready or Not, Here I Come”? 1. How many of you enjoyed playing “Hide and Seek”? 2. Which did you enjoy more: being the one hiding or the one seeking? 3. You remember how the game went: ...read more
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10. Christian Behavior 101
Contributed on May 21, 2012
Paul ended the first letter to the Thessalonians with a grab bag of commands and instructions. These form a basic introduction to Christian attitudes and behaviors. If we can incorporate these simple basics into our lives, we will be very effective in o
Introduction: A. Children often say some of the funniest things, and yet children occasionally say remarkable or insightful things. 1. Here are some insightful gems from children: a. “Never trust a dog to watch your food.” b. “When your dad is mad and asks you, ‘Do ...read more
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11. Choices Have Consequences
Contributed on May 29, 2012
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians with praise, promises and prayer. The promises included the fact that the righteous will be rewarded and the wicked will be punished.
Introduction: A. The story is told of an angel who appeared at a college faculty meeting and told the dean that in return for his unselfish service, he would be rewarded with his choice of wealth, wisdom, or beauty. 1. Without hesitating, the dean selected wisdom. 2. “It is done!” ...read more
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12. Standing Firm
Contributed on Jun 4, 2012
The sermon covers one of the most difficult chapters in the New Testament. Even though it is difficult to understand, there are some very important lessons we can learn from it about standing firm.
Introduction: A. Rumors are an interesting phenomenon – once they get started, they can have a life of their own. 1. It has been said, “Some people will believe anything if it’s whispered to them.” 2. We hear about Elvis sightings around the world, alligators in NYC ...read more
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13. We'll Work Till Jesus Comes
Contributed on Jun 11, 2012
In this last sermon from the series on 1 & 2 Thessalonians, we look at Paul's commands about not being idol, but working and obeying until Jesus comes.
Introduction: A. Let me begin with this humorous, puny piece about work. 1. All my life I’ve been looking for the perfect job 2. My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned...just couldn't concentrate. 3. After that I tried to be a tailor, but I just wasn't ...read more