The first slide in a teaching series from the books of Firsst and Second Thessalonians. The book that goes with it can be found at: http://bit.ly/1hPMIk4

1. The Rapture and the Return of Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Introduction

2. The Rapture and the Return of Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Introduction
I. THE BACKGROUND.
A. The City
of Thessalonica was first called Therma (because there
are hot springs nearby), but its named was changed in
315 B.C. in honor of Alexander the Great's half sister.
Thessalonica is one of very few cities named in the Bible
that is still a thriving city. Even today it is an important
commercial city in Greece and boasts a population of
approx 300,000. (In Paul's day it was around 200,000)
It was an important Allied base in WWI, and in WWII the
Germans captured the city and exterminated about
60,000 Jewish citizens!

3. The Rapture and the Return of Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Introduction
I. THE BACKGROUND.
B. The Church in Thessalonica
Was founded by Apostle Paul (Acts 17:1-10)
Verses 2-3 give us some important info on the ministry;
Reasoned... Discourse with questions and answers.
These people were familiar with the Bible.
He began to ask them questions that could not be satisfactorily answered
by their system of belief.
Opening... Means to explain.
Paul would explain the Scriptures and how they referred to Jesus Christ
and the Gospel message of the death burial and resurrection.
Alleging... Means to lay beside.
Paul would harmonize the Scriptures. He would lay them side by side and
show how they related to each other and how the message of Jesus Christ
made Bible sense.
Preach... To proclaim with conviction.
Paul did not stop at simply giving them information.
He preached with conviction and called upon the listener to repent of their
sin and be saved in Jesus Christ.

4. The Rapture and the Return of Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Introduction
I. THE BACKGROUND.
C. The Conclusion
1. God uses people!
2. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
3. Satan opposes those that preach the Gospel.

5. The Rapture and the Return of Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Introduction
II. THE BURDEN.
A. To assure them of his love and
concern.
Prayer ( 1:2)
Remembrance (1:3)
Affections (2:7-8)
Desire to see again (2:17)

6. The Rapture and the Return of Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Introduction
II. THE BURDEN.
B. To ground them in doctrinal truth.
1Thessalonians 3:10
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and
might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? (KJV)

7. The Rapture and the Return of Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Introduction
II. THE BURDEN.
C. To correct some errors.
1. Refusing to Work.
2 Thess. 3:10
2. Practical Holiness.
1 Thess. 5:15-22
3. Respect for spiritual leaders.
1 Thess. 5:12-13
Dr. Warren Wiersbe wrote on this book, "I have discovered that lack
of respect for church leadership is the main cause [of problems in the
church]"

8. The Rapture and the Return of Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Introduction
III. THE BLESSING
1Thess/Rapture
2Thess/Return
for His own
(4:13-18)
Sudden/Secret
5:2
Can occur at any moment
4:15
with His own
1:10
A crisis that is predicted
1:7-8
Can occur only after
certain events happen
2:3
Christ comes in the air
Christ comes to the earth

9. The Rapture and the Return of Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Introduction
III. THE BLESSING
There are four things that having a clear
understanding of the doctrines of the rapture and
return of Jesus Christ can do for us... all found in
these two letters;
1. Give us an assurance for the future
2. Encourage us to serve the Lord and soul win.
3. Comfort us in the sorrow of death
4. Motivate us to purity in life.

10. The Rapture and the Return of Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Introduction
III. THE BLESSING
There are four things that having a clear
understanding of the doctrines of the rapture and
return of Jesus Christ can do for us... all found in
these two letters;
1. Give us an assurance for the future
2. Encourage us to serve the Lord and soul win.
3. Comfort us in the sorrow of death
4. Motivate us to purity in life.