Let's get into the Word of God. First Thessalonians chapter three, our text will be the first five

verses, verse one through five. So 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 is writing to these believers there in Thessalonica,

and he continues now here in verse one of chapter three and says, so when we could stand it no longer.

He's going to say that two times before we're done.

We thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.

We sent Timothy, who is our brother and coworker in God's service in spreading the gospel

and were told why, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.

So that verse three, no one would be unsettled by these trials.

For we know quite well that we are destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you

that we would be persecuted and it turned out that way as you well know. For this reason,

verse 5, and here it is again again when I could stand it no longer I sent to find out

about your faith not how many people you have on a Sunday morning not your building building, not your parking, no, to find out about your faith.

I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

Let's pray if you would join with me. Thank you, Lord.

Loving Heavenly Father, will you at this time settle our hearts and quiet our minds and get our attention and keep our attention?

Lord, we don't want to miss anything that you have for us today in our time together in your word. So Lord, please speak in that still small voice of the Holy Spirit as only you can and minister to us in and through your word we pray.

In Jesus' name, amen.

You can be seated. Thank you.

I want to talk with you today about a simple yet powerful and vital truth that if understood and applied, more importantly, can change our Christian lives.

I know that's kind of a provocative statement to begin with. But truly, if we understand this, it really can be a game

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