“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35

I have heard it said before that, when law enforcement professionals want to be able to identify paper money that is counterfeit, they do not study the fake bill but actually labor over the real thing. It is said that, if they know for certain what is the real thing, they will have no trouble identifying the fake version. I have never seen or held a counterfeit dollar bill, but I’ve got to imagine that I would have a hard time figuring it out.  In the above passage, Jesus is telling His disciples that it should not be hard for people to know if we are the real deal or not. The above passage is taking our faith from something we declare to something we live out and is visible to those around us. Loving people is hard work; and relationships take effort, time, energy, and commitment! Jesus commands us to love one another. Right before this verse, He says the model for the kind of love He is talking about is the same as He modeled for them. Jesus loved these men, and He loves you!

The Apostle Paul loved the people of Thessalonica, and they knew it! He had an unwavering commitment not only while he was among them but also now in writing back to them. He was writing to encourage them to remain committed and confident in the Gospel. He reminds them of the strength of their relationship, the reason why he came to them in the first place, and the example he left behind. One of the most encouraging aspects of this letter for me is Paul’s genuine and personal approach to how he is exhorting them. As we continue to move through this letter, I pray you will be encouraged by that same thing too. I can’t wait to dive into this text with you this week, church!

Be sure to listen to the worship set as you prepare for worship.

You are loved!

Nate Lott
Myerstown Campus Pastor

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9:00 AM  – Worship Service On Campus & Online (Lancaster Campus)
9:15 AM – Worship Service On Campus (Myerstown Campus)
11:00 AM – Worship Service on Campus & Online (Lancaster Campus)

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