Sermon - "Withstanding Persecution" (1 Thessalonians)

Last Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached on Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, in which the apostle worried that the young church might lose faith in the face of persecution (or the treat of persecution).

With these fears, Paul sent both a personal representative -- Timothy -- and this letter to encourage the congregation.  Timothy reported that the Thessalonians were keeping strong in their faith, and were filled with love and concern for Paul.

This demonstrates a basic way to encourage people facing persecution or abuse -- reach out to them with prayers, with letters, and with visits so that they are not isolated.  And remind them why they are doing this, and that others are cheering them on.  (This is not a bad reminder in our own time as well.)

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and the closing benediction.