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1 Thessalonians Made Simple

by Kimani Upshur, M.Ed.

A young church that should not have survived — new believers, old enemies, a pastor forced to flee in the night — and yet the Thessalonians stood. 1 Thessalonians Made Simple walks through Paul's letter one chapter a day, in order, and compresses its whole message into three words: Stand. Love. Wait. Stand — Paul gives thanks for their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope. The gospel came to them not only in word but in power and the Holy Spirit, from a messenger gentle as a nursing mother who shared not only the gospel but his own self. Received as God's word, it is still at work in believers — and people, not achievements, are Paul's hope, joy, and crown. Through Timothy's mission the church is established and exhorted, unmoved by afflictions it was destined for. Love — the Lord makes them increase and abound in love for one another and for all. That love is kept pure by sanctification, God's will stated plainly, and it is taught by God Himself: already doing it, urged to do it more and more. Wait — the Lord Himself will descend with a cry of command, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Until then, children of light stay awake and sober — rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians Made Simple is part of THE MADE SIMPLE FRAMEWORK by Kimani Upshur, M.Ed. (Upshur Unlimited, LLC).