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This week’s Prison Pulpit was recorded on location in Thessalonica, where I am spending a day or two en route to Istanbul. Join me today in studying some of 2 Thess, and talking about a few specific prayer needs, and then looking at a few folks who were tortured and/or martyred in the Tower of London I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city to pray for every single day. Email me with any questions, comments, or complaints: bfwesten AT gmail dot com. Finally, check out my personal landing page PrayGiveGo.us for everything else, including our missions website, substack, and books. Why the Prison Pulpit? The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison. (Here you’ll find some free PDF books by Richard Wurmbrand: https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.org/) Pakistan Raid Forces Digital Gospel Worker Into Hiding https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pakistan-raid-forces-gospel-worker-into-hiding/ Accounts of Persecution in Great Britain & Ireland, Prior to the Reign of Queen Mary I (Fox Ch. 14) https://www.berbc.org/book-of-martyrs-chapter-xiv Anne Askew: Tortured in the Tower of London https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Askew Pray for China Cities of the Week (Aug 24-31): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-aug-24-31-2026 Help Us Equip and Encourage China’s Persecuted Church If you (or your church or organization) would like to “sponsor” a Chinese church leader, I can personally provide you with the name (or secure nickname) of the particular pastor/leader who you sponsor, and for whom you can continue to pray for going forward. Sponsor a Chinese Pastor/Evangelist for $1000! Contact me (bfwesten AT gmail dot com) Or donate directly at: MCI3.org Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books + Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

Note: Much of the content in this podcast can be found in show participant Ross Anderson's book Understanding the Book of MormonThe Book of Mormon claims to be an ancient scripture that tells the story of God's people in the American continent.LDS challenge: “Either the Book of Mormon is what the Prophet Joseph said it is, or this Church and its founder are false, a deception from the first instance onward…Joseph must be accepted either as a prophet of God or else as a charlatan of the first order…” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Christ and the New Covenant,” quoted in Ensign, September 2002, 14)To accept BoM is to accept JS as a prophet, and everything that he stands for.The Book of Mormon claims can be / should be tested. 1 Thess 5:21 “Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.”ArchaeologyBoM claims to be an ancient record of American continentFeaturing great cities, people at warArchaeology has failed to unearth any concrete evidence for BoMInscriptional evidence → names carved into stone monumentsExample: Sennacherib / Assyrians = names of Israel's kingsNo BoM name every foundMaterial remains → walls / foundations of ancient citiesPlenty of ancient cities in America, but none that can be linked to BoMExample: BoM describes its people using gold, silver, iron, brass, copperThe mining, smelting, and casting of metal ores requires special tools / complex processes which leave traces in the archaeological recordScholars generally agree: metallurgy not introduced into America until several centuries after the BoM story endsAnimals → BoM mentions many different kinds of animals: cattle, sheep, goats, horsesNone have been found in any archaeological setting dating to BoM timesUnlike deer, jaguar, peccary, tapir, other native speciesThe horse have never been found depicted in any of 1000s of sample of artNew world archaeology is still a young sciencePerhaps some day some artifact or inscription will be found to validate the BoMBut so far, best LDS apologists can do = create aura of plausibility based on vague similaritiesBy contrast, archaeology has repeatedly demonstrated the reliability of Bible: historically / geographicallyUse of metals as describe in Bible can be verified at many sitesA person can visit the actual cities where Bible describes Jesus or Paul travellingBritish Museum (London)Massive stone panels from ancient Ninevah → cities in Bible are recorded thereEvidence for the reliability of the Bible: “Three Reasons to Trust the Bible”DNATraditional LDS understanding - based on BoM story → native Americans are descended from ancient Jews who left Jerusalem for America around 600 BCThis is what JS taught → the most straightforward way to read the BoM textMainstream science → all native Americans are of Asian originSupported by extensive DNA sampling of American Indian populationsMany current LDS scholars claim that most NA's are of Asian descentWhile a small subset are of Semitic origin, descended from LehiIdea is = Nephite & Lamanite civilizations described in BoM made up a very small % of total population of New World during BoM timesLDS Church has acknowledged the challenges1981 BoM: identifies Lamanites as “the principle ancestors of the American Indians”2006 BoM: Lamanites “are among the ancestors of the American Indians”If BoM peoples were not alone in the Americas, it's very surprising that BoM never mentions these large populations of other peopleIn fact, no references to other peoples or nations, no accounts of Nephites evangelizing pagans, no polemics vs polytheism, idolatry, etc.LDS Church Gospel Topics Essay: Book of Mormon and DNA StudiesBible PlagiarismBoM contains extensive material in common with the BibleFirst type of shared content = simple repetition or direct quotationIncluding frequent phrases such as “it came to pass” and “verily, verily I say unto you”Second type = interpretive changes to a biblical text2 Nephi 2:18 expands on the biblical account of Eve's temptation (Gen 3:4-5)Third type = structural parallels to the BibleIncludes literary forms, common motifs, character types, etcConversion of Alma (Mos 27) has many features in common with Paul's conversion (Acts 9)Point: in many cases, Nephite writers mimic wording from the NTA doc to which they would have had no access.All of this shared content raises the Q: does common material come from independent sources?Or did JS simply copy from the Bible?Case 1 = the Sermon on the MountJesus appears in BoM - apparently in 40 days after resurrection prior to ascensionHis public address in 3 Nephi 12-14 contains much in common with Matt 5-7Case 2 = BoM contains more than 19 complete chapters in common w/IsaiahLehi's people carried a copy of OT scriptures with them → source of quoted materialSeveral lines of evidence suggest JS derived the Isaiah passages directly from KJV rather than an ancient sourceExample: biblical scholarship has advanced since KJV translationMany passages that were obscure in KJV in JS time are now more clearBut some of the misunderstandings found in the KJV are also found in BoMSuggests a direct relationship between KJV / BoMWould not have been present in BoM's quotes of Isaiah if the Isaiah text had originated in Lehi's time, as the story claimsHow would translation problems from KJV find their way into BoM?The extensive content shared between KJV & BoM - and the nature of the parallels - creates strong impression that BoM was produced AFTER the KJVOf course, LDS apologists have answers for all of these objectionsThe question is whether their answers are credibleFor loyal Mormons, the answers are convincing because they already have an existing commitment to the BoMOthers, without that grid, are not convinced that BoM passes the test--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

