Salvation is not transactional but transformative. When God calls you to salvation, it is a calling to believe and be transformed by the power of God to accomplish His will and bring glory to His name.

In the secular world, you become very accustomed to transactional relationships. Unfortunately, not only do many people approach their most intimate relationships with a transactional mindset, but many also attempt to relate to God in a similar manner. However, God does not negotiate or bargain, nor can God be manipulated or deceived. It is impossible to receive God's salvation through any form of human transaction.

When you believe in faith and are saved by God, you are transformed by the power of God for the glory of God. In 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, Paul prays with confidence in God's will for the Thessalonian church to continue being transformed for His glory.

How does salvation transform your life? These verses illustrate two fundamental ways in which salvation transforms a Christian's life. That is, salvation transforms what you are and what you do.

Find Out More:

For more sermons and content from Pastor Ben Smith, visit BenSmithSr.org. You can also find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org.

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

This sermon was originally preached on 5/25/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA.

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

Christians endure the present with confident faith in the coming of Jesus, who will rightly judge the world, rescue the saints, and reveal His full glory. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to encourage the saints who were enduring persecution. The encouragement is that Jesus is coming again to rescue the saints and judge the wicked.

Thinking of the vengeance and judgment of God is uncomfortable for many Christians. So, how should you respond to the coming judgment of Christ?

This passage is both an encouragement to Christians and a warning to unbelievers. To believers, it encourages you to have confident faith, and to unbelievers, it serves as a warning of God's coming judgment.

This passage encourages the saints to endure the present with confident faith in who Jesus is and what he will do. To unbelievers, it is an urgent plea to repent.

Find Out More:

For more sermons and content from Pastor Ben Smith, visit BenSmithSr.org. You can also find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org.

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

This sermon was originally preached on 5/18/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA.

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

In this sermon, Pastor Ben Smith explores 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, focusing on how the faith and actions of believers serve as a powerful testimony to other Christians. This passage highlights that a Christian's faith and testimony of sanctification testify to God's goodness and work to encourage other believers. While we often think of ministry as what we can do or give, Paul reminds the Thessalonians, and us, that our first ministry and offering to other saints is our own testimony.

Key question: What impact should your testimony have on other Christians?

Your testimony should cause other saints to give thanks to God, and your testimony should encourage other saints.

Key Takeaway:

Your life, your growth in faith, your increasing love for others, and your endurance through hardship are not just for your own benefit; they are a powerful testimony of God's work that is meant to inspire thanksgiving in others and encourage them in their own walk with the Lord.

Find Out More:

For more sermons and content from Pastor Ben Smith, visit BenSmithSr.org. You can also find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org.

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

This sermon was originally preached on 5/11/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA.

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.