by Pastor Ray Viola | Oct 23, 2025 | Selah
The Thessalonians endured fierce persecution for their faith in Jesus, but their eternal hope in Christ gave them the strength to stand firm with joy. That same hope should stir our hearts today—not only to persevere in trials, but to boldly share the Gospel with...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Oct 22, 2025 | Selah
Paul was deeply moved that the Thessalonians received his message not as mere human words, but as the very word of God. That faith had a powerful, transforming effect—giving them strength to endure persecution with unwavering joy. Paul cherished them deeply, calling...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Oct 21, 2025 | Selah
Just as a mother helps her young child to feel secure, the cross provides believers with security and comfort. Like a father, the cross challenges us, for Jesus told us to take up our crosses and follow Him. In other words, just as a mother provides security and a...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Oct 20, 2025 | Selah
To the Apostle Paul, the Thessalonian Christians were more than just another church: He regarded them as his spiritual children. As such, he explained how he and his team nurtured them like a mother with a nursing child. However, in a fatherly way, they also...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Oct 17, 2025 | Selah
In Paul’s day, the church at Thessalonica had a powerful witness that spread the Gospel to the entire province of Achaia in Macedonia. Even more astonishing, these young believers stood firm and spread the Gospel despite facing intense persecution. Our world is...