Tonight we are gathering to begin our study of 1 Thessalonians. Paul opens his letter with what will become known as the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. These three form the basis of Paul’s teachings throughout his letters (and presumably his oral preaching as well). As you prepare for this evening, think through the role that each of these three virtues plays within the life of the Church and the life of a Christian. If you have time today, please read through Paul’s discussion of these virtues of the Faith by which we are justified in Galatians 3, the Hope through which we desire the Kingdom and place our trust in Christ in Romans 8:18-25, and the Love through which we gain our eternal heavenly perfection in 1 Corinthians 13.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is Asian lettuce wraps. Discussion about 6:45. Compline ending by 8. Hope to see you here. Please bring a friend.
Therefore, since we are justified by Faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand and we rejoice in our Hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces Hope, and Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s Love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5