We read in Matthew 3 today about Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist.

Jesus stepped out of obscurity into the way to become our Savior. Jesus teaches us humility by submitting to baptism, the plan of God, and the salvation of the world.

Paul provides encouragement and instruction to the church in Thessalonica. As believers today we can use this encouragement to help us as we stand under life's pressures. Stand fast, remember what you know and what you have learned from God's Word. Receive God's eternal encouragement and hope while you depend upon His comfort for your inner man and strength to say and do what you need to do.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 says, "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope."

Using the book of John Pastor shows us how Jesus loved and served the disciples before his impending crucifixion. Jesus shared the importance of love. Love God supremely and your neighbors sincerely. These actions will allow us to handle our grief and sorrow.

The comfort of God and the presence of God are inseperable. God is in the midst of everything and provides you with a purpose. God meets you with mercy and comfort when you need it and then your purpose is to turn around and share that experience with others.

Comfort begins and ends with God. He loves you, He walks with you, He never leaves you, never forsakes you.

How do we stand, when we do not understand?

Paul tells us we live for the future, we do not live for today.

Daily living for God's glory:

1. Choose to live for God's please, God's glory.

2. Evaluate everything you do against our greater purpose. Ask yourself, "Is this God honoring?"

3. Walk in the Spirit. Allow the Spirit to grow your desire for the future.

Walk in love and imitate God.

Abstain from evil in all you say and do.

In order to imitate God we live and love as Jesus did.

**Please forgive some sound issues at the beginning of the sermon, around the 5:30 mark you can hear Pastor Kevin clearly.

You need to contemplate the love of Christ that passes all understanding.

When you contemplate and meditate on it, it motivates, it helps and it brings change. The more you know about the love of Christ the more you're going to hate the things that don't honor Him. The more it will impact you and motivate you to change and walk a life pleasing to the Lord.

Rememer who you were, what you lacked?

You used to be far off, but now you are brought near. You are brought near by the blood of Christ.

Our union with Christ gives us new relationships, we are no longer slaves and foreigners, we are fellow citizense with the saints. We are members of the household of God.