The Thessalonians “despised” prophecy. As a result of this, they were quenching the Holy Spirit from working among them like He sought to. Some Christians are at arms length from prophecy. Pastor Jacob makes the case here that prophecy is still a gift of the Spirit today and should be “earnestly desired.” May God bless you as you hear His Word preached.

Central Oaks Sermons

Instructions About Prophecy—1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

In this series on church life, Pastor Jacob preaches about three things God wants us to do all the time. They are difficult things to do—impossible really. But there is a key phrase at the end of verse 18 that helps us realize these verses are verses of hope instead of drudgery.

Three Things To Do All The Time—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This short series from the end of 1 Thessalonians 5 is about church life. This message is from verses 13b-15 and focus on responsibilities we have for one another in local churches. May God bless you as you hear His Word preached.

How to Treat One Another—1 Thessalonians 5:13b-15

It matters how things are made. It matters how Scripture came. How Scripture came will either build or erode confidence in it. May God bless the preaching of His Word.

Where Scripture Comes From—2 Peter 1:20-21

How does the Bible describe itself? What does it claim it does to us? Hebrews 4:12 gives the answer. May God bless the preaching of His Word.

The Sharpest Two - Edged Sword—Hebrews 4:12

God’s Word is compared to the rain and snow in Isaiah 55. The rain and snow are always effective to make something grow. So is God’s Word always effective for what God sends it out to do. Do we trust God’s Word to do the work of God?

It Works—Isaiah 55:10-11

God’s Word endures forever. People don’t. What does this say about which one we should pay attention to the most? May God bless you as you listen to His Word preached.

Grass Flowers And Gods Word—Isaiah 40:6-8

The Bible might be true, but is it enough? Is it all we truly need for following Jesus?

Authority And Sufficiency Is The Bible Enough—2 Timothy 3:16

James and John heard Jesus say He was going to Jerusalem to die. In fact, they heard it three times. But they couldn’t quite see it. They only saw Jesus as a glorious King and not a suffering servant. But there was one person who could see who Jesus was in this account. It leaves us asking the question: “Who are we most like: James and John or Bartimaeus?”

Why Did Jesus Come? To Serve And Give His Life—Mark 10:35-52

When it comes to the Old Testament, some think it's not as important as the New Testament. But Jesus had a different view of the Old Testament. This sermon explains that view and gives implications for it as well.

Why Did Jesus Come Not? To Abolish The Law But To Fulfill It

Just a few final words from Paul before the book ends. May God bless you as you hear His Word preached today.

Last Word: 1 Thessalonians 5:25-28

Paul wanted the believers in Thessalonica to know that they could be ready for the return of Christ. He even wanted them to know that God would make them ready. What confidence!

Ready For Jesus' Return: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

For some the return of the Lord can evoke fear. "Am I really ready?" This passage is for those who are ready but don't realize it. It seeks to encourage real Christians who are unnecessarily afraid of the return of Jesus. God bless you as you listen to this sermon.

Ready For A Thief In The Night--1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Losing a fellow Christian to death is difficult. The Thessalonians had lost some fellow Christians, and they were grieving like someone who had no hope. But they could have hope. How? Paul explains in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Hopeful Grieving--1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The Christians in Thessalonica were mainly praised by Paul, but they did need to grow in their love for one another--particularly in the area of work. It seems some weren't working and were relying on the wealth of other Christians, becoming a burden to them and sticking their nose places where it didn't belong. Love doesn't take, but gives. They needed to grow in that area, and so do many Christians today.

More Love Less Mooching--1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

We are a church in Royal Oak, MI that seeks to help people follow Jesus. Pastor Jacob Riggs' sermons are featured here.