Worthy of the Kingdom
Worthy of the Kingdom - Standing Firm When Faith Costs You Everything
The Ancient Letters That Reveal How To Keep Your Faith When the Whole World Turns Against You (And The Shocking Biblical Truth About What's Coming Next)
They Had To Flee The City In The Dead Of Night...
Dear Friend,
Nearly 2,000 years ago, two men were forced to escape a city under cover of darkness.
Their crime?
They preached a message so threatening to the political and religious establishment that angry mobs dragged innocent people before government officials, accusing them of "acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus."
Those two men were Paul and Silas. And the believers they left behind in Thessalonica were about to face persecution unlike anything they'd imagined.
But here's what's remarkable...
Instead of backing down, those new Christians stood firm. And Paul's urgent letters to them – written while the persecution was still raging – contain instruction that every believer facing pressure needs to hear.
Because here's what most Christians don't realize...
The Pressure To Compromise Has Never Been Greater
You see, the same forces that tried to crush the Thessalonian church are alive and well today. Only now they wear different masks:
- Social pressure to keep your faith private
- Workplace policies that punish Christian conviction
- Cultural narratives that label biblical truth as "hate"
- Family members who think you've gone too far with this Jesus thing
- Friends who distance themselves when you won't compromise
Sound familiar?
If you've ever felt the cost of following Jesus rising... if you've wondered whether you can really stand firm when everyone around you is falling away... if you've questioned what you're supposed to do while waiting for Christ's return...
Then Paul's letters to the Thessalonians were written for you.
The "Cultural Christian" Trap That's Destroying Real Faith
Let me ask you something...
Have you ever wondered why, despite claiming to follow Christ, so many believers seem to:
- Compromise their convictions when it gets uncomfortable?
- Live no differently than unbelievers around them?
- Lack the courage to stand for truth when it costs something?
- Feel confused about Christ's return and what comes next?
- Struggle to live holy lives in an unholy world?
Here's the truth that will shake you:
Most Christians have never been taught how to stand firm under real pressure.
They've been told that following Jesus will make their lives better, easier, more comfortable. But that's not what Jesus promised. That's not what Paul taught. And that's certainly not what the Thessalonians experienced.
The Christian life was meant to cost you something. And when it does, most believers aren't prepared.
That's about to change.
Introducing "Worthy of the Kingdom" - A 13-Lesson Journey Through Fire (Perfect for Personal OR Small Group Study)
This isn't just another Bible study. It's an intensive deep-dive into Paul's most urgent, encouraging, and prophetic letters - 1st and 2nd Thessalonians. Whether you're studying alone or gathering with believers who refuse to back down, this devotional series will forge unshakeable faith.
In 13 powerful lessons, you and your group will discover:
- The Real Cost of Discipleship - Why persecution isn't an "if" but a "when," and how to stand firm when it comes...
- What Really Happens When Christ Returns - No speculation. No sensationalism. Just clear biblical teaching on the Day of the Lord and what believers need to know...
- How To Live Holy Lives In An Unholy World - Practical, unflinching instruction on sexual purity, work ethic, and "excelling still more" in godliness...
- The Truth About Believers Who Die Before Christ Returns - Paul's comforting answer to the Thessalonians' most pressing question...
- How To Spot False Teaching About The End Times - Protection against those who would deceive you about Christ's coming...
- The Ministry That Nearly Cost Paul His Life - Why Paul felt compelled to defend his absence and what it teaches about authentic Christian leadership...
- Living While You Wait - What believers are supposed to be doing between now and Christ's return (hint: it's not sitting around watching for signs)...
Start your journey through Thessalonians today →
What Makes This Different From Every Other Bible Study
Let's be honest. You've probably studied parts of Thessalonians before. Maybe your group has worked through studies that barely scratched the surface.
But here's what makes "Worthy of the Kingdom" different:
1. It's Designed for Believers Who Refuse To Compromise
Each lesson includes challenging questions that force you and your group to examine what you really believe and whether you're willing to pay the price. This isn't "feel-good" Christianity - it's the real thing.
2. It Provides Deep Historical Context
You'll understand the political pressure from the Roman imperial cult, the religious opposition from unbelieving Jews, and the cultural forces that made life dangerous for Thessalonian Christians. Suddenly, the letters make perfect sense.
3. It Sparks Courageous Small Group Conversations
The questions are crafted to generate honest discussion about persecution, suffering, holiness, and Christ's return. Groups report having their most meaningful conversations while working through these lessons.
4. It Works for Both Personal and Group Study
Carefully designed to be equally powerful whether you're wrestling with God alone or challenging each other in community. Includes "Going Deeper" sections for those who want to dig even further.
5. It's Been Battle-Tested With Real Believers
These lessons have been refined through actual small groups with real Christians facing real pressure - from new converts to mature believers preparing for whatever comes next.
