73 illustrations referencing 1 Thessalonians
In The King's Speech, Lionel Logue isn't a credentialed speech therapist—he's an Australian actor. But he sees something in stammering King George VI that others don't: a voice worth hearing. Through
In Remember the Titans, Coach Boone forces his racially divided football team to room together, eat together, learn each other's stories. Gary and Julius—white captain and Black leader—start as enemie
In 300, King Leonidas and his Spartans face impossible odds against Xerxes' million-man army. They have no numerical advantage—only superior training, unbreakable formation, and shields that protect t
As we gather in prayer, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the delicate dance between Crisis and Hope that unfolds in our lives. Picture a dimly lit room, shadows creeping in, bringing uncertainty and fear. It’s in this space that...
We read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 through the lens of Law and Gospel, understanding the call to be awake and sober as Law that exposes our natural tendency to spiritual slumber and complacency. Yet, the passage also delivers Gospel assurance: 'God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation
We read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 as a passage that affirms the sovereign grace of God in the resurrection and the return of Christ. This text assures us of the hope we have in Christ, emphasizing the certainty of His return and the resurrection of the dead. Our understanding is shaped by the covenant
In today’s world, the intersection of Social Justice and Christianity can feel like navigating a stormy sea. The waves of injustice crash over us, threatening to overwhelm both our faith and our resolve. Yet, much like the biblical figures who...
We read this passage as an urgent exhortation to be watchful and sober in anticipation of the Lord's return. The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, communicates the certainty of Christ's return and the need for believers to live in light of that reality. This text underscores the doctrine of
We read this passage as a profound assurance of hope and deliverance, grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which guarantees that death and oppression do not have the final word. The Apostle Paul's words serve as a reminder that, like our ancestors who sang 'Soon I will be done with the trou
We read this passage in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 as a call to be vigilant and hopeful, recognizing the eschatological tension between the 'day of the Lord' and our present reality. This scripture urges us to remain awake and sober, clothed in the armor of faith and love, with the helmet of the hope of
We read this passage as a clear affirmation of the hope that believers have in the resurrection of the dead, grounded in the historical reality of Christ's own resurrection. Paul's intent is to comfort the Thessalonian believers with the assurance that those who have died in Christ will not be left
In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, we read this passage as a profound exposition of the eschatological hope grounded in the sovereignty of God and the assurance of salvation through covenantal faithfulness. This text reminds us of the already/not yet tension inherent in the Reformed tradition: Christ's vict
In the film *Facing the Giants*, Coach Grant Taylor stands at the precipice of despair. His football team is struggling, his personal life is riddled with challenges, and every day feels like a battle against insurmountable giants. Yet, in one...
As we traverse the uncharted waters of a global pandemic, we find ourselves echoing the struggles of biblical figures who faced their own trials with faith and fortitude. Picture this: the Apostle Paul, sitting in a dimly lit prison cell,...
We read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 as a profound proclamation of Gospel comfort in the face of death. The passage assures us of our hope in the resurrection through Christ, who has triumphed over death for us. This is pure Gospel, delivering the promise of eternal life and the resurrection of the body.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, we read this passage as a call to vigilance and readiness for the Lord's return, reflecting our eschatological hope. The Apostle Paul exhorts us to live as 'children of light,' a theme deeply resonant with our understanding of sanctifying grace, which transforms us from da
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we read this passage as a profound testament to our hope in the resurrection, a central tenet of our Catholic faith. This hope is not merely wishful thinking but is grounded in the reality of Christ's resurrection, which we celebrate in the Eucharistic liturgy. The passag
The sermon illustrates the tension Christians experience between the reality of salvation and the ongoing presence of sin, emphasizing the hope found in Christ's second coming. It reassures believers that their present struggles are not the end, as ultimate victory and transformation await in the promised new heaven and new earth.
The content emphasizes the importance of deep, transformative friendships in the Christian faith, highlighting the role of accountability and challenging conversations in spiritual growth. It illustrates how true friends contribute to each other's sanctification and provide strength in times of trial, reinforcing the biblical principle that we are called to encourage and build one another up.
The content emphasizes the importance of deep, transformative friendships among Christians that go beyond mere social interaction. It highlights the role of accountability and encouragement in spiritual growth, illustrating how true friends challenge each other to become more like Christ while providing strength in times of trial.
The sermon illustrates the tension Christians experience between the 'already' of salvation and the 'not yet' of Christ's second coming. This tension fuels hope and encourages believers to live in anticipation of complete healing and justice, transforming their present struggles into a pursuit of righteousness and endurance.
In our current age, where the sound of church bells has been replaced by the ping of notifications, the landscape of faith has transformed dramatically. Online Church & Community has become both our refuge and our challenge, inviting us to...
Dear Heavenly Father, As I pause to reflect on the profound truth of being created in Your image, I find myself drawn to the exhortation of 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” This call...
In the heart of Scotland, amidst the rolling green hills and the misty mornings, there lived a man named Eric Liddell, a sprinter propelled not just by his speed but by the deep rhythms of his faith. Picture this: Liddell,...