Nov. 9 Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025
Scripture Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Sermon: First Fruits for Salvation
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.
Key Idea of the Sermon
The issue that prompts this letter written in Paul’s name to the Gentile followers of the Way of Jesus living in Thessalonica, is to correct the mistaken belief that “the day of the Lord” has already come or will come very soon (2:2). Those with this mistaken belief “are living in idleness” (3:6). That is, they are not engaging in meaningful work for the common good of the community, nor are they “doing what is right” (3:13). As we have learned in our study of the Bible, “doing what is right” is being just and righteous. In Christ, who reveals the power and sufficiency of grace to put us in right relationship with God, we are empowered to live in right and just ways with others. This is our work as “ambassadors for Christ in the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Disciples roll up their sleeves to get to work as partners with Christ to bridge the gaps that divide. We counter division and hatred with unity as the beloved of God and with the transforming power of forgiving love.
Questions for Reflection
The “first fruits” is an oft repeated Biblical idea that refers to offering God, the Creator and Provider, the best of the earth’s produce (see, for example, Leviticus 23:10). The members of the house church started by Paul in Thessalonica are among the first of Jesus’ followers in Europe. They are a sort of “first fruits for salvation”, they are an offering to God meant to work as vessels for the gift of salvation on behalf of others.
o How are you working as ambassadors for Christ to deliver others from the life of sin, evil, and death?
o Are you possessed by your possessions or are you liberated to a life of generosity as a steward of God the true owner of creation who has promised to sustain you “like a Good Shepherd who meets all your needs” (Psalm 23)?
o Do you give God your best or whatever you have left over?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
The key to experiencing God’s abundance is not keeping but sharing (Luke 6:38). Take a step toward trusting God’s promise to meet your needs by lending a kind and generous hand to someone God brings into your life who needs you.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
