Eastern Bible Conference 2017 - Study 1: Introduction and Transformation

What this episode covers

The wholesale change of outlook that comes with new birth, 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 6-10. The Thessalonians were well-known in Macedonia and Achaia testimony was effective, shown in work of faith, labor of love, steadfastness of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Understanding the gospel of God—the great salvation—had produced this change. New Birth – 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 6 God brings new birth – begets believers by the power of the word of God and the Holy Spirit A divine work that God does – using the word of God and the Holy Spirit to awaken The Thessalonians received gospel not only in word but also in power and in the Holy Spirit Reconciliation – 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Reconciliation means to make a change in order to remove differences. We were enemies (at enmity with God). We are reconciled to God by the death of His Son… Romans 5:11 Thessalonians turned to God from idols to serve the living God. They were reconciled to God… Justification – 1 Thessalonians 1:10 Justification means to be accounted righteous, to be absolved of guilt. God is holy and demands justice. We are all guilty and subject to wrath! Yet we are justified by the blood of Christ, we will be saved by him from wrath (Romans 5:9) The Thessalonians responded to the fact that they were delivered from the wrath to come Election - 1 Thessalonians 1:4 It’s God’s sovereign act to choose a people for his praise and glory – especially for Jesus Christ… Ephesians 1:4; Romans 8:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2 This is a family secret – one that humbles and causes a joyous response The power of the Gospel, the great salvation, transformed the Thessalonians: from a group of idol worshipers into servants of the living God; a model of group of believers (v 2) influenced by the coming of the Lord (v 10) Other observations that produce contagious believers: Loved of/by God – v 4 Elect (chosen) by God – v 4 Faith in God – v 8 Turned to God from idols – v 9 Served God – v 9 Waiting for the Son of God – v 10

Distinct summary based on available episode metadata or transcript content.