6. It Includes Answer Keys for Difficult Questions
When you hit those challenging passages about the rapture, the man of lawlessness, or the Day of the Lord, we've provided clear answers to commonly debated questions (accessible via QR code and web link).
7. It Uses The Most Faithful Translation Available
All Scripture quotations use the New American Standard Bible (NASB 1995) - one of the most accurate translations to the original Greek, ensuring you're studying what Paul actually wrote.
Get Your Copy Today And Prepare For What's Coming
Stop living as if following Jesus won't cost you anything.
Perfect for personal devotions, small groups, or church-wide studies preparing believers for persecution.
Get "Worthy of the Kingdom" on Amazon →
Available in paperback format • 13 comprehensive lessons • Includes group discussion guides and "Going Deeper" sections
My Personal Promise to You (and Your Group)
I'm so confident that this study will strengthen your resolve to stand firm for Christ - no matter what it costs - that I'm making you this promise:
If you or your small group complete all 13 lessons with open hearts and don't gain clarity on what it means to be "worthy of the kingdom," simply contact us at Info@TheExaltedChrist.com and we'll personally help you work through any questions or struggles you're facing.
That's how committed we are to preparing believers for faithful living - whether you're studying alone or equipping others to stand firm.
But There's Something You Need To Understand...
The Thessalonian believers didn't have the luxury of comfortable Christianity.
They faced hostile opposition from the moment they believed. Their faith cost them relationships, economic opportunities, social standing, and sometimes their lives.
Yet they "received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
Paul's letters taught them three critical truths:
- How to stand firm under persecution
- How to live holy lives while waiting for Christ's return
- How to be counted worthy of the kingdom of God
The same pressure they faced is coming to every believer.
Actually, scratch that. It's already here.
The only question is: Will you be ready?
Here's What Happens When You Study Thessalonians The Right Way...
You stop being surprised when following Jesus costs you something.
You gain clarity on what's really happening in the world and where it's all heading.
You learn to "excel still more" in godliness instead of settling for mediocre Christianity.
You understand what believers are supposed to be doing while waiting for Christ's return.
You develop the courage to stand for truth even when everyone around you compromises.
You discover the joy that comes from being counted worthy of God's kingdom.
And maybe most importantly...
You realize you're not alone. The same God who sustained the Thessalonians through their trials will sustain you through yours.
This Study Is For You If...
- You sense that cultural pressure against Christianity is increasing
- You want to understand what the Bible really teaches about Christ's return
- You're tired of shallow Christianity that never addresses real suffering
- You lead a small group and want content that generates deep discussion
- You're preparing yourself (or your church) for persecution
- You want to live a life that's actually worthy of God's kingdom
- You're confused by contradictory teaching about the end times
- You need encouragement to keep going when faith gets hard
This Study Is NOT For You If...
- You want easy answers that require no personal cost
- You're looking for sensational end-times speculation
- You prefer comfortable Christianity that never challenges you
- You're not willing to wrestle with difficult questions
- You want a study that tells you exactly what to think instead of teaching you how to study Scripture
About The Authors - Joe Kohler & Greg Churchley
Joe and Greg bring decades of ministry experience and a shared passion for teaching believers to stand firm on Scripture. They've co-authored multiple Bible studies including "Set Free by Christ" (Galatians) and individually written studies on John's Gospel, the book of Acts, and more.
But more importantly, they're not writing from ivory towers. They're writing as believers who understand that following Christ in an increasingly hostile world requires courage, clarity, and community.
They've poured everything they've learned about standing firm under pressure into this study of Thessalonians.
The Choice Before You Is Simple...
You can continue as you are - hoping that following Jesus never costs you too much, confused about what's coming next, unprepared for real persecution.
Or you can spend the next few weeks studying the letters Paul wrote to believers under fire.
You can learn what it means to be "worthy of the kingdom."
You can prepare yourself (and others) for whatever comes next.
The Thessalonians didn't have a choice about whether they'd face persecution. But they did have a choice about how they'd respond.
So do you.
One More Thing Before You Decide...
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: "we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe" (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Notice what Paul says: God's Word "performs its work" in those who believe.
That's what this study is designed to do. Not just fill your head with information, but allow God's Word to perform its transforming work in your life.
Are you ready for that kind of transformation?
Get "Worthy of the Kingdom" now and start your journey →
P.S. - A Final Warning...
Paul was so concerned about the Thessalonians standing firm that he wrote them not one but TWO urgent letters. He knew that without proper teaching and encouragement, they might cave under pressure.
The same is true for you.
Don't wait until persecution intensifies to prepare yourself. Don't wait until your faith is tested to learn how to stand firm.
The time to prepare is now.
"...so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering." - 2 Thessalonians 1:5
Copyright © 2025 Joe Kohler and Greg Churchley. All rights reserved.
Questions? Contact us at Info@TheExaltedChrist.com