Book excerpt: The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica to encourage Christians to live in light of the gospel. In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, he addressed a number of topics, including the persecution they were enduring, the second coming of Christ, and how they were to live in difficult times. While the letters were written nearly two thousand years ago, pastor James H. Grant Jr. insists that Paul's audience includes us as well as the Thessalonians. Grant applies Paul's message to contemporary churches over the course of twenty-five chapters by leading readers systematically through the epistles—unpacking the gospel and its implications in light of Christ's second coming. Part of the Preaching the Word commentary series.