Lesson Six: The gospel is glorious because of its results C- because of the gospel we have the promise of Heaven. INTRO: In lesson four we discussed result A= the gospel gives new life. In lesson five we discussed result B= the gospel gives spiritual blessings. Today we will see the gospel is our guarantee of Heaven: 1. Because of the gospel we have an inheritance. Eph. 1:11 • We are joint heirs with Christ. Rom.8:17 • This present earth is the inheritance of the lost. Psalm 115:16 • Satan is the god of the unsaved world. 2 Cor.4:4 • Heaven is the home of the saved. Psalm 116:15; 2 Cor.5:8; 1 Thess. 4:16-18 • Our Father is the true God in Heaven. Ref lesson four. Luke 11:2. See John 14:1-4; 17:1; Acts 7:49; 1 John 5:7 2. Because of the Gospel we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Eph. 1:13 • As a result of hearing the gospel. V13a • Because we believed the gospel. V13b • We were sealed by the Spirit of promise. V13b; 1 John 2:25; 5:13 • The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our redemption. Eph. 1:14; Rom. 8:16,23 = first our soul then our body 3. Because of the gospel we are positionally, already, in Heaven. Eph. 2;5-6 • We have been made alive together with Christ. V5. See John 1:4; 3:15-16; 10:28 • We have been raised together with Christ. V6 Rom. 4:25 • We are seated together with Christ. V6 Eph 1:20; Heb. 12:2, Rev. 3:21 • All of this is possible because we are in Christ. V6 Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor 12:13; 2 Cor 5:17; Gal. 3:27 Conclusion: Salvation is Christ in us. Eternal security is us in Christ.

