Book: 1 & 2 Thessalonians

We we allow God’s word to work in us, it lifts the burden of oppressive teaching from us.

If we keep imitating one another, paying back violence with vengeance, the world will be consumed in an escalating fury, but Jesus rescues us and gives us a life-giving example to follow.

Those who have too strong a belief in their own goodness to engage in the real, flesh and blood work of building community in the here and now, can end up struggling to accept God’s grace.

As God’s people, we celebrate life in the face of death, because we know that the victory of life has been secured.

Modelling ourselves on those who model themselves on Jesus is a healthy pathway to fulfilling the image of God within us.

Preparing ourselves for the coming Lord is not a matter of rigorous rule keeping, but rules can help us learn the appropriate new way of being.

Our readiness to welcome and celebrate Christ is integral to his becoming present and active among us.

God’s mission is much bigger than us, and to play our part in it, we need to live freely and fearlessly and maintain a humble and faithful connection with the traditions and wisdom of the wider Church.

Our anticipation of new life in Christ, though not removing all grief, allows us to find hope in the mercy and love of God.

As creatures made in the image of God, imitation of God is the pathway to fullness of life.

Growth in faith and love come as we work through tough times together for God.

To those for whom the griefs of yesterday or the fear of tomorrow is just too much, come Lord Jesus.