West Loop Church UBF

1 Thessalonians 4:1-17
Key Verse 14

“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

A lot of new Christians ask, "Okay. Now that I'm a Christian, now what? How should I live? What should I do? Should I just sit back and do nothing till Jesus comes again?” In the same manner, a lot of older Christians ask, "What does God want me to do? I’ve been a Christian now for 10 years. Should I just sit back and wait until God answers?”

In 1 Thessalonians 4,  Paul addresses a very sensitive topic in the church - how  we should live as Christians. It’s sensitive because Christians know that they are saved not by works but by faith. But unfortunately, Christians have become known as those who preach the gospel but don’t live by it.  As a result, a lot of people don’t want to have anything to do with Christianity at all. That’s why Paul is addressing how to live as a Christian.

Key verse 3:12

“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you.”

What is the one that changes people most? Love. Jesus commands Christians, in John 13:34, to love another as he has loved us. Why is this?  A lot people say they don’t feel the love of Christ in Christians. So they don’t want to have anything to do with Christianity or with God. Then there are some Christians who say that they don’t even feel the love of Christ in their own church. Even new-comers and non-Christians say the same thing. So, they either leave the church or never come back.