Kept from Collapse: How Christ Strengthens Us to Stand | Held By Hope: Formed in Faith, Laboring in Love

Held By Hope is a sermon series based on the book of 1 Thessalonians. In this message, Rev. Dr. Mika Edmondson teaches from 1 Thessalonians 3:1–5.Paul explains that Christ strengthens believers through encouraging and comforting one another, as Paul sends Timothy to support and establish the Thessalonians in their faith (vv. 1–2). Christ also strengthens us through truthful expectations, reminding believers that trials and persecution are part of the Christian life and should not surprise us (vv. 3–4). Finally, Christ strengthens us through sacrificial pursuit, as Paul continues to seek the Thessalonians’ spiritual well-being despite personal hardship and uncertainty (v. 5).