Face to Face
- Cornerstone Church
- Aug 16
- 4 min read
This week will finish the Book of Galatians, and as a reminder Paul has been emphasizing unity after a group of false teachers caused confusion. The unity in the Church is more than getting along or agreeing to work for each other’s good. This unity is connected to the same unity by which Christians call to God, “Abba, Father.” Christians are all one in Christ, and the Church behaves in that manner. Paul will start the Church in Thessalonica in Acts and follow up with a letter to them. This same familial love is poured out in thanksgiving and challenges to live Holy lives faithful to God. This is for two reasons. The first is due to the believers in Thessalonica suffering persecution and that God called them not only into His Kingdom but also His Glory, and that is the Big Picture.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Week 34
Bible Reading Plan
Daily Prayer Plan
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2025 to see how Love Shows Up from the Old Testament and into the New Testament. How do we understand so many stories and lessons through the entire Bible while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of 1st Thessalonians, Acts and Galatians, what is impacting you the most? How has praying daily through the Psalms impacted you? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Acts 17:5-8. What was the controversy with the believers at Thessalonica, and who was stirring up the city? Read Acts 17:13-14 and 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5. Who stayed behind to help the believers in the area?
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10. What was the response of the people to Paul’s short ministry in Thessalonica?
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:8-12, 17 & 3:10. What was Paul’s attitude and example of Christ toward the Thessalonians during this brief period and after?
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8. What has God called us to?
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12. What are outward signs of a changed and Godly life listed here?
SHARE IT.
Read Galatians 4:4-7. What about this would cause you to worship today?
Read Galatians 5:16-17. How does spending time in prayer or the Word change your appetites and habits? Read Galatians 5:22-26. What will be the outcome in your life of spending time with Christ in prayer and Bible reading?
Read Psalm 1:1-3. What is the difference between a rock being planted by a stream and a fruit bearing tree? What is the tree doing with the water that the rock is not? How does this apply to a Christian, specifically you, according to verse 2?
Read Psalm 1:3. How might a ‘dry and hot’ season expose you? Read Acts 17:11,13. Why were the Jews in the Synagogue at Berea considered more noble than those at Thessalonica, and how could you benefit from their example?
Read Psalm 1:3-6. How are you right now ultimately prosperous in Christ according to verses 5 & 6? What is true unending prosperity? (Hint: Revelation 20:11-15 & 21:3-8)
FINAL THOUGHT
Jesus Christ came to give His life as a ransom for many, but specifically for you too. Jesus Christ humbled Himself to death on a cross in love for His Father and His perishing people. This week shows us that Christians can now approach God as a Father and will see Him face to face. The proof of this relationship is our love for one another. In 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, Paul has just told the Thessalonians how much he desired to be with them and see them face to face. He then states, “For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? Indeed you are our glory and joy.” Who will be your hope, joy, crown of boasting at Jesus’ coming? Jesus has left us all to be a part of making disciples, but does a particular person’s face come to mind for you? Be encouraged that God has called you into His own Kingdom and Glory.
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