Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians breathes love, concern and care, and it deals with practical matters for new believers: repentance, faith, living a transformed life, living happily with other believers in church, awaiting the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and many other points. In Opening Up 1 Thessalonians, Tim Shenton leads us carefully through all the main aspects of the teaching and provides a good number of thought-provoking questions for further study and for discussion and reflection.
“The purpose of believers is to please God in all things.” (Page 76)
“‘Rash preaching always disgusts; timid preaching does nothing but leave poor souls fast asleep; while bold preaching, if delivered under an affectionate love to the souls of men, and with a humble desire to promote the glory of God, is the only preaching that is owned and blessed of Him.’” (Pages 27–28)
“It is only God the Holy Spirit who enlightens the mind with truth, strikes the conscience with a genuine conviction of sin, softens the heart and makes the gospel effective in the lives of hardened sinners.” (Page 19)
“The best way to win others to Christ is not to wave the rod of authority over their heads, but to be gentle and kind.” (Page 35)
“Whenever God moves in saving power, opposition arises” (Page 10)