And with that, First Thessalonians chapter 2 and our text will be verses 1 through 6.

I'll have you turn there if you're not there already.

And once you do, if you're able, I'll ask you to stand.

You can follow along as I read.

If not, where you're seated is fine.

The Apostle Paul, by the holy spirit is very interesting writing and as he continues now his

letter to these christians there in thessalonica and he says verse one, you know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you

was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God, we dare to tell

you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. For the appeal, verse 3, we make, does not spring from error or impure motives,

nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.

We are not trying to please people, but God who tests our hearts.

You know, we never use flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed.

God is our witness.

We're not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else,

even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Wow, it's kind of intense a little bit, isn't it? Why don't we pray?

We'll ask God to bless this to our understanding.

Loving Heavenly Father, will you at this time just settle our hearts and quiet our minds so we can focus

and concentrate on your Word and that which you have for us here today in your word.

Lord, we're asking you for this, that you would speak into our lives and that we would

have ears to hear what the Spirit would say to us as a church.

In Jesus' name.

Amen.

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