Shame  and being set free from shame is such a hot topic, in both Christian and secular circles. Resources abound, but what does the Bible actually say? As we completed a biblical survey on shame, we were surprised at how much the Bible had to say on this topic! Listen in as we share key biblical principles that are necessary in order to deal with the universal emotion of shame. Biblical Survey on Shame: I. Genesis 2-3- Naked and unashamed… No sin, nothing to hide from one another or God, perfect unity in relationships, acceptance of one another. After sinning, they hid and covered themselves and were afraid… shame leads to fear, hiding parts of ourselves, isolation, and disconnection. Shame came when sin entered the world.  Now, there are two general sources of shame- directly from personal and/or corporate sin, or indirectly due to the brokenness in the world.  There are also biblical examples of people trying to make others feel ashamed for things they shouldn't feel ashamed of, such as barrenness. So there is appropriate shame and inappropriate shame.  II. Appropriate shame due to sinful behavior in Proverbs and prophets:Proverbs: There are ways of foolish or sinful living, such as dishonesty, gluttony, and laziness, that are shameful, that bring shame on oneself and one's parents or spouse. -Prov 10:5 -Prov 12:4 -Prov 13:5 -Prov 17:2 -Prov 18:13 -Prov 19:26 -Prov 28:7 -Prov 29:15Sexual sin/misconduct is especially shameful: -Lev. 20:17 -2 Sam. 13:12-13 -Matt. 1:19 -Rom. 1:27Isaiah: A life of rejecting God and worshipping idols is the most shameful life. Idolatry always leads to shame and disappointment. -Is 30:3-5 -Is 41:8, 10, 11 -Is 42:9-11 -Is 42:17 -Is 45:16-17, 19, 24-25 -Is 49 -Is 50:6-9 -Is 51:7, 12-13 -Is 61:7 Sometimes shame is due to both sin and resulting defeat from enemies and/or God's judgment: -Ezra 8:22 -Ezra 9:6-7 -Neh. 1:3 -Daniel 9:7 III. Shame not directly due to personal sin, but due to perceived failure, deficiency, or defeat:Barrenness was considered shameful by society: -Gen. 30:23 -1 Sam. 1:6 -Luke 1:6 Being defeated by enemies feels shameful: -1 Sam. 17:26 -2 Sam. 10:5 / 1 Chron. 19:5 -2 Kings 18 -2 Chron. 32:21 2 Sam. 19:3, 5-Shame due to disapproval from others, but not necessarily personal sin.Sometimes shame is a result of seeing others' devotion and our lack of devotion (comparison): 2 Chron. 30:15 Now let's see how God responds. IV. When shame is an appropriate response to sin and a part of true confession and repentance, God is always ready to receive His children, welcome them into His Presence, replace their shame with gladness, and heal their faithlessness.  -Jer. 3:19-25; 4:2, 4, 14 -Jer. 31V. When people continue in shameless sin, pride, and idolatry, God shames and judges them. In the book of Jeremiah, God's people are persisting in unrepentant idolatry, defiling God's places of worship with idolatry, and prophets are lying to the people in the name of God. God warns His people many times, but they are stiff-necked, stubborn, and unashamed of their idolatry. “They do not know how to blush.” God shames Israel and sends judgment upon them- for their unrepentant idolatry, for changing their glory (God) for that which does not profit (false gods), which is appalling, evil, and bitter. But God's heart is ALWAYS that His judgment (and shaming words) would lead to them feeling a proper shame over their sin, confess, turn back to God, and be restored. He remains ready to receive them, heal them, and turn their shame into joy. God's judgment of Israel's shameless idolatry and refusal to repent in Jeremiah:-Jer. 2:11-13, 26, 36-Jer. 5:3, 30, 31; 6:13-15-Jer. 6:13-20-Jer. 7:18-20 -Jer. 8:5-6, 9-Jer. 10:14-16-Jer. 11:12-15-Jer. 13:24-27-Jer. 17:13-Jer. 23:40 The book of Jeremiah ends with God's judgment on foreign nations and Israel's enemies who rejected God and continued in shameless sin, pride, and idolatry (Jer. 46-51). Their sin and idolatry led to their shame, disappointment, and God's judgment. This is the fulfillment of God's promise that His enemies would be ultimately shamed, and His people would be ultimately honored.  Jer. 46:12, 24 Jer. 51:17, 47-53 Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Obadiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Zechariah all continue the theme of unrepentant idolatry leading to shame and God's judgment, and when repentant, to restoration with God.  Ez. 7:18; Ez. 16:61, 63; Ez. 32:24, 25, 30 Ez. 39:25-26 Ez. 43:10-11 Ez. 44:10-13 -Hosea 2:5; Hos. 4:7, 18; Hos. 9:10; Hos. 10:6. NT examples of God shaming prideful, unrepentant, shameless people: -Luke 13:16-17 -1 Cor. 1:27 -Rev. 3:18 VI. God promises not to let His people be put to shame (be ultimately defeated, ridiculed, or proven wrong), but to in the end to defend them, give them justice, honor, and eternal life. God's enemies will ultimately be put to shame. -Psalm 25:2-3, 20 -Psalm 34 -Psalm 71:1, 13, 24 -Ps 97:7 -Daniel 12:2 -Rom. 5:3-5 -Rom. 9:33 -Rom. 10:11 -Phil. 1:20 -Heb. 11:16 -1 Peter 2:6-7 VII. Jesus was shamefully treated (ridiculed, mocked, considered a failure, embarrassed, dishonored)- by others and b/c of our sin- in our place on the cross. On the cross he took not only our sin, but also the accompanying shame, for us. On the cross, he defeated Satan and all his enemies, putting them to shame. -Psalm 22 -Isaiah 53 -Luke 18:32 -Heb. 12:2 -Col. 2:15 -Rom. 8:1VIII. Jesus-followers are commanded by Jesus to follow Him and not be ashamed of Him, the gospel, or suffering for the gospel, at all cost. -Jeremiah warned the people of judgment for their sin and idolatry, in the face of persecution and rejection (and feeling shamed), and trusted God to ultimately honor him and shame the people.-Jer. 17:  -Jer. 20:11, 18-  -Jer. 37-38- -Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26 -Rom. 1:16 -1 Thess. 2:2- -2 Tim. 1:8, 12 -2 Tim. 1:16 -1 Peter 4:16 -Heb. 2:11 IX. Believers have been set free from sinful lifestyles that lead to shame, unfruitfulness, and death. Believers should live honorable lifestyles that will not put them to shame, but that results in fruit, sanctification, and eternal life, and puts their opponents to shame. -Rom. 6:21-22 -Phil. 3:19 -2 Tim. 2:15 -Titus 2:8 -1 Peter 3:16  -1 Peter 5:2 -Jesus taught His followers to purposefully humble themselves, take lower positions, and allow other people to exalt us, instead of exalting ourselves, which could lead to shame (embarrassment). Luke 14:9. -Believers can be put to shame by other believers' behavior. 2 Cor. 7:14. X. Sometimes believers need to rebuke one another for doing shameful things. -1 Cor. 6:5 -1 Cor. 14:35 -1 Cor. 15:34 -Eph. 5:12 -2 Thess. 3:14 -Titus 1:11 -We also can call out and rebuke others' sin without shaming them. 1 Cor. 4:14. XI. Sometimes, people “shame” others in order to express their anger, contempt, or criticism, and when it is unfair, we can refuse to be ashamed. -1 Sam. 20:30, 34 -2 Sam. 6:20-22 -Job's friends tried to shame him many times: 6:20; Job 8:22. Job 10:15 Job 11:3; Job 19:3In the face of unfair criticism, Paul defended his ministry and refused to be ashamed: 2 Cor. 10:8; 2 Cor. 11:21

