Have you ever wondered what ancient letters to a small Christian community can teach us about thriving in a modern world of challenges and uncertainties? Professor Dale Sturm teaches about the importance of loving one another, the power of hope, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ allows us to experience joy amidst affliction.Show Notes (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese): https://followhim.co/new-testament-episodes-31-40/YouTube: https://youtu.be/d8WS5o7VbhUFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followhimpodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15G9TTz8yLp0dQyEcBQ8BYPlease rate and review the podcast!00:00 Part 1–Professor Dale Sturm00:59 Introduction to 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians02:03  Introduction of Professor Dale Sturm04:13 Background to Thessalonica, Paul and Silas06:54 Thessalonica is a free city09:28 Acts 17 review, Silas, and Timothy14:33 The “baser sort”17:00 Paul is escorted out of town19:23 Paul sends Timothy to Thessalonica21:10 Timing of 1 Thessalonians22:51 A letter of encouragement26:06 Hard work due to faith27:48 President Hickley offers encouragement30:59 President Packer expresses love31:52 Joy amidst affliction35:40 Conversion requires sacrifice37:34 Professor Sturm shares a personal story about President Hinckley39:29 Key indicators and Same Boat Therapy41:49 1 Thessalonians 245:38 We love those we serve46:42 Joseph F. Smith story in Hawaii49:43 Praying for those who serve51:54 Paul encourages those enduring trials54:00 Paul makes a doctrinal correction56:19 Elder Holland’s “Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence”59:41 End of Part 1–Professor Dale SturmThanks to the followHIM team:Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesJamie Neilson: Social Media, Graphic DesignAnnabelle Sorensen: Creative Project ManagerWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish Transcripts"Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com