Sunday morning we begin a new preaching series through the book of 1 Thessalonians. The concept of life after death is foundational to the Christian faith. Whether it is the warmth of feeling the light of Christ forgiving you of all your sins and gaining a “Start Over” or the dull assurance that a loved one's funeral is not the end. As stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”. This verse emphasizes that when someone places their faith in Jesus, they are regenerated, or born again into a new life. This new life isn't something Christians wait for after death; it starts the moment they say "yes" to Christ.
1 Thessalonians was written by the Apostle Paul to a young church filled with people who were early in their faith. They were experiencing real problems in a world that was not friendly to their Christian faith, just like you and I today. Many of the problems they faced, we still face today. If you approach this book with an open mind you will find how much it will still apply to you and I today.