Dan examines Paul's defense of his ministry in 1 Thessalonians, contrasting his gentle and self-sacrificial approach with the motives of false teachers. He highlights how Paul and his companions worked tirelessly to avoid being a financial burden while imparting both the gospel and their own lives to the believers. Dan emphasizes that true leadership is characterized by gentleness and personal investment in others, mirroring the humility of Christ. Furthermore, it underscores the transformative power of God's Word, which effectively works in those who believe and calls them to walk worthy of His kingdom. Dan concludes by clarifying the believer's relationship to the Mosaic Law under the New Covenant, affirming that obedience flows from grace rather than legalistic justification.

Expanding on their recent Lutheran Ladies' Book Club discussion, the Ladies welcome author Ryan Tinetti to the Lounge to unpack themes from his book The Quiet Ambition: Scripture's Surprising Antidote to Our Restless Lives.   What is “the quiet ambition”?  How and why did Tinetti write an entire book on two overlooked little verses in the New Testament (1 Thess. 4:11–12)? Can the Apostle Paul's insights, rightly understood, help us thwart the “quiet desperation” endemic to our times and reorient our lives more fully around God's love for us in Christ Jesus? And what do speeding tickets, hunting seasons, lawn mowing, and baking bread have to do with it all?   The Rev. Dr. Ryan P. Tinetti is assistant professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.  He is the author of Preaching by Heart (Cascade Press, 2021) and The Quiet Ambition (Intervarsity Press, 2025). Watch for his article on Scripture memorization (cowritten with his wife, Anne) in the September issue of The Lutheran Witness.  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

