<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Summary</b>:<br>The Thessalonian believers became imitators of Paul and his companions, and ultimately of the Lord, because they received the message in the midst of great suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. Their response to the gospel became an example to other believers in Macedonia and Achaia.<br><br>Their faith did not remain private or hidden. The word of the Lord sounded forth from them, and their faith in God became widely known, so that Paul and his companions did not need to explain it further. Others were already reporting how the Thessalonians had received them and how they had turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.<br><br>They were also waiting for God’s Son from heaven - Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is the one who rescues believers from the wrath to come.<br> <br><b>Teaching</b>:<br>They said that we have the second coming of Jesus as the perseverance of hope. The Thessalonian church longed for the return of Jesus. Those who are in the midst of affliction cannot help but place their hope in Jesus’ return. When life is comfortable and secure, people do not naturally long for His return. Another problem in the modern church is that eschatology is often spoken of only in words, but there is no real posture of waiting for Jesus.<br><br>People may earn money and spend money, but the real issue is where their hearts and the direction of their lives are set. Therefore, what matters is whether one has a heart that can live for the Lord, whether in abundance or in need.<br><br>Eschatological faith must be aligned with the story of God, and the word of the Lord and the reputation of one’s faith must become known to others. Only then can people be won.<br><i><br></i><i> </i><i><br></i><i>Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Jul 2, 2026</i><i><br></i><i>Thessalonians 1:6-10</i></p>
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