The text for Pastor John's message this morning is found in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, the second chapter, verses 1 to 12.

For you yourselves know, brethren, that our visit to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and had been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the face of great opposition.

For our appeal does not spring from error or uncleanness, nor is it made with guile. But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted

with the Gospel, so we speak not to please men, but to please God who tests our hearts.

For we never used either words of flattery, as you know,

or a cloak for greed, as God is witness.

Nor did we seek glory from men,

whether from you or from others,

though we might have made demands as Apostles of Christ,

but we were gentle among you, like a nurse taking care of her children.

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share

with you not only the Gospel of God, but also our own selves because you had become very dear to us. For you remember our labor and

toil brethren. We worked night and day that we might not burden any of you while we

preach to you the Gospel of God. You are witnesses and God also, how

holy and righteous and blameless was our behavior to you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged

you and charged you to lead a life worthy of God who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Bethlehem Baptist Church exists by the grace of God and for the glory of God.

From him and through him and to him are all things.

To him be glory forever and ever. And therefore the most accurate way of

describing our commitment to the three priorities that we're talking about in

these three weeks together would be as follows.

Two of them are symbolized in these symbols on the banner.

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