Thessalonians chapter 1 and our text is going to be verses 1 through 3 and if you're able

I'll ask you to stand you can follow along if not where your seated is fine the apostle

Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica and by the Holy Spirit says verse one Paul Silas and Timothy to the church of the

Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ grace Grace and peace to you. Grace and peace are as one referred to them,

the Siamese twins. And this is how Paul usually introduces by way of introduction, his letter.

And what's interesting is it's in that order and it needs

to be in that order because you can't have the peace of God or peace with God without first

being on the receiving end of the grace of God. So grace and peace. Now verse two, we always thank God for all of you

and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember verse 3, before our God and Father, your work produced by faith,

your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Let's pray if you would join with me.

Loving Heavenly Father, we're so thankful to you for your word and for this new book that we're starting today here in your word. Lord, would you as only you can

and are always so faithful to speak into our lives, in and through your word? And as you do, Lord,

we want to give you our undivided attention so Lord speak your

servants are listening in Jesus name amen you can be seated thank you so my message

today is about hope it's a message of hope.

And it's especially for those who find themselves losing hope in the midst of a very difficult trial.

Here in just the first three verses of First Thessalonians, Paul is encouraging

what I see as a battle-weary church because of the persecution certainly that they were experiencing

at that time.

But he's encouraging them concerning their hope inspiring their endurance.

Hang on to those three words in particular.

Hope inspires endurance, those three words, because that's what I want to talk

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