Main Idea - Keeping faith in the age of unbelief is challenging and often seems hopeless. Although the church has often contributed to this difficulty, participation in the Gospel-centered church remains the primary means by which God preserves our faith.
Listen to the sermon audio HERE.
You can also check out more resources for this series HERE.
Read through the following passages: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Acts 17
Discuss the questions below with your MC or DNA group.
- What is the main story behind Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians? Who is he writing to and what are his primary concerns?
- Why is membership in a local and the universal church important? How does understanding Paul’s letters written to churches (rather than individuals) change the way we understand and apply them?
- What are some of the ways that the church (locally and universally) has departed from the Gospel and corresponding way of life? How has this contributed to people losing faith? How have you experienced this?
- What are the characteristics of a church that Paul thanks God for in 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10? How do these compare with your own metrics for what a church should be? What aspect of Paul’s instructions seem most needed in your life?
- Read 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 again slowly. Keeping faith means that we as a church community and individuals have turned from idols to worship the Triune God. This happened when we first believed and we continue to live with ongoing repentance and faith. Share your story of how God led you to turn from idols to worship Him. What are the present idols that God might be leading you to turn away from in repentance and trust in Jesus again? Why is ongoing repentance and faith needed as we await Jesus to return and make all things new?