IntroductionThe Heidelberg Catechism reminds us that Christ's care for His people extends beyond this life. If God only shepherded us through our earthly journey, death would continue to threaten us. But Christ's resurrection changes everything. Because he lives, his people have the sure hope that he will lead them safely through death into everlasting life.We are left with an important issue. You see, if Christ has already secured our future, what motivates us to keep pressing forward today? Philippians 3 answers that question. The answer is simple. It is because Christ has made us his own that we press on in confidence. We are not conforming to Christ to make ourselves worthy, but because we have been made worthy in Christ Jesus. Christ Raises Us Body and SoulIf only our souls went to heaven, that is still more than we deserve. However, this would make redemption only half complete. Christ would not have redeemed us as whole humans. We were created body and soul. Christ cannot claim full redemption if he fails to redeem our bodies fully. We are assured that Christ redeems the whole person. Just as Christ rose bodily from the grave, so his people will one day be raised in glorified bodies fit for the new creation. We will be souls in Christ's presence when we die, but when he comes again we will be clothed in our glorified bodies. We can see this promise when Christ says to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Christ gives the assurance that the thief will dwell with him today in paradise. We think of the souls under the altar asking when Christ is going to bring this creation to glory (Revelation 6:9-11). We think of Paul's promise that we will be raised in the flesh that is fit for heaven. (I Corinthians 15:35-49). Paul gives the rich assurance that we will be raised and even transformed (I Cor 15:51; 1 Thess. 4:13-18). Paul's imprisonment reminds us that this life is not guaranteed to be easy. However, as Paul waits for his verdict during his house arrest, he rests in the comfort that his citizenship was already secured in heaven. His identity is not defined by his past. He knows that his life is secured in Jesus Christ. It is in Christ Jesus that he presses forward. Ultimately, Paul is assured that our Shepherd will not abandon us in death but will safely bring us home.Today I Taste the Beginning of Eternal JoyThe joy of eternal life is not something reserved only for heaven. Believers already begin to taste the life that is to come through the Spirit.This does not mean the Christian life is free from hardship. David cried out under oppression. Paul wrote Philippians while chained to a Roman guard. Yet both rested in God's steadfast faithfulness. Joy is found, not in comfortable circumstances, but in belonging to Christ.Paul urges believers to imitate him. We might think that Paul is some sort of elitist who has the secrets to the successful Christian life. However, Paul is not telling us to copy his accomplishments, but to follow in his mindset. He forgets what lies behind because his identity is no longer found in his failures or successes. Christ has made him his own. That same grace empowers us to keep pushing forward. It frees us to press forward in the Lord's sanctifying mercy. Christian maturity is not pretending we have arrived. How many times do Christians want people to think they are really dialed in? No, we recognize that we need Christ. We know that this journey is never completed in this life. It is growing in the humility to see that we need Christ all the time. Tomorrow I Will Experience the Fullness of JoyThe joy we taste now is only the beginning. One day Christ will transform our lowly bodies into glorious bodies like his own. The work he has begun will be completed. He will bring us to glory. This future hope impacts how we live today. We are not striving to earn God's acceptance, for Christ has already secured it. Instead, seek to conform to Christ because we belong to Him. Every setback, every struggle, every reminder of our weakness drives us back to our faithful Shepherd.The Christian life is not "try harder." It is the continual refreshment. Christ has made me his own. I am in Christ. I am empowered in Christ. I move in Christ. Christ has taken hold of us, and he will never let us go. The One who began His work in us will finish it on the day of his appearing.ConclusionWe have to see that the resurrection is more than a future doctrine. Christ's resurrection is our present comfort. His resurrection guarantees our victory. It is in Christ's resurrection that we are made his own. It is in his power that we continue to move forward. Christ has redeemed us body and soul. Through His Spirit, we already taste the joy of the coming kingdom. And because He has made us His own, we can press forward with confidence, knowing that He will complete what He has begun.So when you stumble, do not let your past define you. When suffering comes, do not lose heart. When you feel your weakness, remember where your strength is found. Christ has claimed you, Christ is transforming you, and Christ will bring you safely into glory.Until that day, let us be a people who press forward in Christ's strength. We will never win God's favor. However, we can be assured that God's favor is won because Christ Jesus has made us His own. It is in his power that we press forward seeking to conform to our upward call in Christ. Let us be such a people who continue to find our contentment by being defined in Christ.

First Thessalonians | Jeff Lewtan

The Risen Christ is... 1. Seated in Victory (Hebrews 1:3) 2. Reigning in Power (Rev. 1:17-18) 3. Returning in Glory (1 Thess. 4:16-18)   Q49. Where is Christ now? A. Christ rose bodily from the grave on the third day after his death and is seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling his kingdom and interceding for us, until he returns to judge and renew the whole world.

   Join me again please with the apostle Paul as he is writing his second letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, Macedonia in early 51ad. Word has come to Paul that the Thessalonians were deeply troubled, and confused, regarding some future events Paul had informed them about.  So, Paul wrote: “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him, we ask you…not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teachings…asserting that the day of the Lord has already come.” (2 Thess. 2:1,2) (Click here to see full text, images and links)    Pastor Doug Anderson    “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)Have a comment or question about today's chapter? I'm ready to hear from you, contact me here. Interested in helping "Walking with Jesus" financially? Click here

Predigttext: 1. Thess. 4,13–18 | Prediger: Roland Krumm | Datum: 2.08.2026

The sermon examines Paul's defense of his ministry in 1 Thessalonians, highlighting the courage required to preach the gospel amidst persecution and cultural opposition. It contrasts the apostles' sincere motives with the deceptive practices of contemporary sophists, emphasizing that their message was free from error, impurity, and deceit. The preacher urges believers to prioritize pleasing God over seeking human approval when sharing the truth. Key themes include the necessity of repentance, the danger of flattery, and the rejection of covetousness in evangelism. Ultimately, the text calls Christians to maintain integrity and boldness in a hostile world, trusting God's examination of their hearts.

