1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13: Grieving, encouragement, and prayer.

Rev. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, Florida, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13. Paul’s words are broken down into three sections.  First, he grieves that he was from Thessalonica and longed to be together again---face to face.  Secondly, he expresses joy over the steadfast faith of the Thessalonians even under temptation of the evil one.  Finally, he prays for the Thessalonians to endure in faith and love towards one another until Christ returns.  “Lord god, unite us with other Christians so that we may see each other face to face soon.  Provide us with stories of how Your word is at work around the world.  Grant us endurance to prevail over the temptations of the evil one.  In Christ, Amen”