“Words of Reassurance” (1 John 2:12–14)

“Words of Reassurance” (1 John 2:12–14)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, June 5, 2016
1 John 2:12–14
12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.  13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.  14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1. Your sins are forgiven.
2. You know the one who is from the beginning (Jesus Christ).
3. You have overcome the evil one.
4. You know the Father.
5. You are strong.
6. The Word of God lives in you.
Main Idea: We need to remember who we are as children of God and what we have been given by grace, so that we can be motivated to live faithfully in the world and overcome it in Jesus’ name.

Message from 1 Peter 1:6-12 by Jordan Atkinson

1 Peter 1:6-12English Standard Version (ESV)
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

“The Old-New Command” (1 John 2:7–11)

“The Old-New Command” (1 John 2:7–11)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, May 22, 2016
7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. 9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister1 is still in the darkness. 10Anyone who loves their brother and sister1 lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness.They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. (1 John 2:7-11, NIV)
1. How can something be old and yet new (vv. 7–8)?
a. It is old… 
i. because love for one another was built into our moral consciousness, being made in the image of God.
ii. because love for neighbor was a part of Israel’s Law and reiterated by Christ in the two great commands (Lev19:18; Matt 22:34–40
iii. because the command to love is a part of the Gospel (message you have heard) of Jesus that has been preached since the beginning of this new age.
b. It is new… 
i. because Jesus’ self-sacrificial love has given love a new standard and example.
ii. because the new age of the age of Christ and his Spirit has come.
iii. because it is a command that is renewed every day in the life of the believer in Christ. It should never grow old or boring because it is the highest goal of Christlikeness that we can strive to attain.
2. What is one of the clearest indications that you are a Christian who is walking in the light (vv. 9–11)?
a. A person who hates is not a Christian and is still in darkness (v. 9).
i. Your life can be accompanied by a number of other righteous looking traits, but if you do not love others your religion is a fake.
ii. A person characterized by hatred of others is not a Christian and has never been a Christian (in darkness until now). 
b. A person who loves others shows that he is a Christian and that he is walking in the light of God (vv. 10–11).
i. Those who walk in the light will not stumble, because there is nothing in the light to cause him to stumble (v. 10).
ii. Those who walk in darkness are blind and are prone to stumbling and falling (an image of judgment) (v. 11).
Big Idea: One of the clearest indications that you are a Christian and have the assurance of eternal life (1 John 5:13) is if you love other people.

"Christians Are Christians" (1 John 2:3-6)

“Christians Are Christians” (1 John 2:3–6)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, May 15, 2016
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6, NIV)
A Christian obeys the commands of God (3).Christians obey God’s Word, thus fulfilling God’s loving purpose in saving them (5).Christians model their pattern of living after that of Jesus (6)Christians have an assurance of their standing as God’s children when they demonstrate family resemblance by living as Christ did (3, 6).Those who claim to be Christians but do not live like Christians have no basis to claim that they know God. More than likely, their profession is a lie and they are not Christians at all (4).Main Idea: Christians are to live like Christians, obeying God’s commands, remaining in God’s Word, and modeling their lives after Jesus. This fulfills the purpose of God’s love in saving us and brings us assurance that we are in fact God’s children.

"Fellowship with God through Christ's Atonement" (1 John 2:1-2)

“Fellowship with God through Christ's Atonement” (1 John 2:1–2)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, May 1, 2016
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
(1 John 2:1-2, NIV)
1.    Christians take sin seriously and strive diligently in the power of the Spirit to eliminate sin from their lives (1a).
2.    Our salvation, though, does not rest on our ability to live a sinless life but on Christ’s perfect atoning sacrifice (1b–2).
Main Idea: Christians fight against sin in their own lives, but their trust is in Christ’s atonement to bring them home to God.

"Fellowship with God through Confession" (1 John 1:8-10)

"Fellowship with God through Confession" (1 John 1:8-10)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, April 24, 2016
1 John 1:8–10 (NIV)
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
1. Christians do not deny the presence of sin in their lives (vv. 8, 10).
2. Christians do not deny the presence of sin in their lives; instead they openly and continually confess their sins to God (v. 9).
Big Idea: Christians do not deny the presence of sin in their lives; instead, they honestly and continually confess their sins and receive the forgiveness that has been offered to us by God through Jesus Christ.
Christians do not cover-up; they confess.

"Fellowship with God, Who Is Light" (1 John 1:5-7)

"Fellowship with God, Who Is Light" (1 John 1:5-7)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, April 17, 2016
1 John 1:5–7 (NIV)

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
God is pure, uncorrupted Light (v. 5).We are deceiving ourselves and others if we claim to be in fellowship with God all the while we are walking in darkness (v. 6).Walking in the light with God provides assurance that we are in fellowship with Him, with other believers, and that our sins have been forgiven (v. 7).Main Idea: We have no basis for claiming that we are in fellowship with God or that our sins have been forgiven if we are not walking in the light.

