Pastor Jay continues a new sermon series, Be Encouraged, Brothers. This week's message is "A Good Report," from 1 Thessalonians 1:9-2:1. [powerpress] 1 Thessalonians 1:9-2:1 (ESV)

For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,  and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.

Genuine believers are known by the quality of their conversion.

• A genuine believer in Christ repents.
  • We have to turn away from our old gods.
  • We have to turn to the true God.
• Genuine believers are known by their faith in Jesus Christ.
  • We’re waiting for him to come again.
  • We’re looking forward to our rescue.

Parent Connection Questions:

• Can you tell the difference between Dillon’s soda and the real Coca-Cola?  How?
• How good are you at spotting the differences between two pictures?
• How can someone who loves Jesus different than someone who just says they love him?
• Do you need to ask God to make your friendship with Christ more “real”?  How would you do that?