Our 4th and final NT norm is the centrality of prayer in the life of the early church. Listen in as we share 4 "P" observations on prayer - It was a Priority; It Preceded the filling and work of the Spirit; It was the church's response to Persecution; and it was Personal and Persistent. 4 P's: 1-Priority. Begins the book of Acts—“All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers" (1:14).  In Ch. 2, the church was praying when the Holy Spirit filled them.  Acts 2:42- he church was devoted to prayer. It was one of the first things that marked them out—alongside the apostle's teaching, breaking the bread, and fellowship. Acts 6: We see the priority of prayer even more strikingly when the apostles single out prayer alongside of the ministry of the Word as their primary responsibility. “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” “I stand here to confess frankly that from my inmost heart I attribute the large prosperity which God has given to this Church vastly more to the prayers of the people than to anything that God may have given to me. I know it is so.” - Charles Spurgeon 2-Precedes the filling and work of the Spirit.  Acts 2 begins with the believers all together in one place, praying. And we know what happened next—the sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind, filling the house where they were.  Acts 4- The believers are gathered together praying in the midst of persecution—praying specifically for boldness. “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness" (4:31). Acts 13- The prophets and teachers of the church in Antioch were gathered and they were worshipping the Lord and fasting. Just then the Holy Spirit calls out Barnabas and Saul. And after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.  These are pretty pivotal moments in the history of the gospel—especially in Chapters 2 and 13. And we see that God's people had been devoting themselves to prayer in the time leading up to these great events—these experiences of the Spirit's work. Prayer had paved the way for these people to respond when the Spirit showed up.  3-Persecution- Prayer was the church's consistent response to persecution. Acts 4- Peter and John have just been threatened by the high-priestly council. "When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord. . .” (4:23-24). Their immediate reaction to the threat of violence from the ruling authorities was to pray. And hear what they prayed: “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”  Acts 12- Peter is in prison and miraculously rescued by an angel of the Lord. When he is rescued, it says “he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.” Again, the response of the church to the persecution of her people is to pray.  Acts 16- Paul and Silas in prison. “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” In the midst of persecution, we find these two workers praying and singing hymns.  Prayer is what we do when we are persecuted. It is the response of God's church to the threats and persecutions. In each of these moments, God miraculously answered. 4-Personal and Persistent. In Acts, we don't get much details about the personal prayer lives of the apostles. Many references are to the church praying corporately. However in Paul's epistles, we find Paul talking about his own prayer life all over the place – way too many to reference, will just name a few- Eph. 1:16- "I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers…" and we see his personal prayer for the Ephesian believers.  Eph. 3:14-19. Paul's prayers were important enough for him to write out for them and for us. A few examples from 1st Thessalonians: 1 Thess. 1:2- "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers." 1 Thess. 5:17- "Pray without ceasing." 1 Thess. 5:25- "Brothers, pray for us."  Paul was not voicing prayers for believers every moment of every day. He was sometimes preaching the gospel; he was sometimes sleeping; he was sometimes eating or traveling. But he had such a habit of prayer that he described it as day and night, constant.  Eph. 6:10-20- Paul teaches us that we are in a spiritual battle and prayer is an essential weapon. Paul commands us to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. The Word, The Spirit, and constant prayer. As we've found these 4 NT norms, we have seen in a new way for us how intertwined they are. The Word bears fruit by the power of the Spirit. The Spirit honors and responds to the preaching of the Word and obedience to the Word and prayer. Prayer is what invites the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, and there is no real prayer without the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Prayer was seen as part of the work of the church. It was at the center of their ministry. We have a saying among our teams here that prayer is the greater work. We believe that because we ultimately believe that this work we're doing is His work. It doesn't move forward unless He moves and the Spirit grants repentance and life. Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gives the growth.” Prayer is an admission of our helplessness and a plea for God to do what only He can do. That's why we see the early church devoting themselves to it. Prayer was necessary to them—it was just a part of their lives, and of their gathering together. If you are listening and feel like you're a terrible pray-er, don't give into discouragement or paralysis or accusations --- just start! Read a good book on prayer. Make sure you're spending daily time with God alone in the Word and in prayer. Use your drive or shower to pray. Post a prayer list by your bathroom mirror and pray as you brush your teeth. Set a timer for a certain time each day. 12:12, 3:10. And ask God for help!  This concludes our series on NT norms – daily ministry, the Word, the Spirit, and prayer.  