"Fellowship with God Incarnate" (1 John 1:1-4)

"Fellowship with God Incarnate" (1 John 1:1-4)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, April 10, 2016
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched-- this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.  2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.  3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.  4 We write this to make our joy complete.  (1 John 1:1-4, NIV)

"A Letter for the Assurance of Faith" (1 John)

"A Letter for the Assurance of Faith" (1 John)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, April 3, 2016
1.    How can I know that I am a Christian and that I am assured of eternal life with God?
a.    The promises of God
b.    The internal ministry/witness of the Holy Spirit
c.     The fruit of the Spirit
 
2.      The letter of 1 John is written primarily to give us a basis for our Christian assurance.
1 John 5:13   I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
3 Tests of Assurance in 1 John
a.    The test of belief
b.    The test of love
c.    The test of obedience
Main Idea: My prayer is that this letter will draw us all into a real, living, and assured faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. This faith can be assured when we witness the presence of belief, love, and obedience in our lives by the grace of God.

"Everyday Christian Ethics" (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28)

"Everyday Christian Ethics" (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchWednesday PM, February 3, 2016
1 Thessalonians 5:12–28 (NIV)


12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

"Sons of the Light" (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

"Sons of the Light" (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchWednesday PM, January 27, 2016
1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 (NIV)

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

"Christian Gratitude and Unity" (Philippians 4:14-23)

“Christian Gratitude and Unity” (Philippians 4:14–23)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchSunday AM, January 24, 2016Philippians 4:14–23 (NIV) 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27, NIV)1.    When we are helped by fellow believers, we should express heartfelt gratitude.2.    When we help other believers or are helped by other believers, it demonstrates our unity as one body of Christ and our partnership in the gospel mission.3.    When we help other believers, it is an opportunity to grow in the fruit of Christian character.4.    When we give to other believers, we are also giving to God in worship.5.    When we give sacrificially to help other believers we can trust God to supply our needs.6.    As fellow brothers and sisters, we should exhibit genuine love and unity.Main Idea: We bring glory to God when we live in gratitude, unity, and love with one another in the body of Christ.

"The Christian Hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

"The Christian Hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchWednesday PM, January 20, 2016
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (NIV)


13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

"Christian Contentment" (Philippians 4:10-13)

“Christian Contentment” (Philippians 4:10–13)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchSunday AM, January 17, 2016Philippians 4:10–13 (NIV)           10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 1. Contentment arises out of a thankful spirit (v. 10 and context).2. Contentment comes from a transformed way of thinking (v. 11) .Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2, NIV)But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. (1 Timothy 6:6-8, NIV)Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Heb. 13:5, NIV)3. Contentment must be learned over time and through experience (vv. 11-12).4. Contentment is often learned through adversity and need (vv. 11-12).5. Contentment is empowered by the strength of the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 13). Main Idea: Contentment is a mark of Christian maturity. It flows from a transformed mind and a thankful spirit. It is learned over time and through adversity. And it is empowered by the strength of Christ.

"Living to Please God" (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)

"Living to Please God" (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchWednesday PM, January 13, 2016
1 Thessalonians 4:1–12 (NIV)

4 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body  in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.  The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

"Is Anything Too Hard for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:1-15)

"Is Anything Too Hard for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:1-15)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchSunday PM, January 10, 2016
Genesis 18:1–15 (NIV)

18 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”

“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”

6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.”

7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.

9 “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him.

“There, in the tent,” he said.

10 Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”

Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. 11 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

15 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.”

But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.”
1. God assures his people of a relationship of peace through a covenant meal (1-8). 2. God calls his people to trust in him, because nothing is impossible with God (9-15).

"Right Thinking and Right Living" (Philippians 4:4-9)

“Right Thinking and Right Living” (Philippians 4:4­–9)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchSunday AM, January 10, 2016Philippians 4:4–9 (NIV)           4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.           8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 1.   A Christian Way of ThinkingJoy in all circumstancesPrayerfulness and peace, not anxietyThe landscape of Christian thinking2.   A Christian Way of LivingGentleness toward allLiving in light of the Lord’s soon returnImitating and practicing Christian virtuesMain Idea: The Christian should be characterized by a transformed mind, which will lead to transformed behavior.

"Growing in Faith and Love" (1 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

"Growing in Faith and Love" (1 Thessalonians 3:6-13)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchWednesday PM, January 6, 2016
1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13 (NIV)


17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

3 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

"Standing Firm Together" (Philippians 4:1-3)

“Standing Firm Together” (Philippians 4:1–3)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchSunday AM, January 3, 2016Philippians 4:1–31 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!  2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.  3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 1.    Stand firm in the Lord in the midst of opposition and trial.a.    A plea to fellow members of the family of Godb.    A plea flowing from Christian lovec.    A plea to resist false teaching and press on toward Christlikeness, living as citizens of heaven19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?  20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy. (1 Thess. 2:19-20, NIV)13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  14 Do everything in love. (1 Co. 16:13-14, NIV)2.    Stand firm together in Christian unity.a.    Christian unity is important enough to warrant an apostolic plea.b.    Christian unity is important enough to preserve in sacred Scripture.c.    Christian unity is important enough to name names and call Christians to unite.27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27, NIV)2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. (Philippians 2:2, NIV)  3.    Stand ready to work together and help one another grow in Christ.a.    We are called to help one another.b.    We are called to not only provide physical help, but also spiritual and moral help, including loving accountability and discipline.c.    We are called to give up selfish, petty arguments for the sake of the larger cause of the body of Christ.d.    We are called to live in light of our eternal salvation.Main Idea: As members of the family of God, we must stand together in unity in the Gospel, ready to labor together to help one another grow to Christian maturity.

"Fruitful Labor" (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:6)

"Fruitful Labor" (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:6)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchWednesday PM, December 16, 2015
1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13 (NIV)


17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

3 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.