1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:13

Intro - Church… what is it to you? 1 Peter 2:9-10

Paul's affection for the church

His pain at being separated from them - 1 Thessalonians 2:17
His effort to be with them - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18
His sending of Timothy to help them - 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2
His intense longing to know how they are going in their faith - 1 Thessalonians 3:5-6
His prayer for them - 1 Thessalonians 3:10
He finds life in them - 1 Thessalonians 3:8

Do we feel the same way about the church?

“Church is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man.” Dwight L Moody

“The Christian life is not just our own private affair. If we have been born again into God’s family, not only has he become our Father but every other Christian believer in the world, whatever his nation or denomination, has become our brother or sister in Christ. But it is no good supposing that membership of the universal Church of Christ is enough; we must belong to some local branch of it. Every Christian’s place is in a local church. sharing in its worship, its fellowship, and its witness.” John Stott

“When a person becomes a Christian, he or she doesn’t just join a local church because it’s a good habit for growing in spiritual maturity. They join a local church because it’s the expression of what Christ has made them—a member of the body of Christ.” Mark Dever

Paul's view of the church - Joy, Hope and Glory

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

2 Corinthians 3:17-18

2 Corinthians 11:2

Ephesians 5:25-27

Church… what is it to you?