The church described in 1 Thessalonians is a model church that we would do well to imitate because they were young and suffering but were happy. They were trusting God more every day and loving each other and those nearby in spite of their trials. They were clinging to their hope of eternity which gave them the ability to endure difficulties with joy.

If you want to make an impact in this world, you must start with asking God for eternal life. Then, share it boldly with others. Follow Paul's example of holding forth the Word of God and seeking only to please God. Learn to love with tenderness as well as toughness when needed.

Spiritual friendships are awesome but Satan and suffering can be serious threats to our friendships. As we help each other grow in our relationship with God and each other, we can strengthen the friendship. We are called to increase and abound in love for one another and for all people.

Even though the Thessalonian church was a model church, there still was room for improvement. Paul instructs the church to abstain from sexual immorality. God says sex is highly moral, based on His design for humans and must be reserved for marriage. During sex, a unity is formed that goes down to the soul and must not be broken. God designed sex to be intensely pleasurable but only in the context of a biblical marriage,

In God's plan for humanity, we were never meant to experience death, but since Adam and Eve sinned, we all have or will experience the evil of death. But Christians do not need to fear death as Scripture is clear, when we die, we go immediately to be with Jesus. Jesus promises to someday come back to earth to gather together those who have put their faith in Him, and take us to heaven, whether we have already died or are still alive on earth. Then the Tribulation period will begin.

The practical instruction Paul gives on building a successful spiritual community begins with having a relationship with God. It requires the right attitude toward spiritual leadership. And it requires each of us taking responsibility to help those around us to grow and working hard to make peace as conflicts arise.

Healthy spiritual community requires love relationships among fellow Christians as they also relate to a loving God. In these passages, the focus will be on the vertical relationship with God, us speaking to God and God speaking to us. This will involve the keys of rejoicing, praying, thanksgiving, being open to receiving input from the Holy Spirit and rejecting any form of evil.