Lesson four: The Gospel is glorious because of its results Intro: Lessons 4,5 86 will be about the miraculous results of the Gospel. Today we will discuss result A = Because of the Gospel we have been given a new life. Example of last week's lesson: John 3:16; Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:1 1. We have a new life because we have a new birthright. • We have been born again=from above. John 3:3, 1 Pet. 1:23 • We have a new family. John 1:12= a child of God. Eph. 3:15 • We have been given a new name. Acts 11:26b; Rev. 2:17 2. We have a new life because we have a new Father. = God • Before the gospel the devil was our father, John 8:44a; Rom.5:10-12 • Because of the Gospel we have a Father in Heaven. Matt 6.9. Nine times Jesus told His disciples they have a Father in Heaven. Matt 5:16; Matt 6:8; John 20:17 Wow I have a Father in Heaven. • God is our Father because He redeemed us. = purchased us. 1 Cor. 6:20 1 Pet.1:18-19 • God is our Father because He adopted us. Eph. 1:5; Rom. 8:15 3. We have a new life because we have a new kingdom. • Because of the gospel the Kingdom of God is in us. Luke 17:21 • Because of the gospel we have a new residence. Col. 1:13 • Because of the gospel we have a new King. Luke 19:38; 1 Tim. 6:15. We only serve and bow to this KING. • Because of the Gospel our kingdom has different rules, 1 Thess. 2:12 Conclusion: Because of the Gospel we will live with our king forever! Matt 25:34

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 3, lesson 4 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “First and Second Corinthians”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Sin in the Church”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: 1 Cor. 5:1–13, 2 Cor. 2:5–10, 1 Cor. 6:1–13, 1 Thess. 4:1–8, 1 Cor. 6:19–7:9. Memory Text: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20, NIV). July 18 - July 24  Sunday: Ryan Johnson – Dissonance Between Faith and PracticeMonday: Risë Rafferty – Dealing with ScandalsTuesday: Jill Morikone – Protecting the Church's IdentityWednesday: James Rafferty – Antidote Against Sexual ImmoralityThursday: John Dinzey – Marriage and SinglenessWant the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/  Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

   One of the things all of us do, from time to time, is reflect on our past life experiences and wonder what the results of those experiences will be over the longer term, am I right? For someone like the apostle Paul I imagine not a day went by that he didn’t spend at least some time doing exactly that, for he had so many traumatic, significant experiences in his life in so many different places.  Join me again in the great city of Corinth, in late 50ad, as Paul is writing a letter to the people in the city of Thessalonica who had trusted in Jesus during Paul’s few weeks there. Today let’s look at chapter two of 1 Thessalonians. Paul’s opening statement reflects his hope that his brief time in their town really had made a big difference. Paul writes: “You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was NOT without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you His gospel in the face of strong opposition.” (1 Thess. 2:1,2) (Click here to see full text, images and links)    Pastor Doug Anderson    “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)Have a comment or question about today's chapter? I'm ready to hear from you, contact me here. Interested in helping "Walking with Jesus" financially? Click here

The Kingdom of Heaven has several notable characteristics: 1) It has a king, and that king is Christ. 2) Like the mustard seed, it starts small but grows into something visible and strong (Matt. 13:31, 32). 3) Like leaven, it starts within and changes all of a person's life (Matt. 13:33). Like a treasure, it is worth more than anything else (Matt. 13:44-46). The Kingdom of Heaven has an enemy, Satan (Isaiah 14:12-15). He is a “dictator” who has come to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). However, his kingdom will be destroyed in the end. Entering the Kingdom of Heaven requires 1) the humility of a child (Matt. 18:3), 2) repentance (Mark 1:14, 15 and Matt. 7:21), and 3) new birth (John 3:3-5). All this is part of the “package” of the salvation experience. Many equate obedience with legalism, but Noah building the ark and Abraham going to Mt. Moriah are examples of strong faith demonstrated by obedience. Standing firm in the Kingdom requires 1) a soldier mentality (2 Tim. 2:3, 4), a love of the truth (2 Thess. 2:9, 10), and truly knowing Jesus – as we know a spouse, not simply knowing about Him. The post Two Kingdoms – One Citizenship appeared first on Bethel Mennonite Church - Gladys VA.

