Mark Howell says, "The Gospel will affect every area of our lives, including our passion for living today and our hope for what is coming tomorrow."

Can I know for sure that I will go to heaven? This is a question that plagued the Thessalonians to such an extent that even after the comfort of his first letter, Paul has to write again and give further encouragement. Many people today wonder, "Does heaven exist? Can I be sure I am going there?"

The questions are taken from the Bible study by Donald Baker titled 1 & 2 Thessalonians: How Can I Be Sure? and Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Thessalonians by Mark Howell.

Our readings for this week: 2 Thessalonians 1.

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 a. or go to our FB page to link to YouTube live on Sunday mornings or anytime on our website redoakpresbyterianchurch.com

Questions to think about:

1. If you were to die tonight and God asked why He should let you into heaven, how would you answer?

2. What are some of the reasons Paul was so willing to boast about the Thessalonian church? How might someone boast about your church?

3. Why do you think that in times of persecution, some people's faith and love grows while others' fails (v. 4)? How can you make sure that your is the kind that will grow?

4. "Suffering... is not to be thought of as evidence that God has forsaken us, but as evidence that God is with us." How has God been evident in your times of suffering?

5. How does God use your present suffering to prepare you for glory?

6. How do you think suffering people like the Thessalonians would have responded to this teaching about God's justice?

7. What will cause God to punish some people when He returns (vv. 8-10)?

8. What prompted Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians? What is the nature of His prayer? How can you use his prayer as a model for the way you pray for your fellow believers?

9. Why do you think Paul often models Christians praying for one another in his writings? Why is prayer so instrumental to a committed Christian life?

10. In verses 11-12, Paul prays. If someone were to pray this prayer for you, what is one specific way in which you would want God to change your life?