Sexual immorality promises pleasure but leads to destruction. Wisdom calls us to pursue purity and honor God's design. Proverbs 7, 4:23, 1 Thess 4:3-4, 1 Cor 6:9-11, 18-20, 1 Kings 11:11

First Thessalonians | Chad Stellabotte

It may seem the end is near but there will be definite signs.  Matt. 24:4-8.  The lawless one is a type of anti-Christ.  There are consequences for loving sin.  

Thankful to God for His calling of the Thessalonians.  Salvation is the great paradox taught in Scripture.   The reminder that God's calling into salvation comes through the Gospel which results in sharing in the glory of Christ.  The benediction is even about God.

Eric Parker

Eric Parker

Eric Parker

“Faith” is a key word in the New Testament, it does not occur in the Old Testament, although some modern versions seek to use it a little – but not really in the N.T. sense.   Matthews' gospel has the most reports of the miracles of Jesus; but the religious leaders tried to discount them alleging he was using some kind of magic.  In today's chapter (9) they allege, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” [v.34]The most challenging to them of all his miracles was when he raised someone who had died.  Verse 18 tells us that “a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, my daughter has just died, but such was his conviction of the powers of Jesus that he said, “but come and lay your hand on her and she will live.”  When Jesus comes to the house he sees “flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he says, ‘Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” [v.24]  They laughed at this!But the death of believers is in many places described as a sleep, remember what Paul wrote, “For since that we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” [1 Thess. 4 v.14]  This is a wondrous lesson – those who die have fallen asleep – they move into God's time, and have no awareness of passing time at all!On his way to the rulers' house Jesus heals a woman “suffering from a discharge of blood”- he does this because of her approach, saying, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has made you well” [v.22] “Blind men” follow him seeking a healing, they are asked, “Do you believe I am able to do this?”  They say, “Yes, Lord” he heals them. “saying, ‘According to your faith, be it done to you.” [v.29). By far the greatest miracle of all will be when Jesus comes again bringing to life “those who have fallen asleep.”  Do you have faith that this will happen?  Yes!  What is the quality of your faith, my faith?  How much is it reflected in the way you live your life?  Faith must be an active ingredient in every aspect of our lives, it will be “according to your faith” that the Lord will act – and we will be part of the glory that God has in store for this earth and; says the prophet, “you meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways” We read this today in Isaiah 64 v.5 and commented on it yesterday.  Joy and faith go together – do you experience that?

Jeff Lewtan | First Thessalonians

Chris McGarvey | First Thessalonians

Thanks for listening! We pray you are blessed by this and that you experience the love and closeness of Jesus through it!Here's the scripture referenced in the message:Psalm 100:1-5 Ps. 100:1-2 1 Thess. 5:16-18. Eph. 5:19-20. Ps. 100:3 Col. 4:2 Ps. 100:4 Ps 84:2  Ps. 100:5 First time or new here? Visit https://newlifetucson.com/firststepWebsite: https://newlifetucson.comChurch Online: https://newlifetucson.liveFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/newlifebiblefellowshiptucsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/newlifetucson/Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2195491

Combined service of ABC and West Metro Chinese Church, the host church of ABC Pastor Daniel Gao, head elder of WMCC 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5

In this sermon podcast the speaker reflects on the 250th anniversary of American independence and asks what might happen if Americans returned to a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. Drawing on the Bible and the influence of the nation's founders, the message explores the spiritual roots of freedom. The sermon outlines seven biblical principles—dignity of human life, the traditional family, a national work ethic, God-centered education, the Abrahamic covenant of righteousness, common decency, and personal accountability—and calls listeners to remembrance, repentance, and renewal in their personal and national life. ---- “Blessed Is the Nation Whose God Is the Lord” Psalm 33:12; Hebrews 9:27 Big Idea: A nation grounded in God stands on solid ground. Introduction: Our Freedom Has Roots What would happen if every American returned to the foundations of faith in Jesus? The Seven Biblical Foundations of American Freedom Dignity of Human Life – Ex. 20:13; Mt. 22:39 The Traditional Family – Gen. 2:21–24 A National Work Ethic – 2 Thess. 3:10 God‑Centered Education – Deut. 6:7; Eph. 6:4; Prov. 1:7 Covenant of Righteousness – Gen. 12:1–4; Gal. 3:7; Prov. 14:34 Common Decency – Mt. 22:39 Personal Accountability to God – Heb. 9:27 Conclusion & Response Remembrance - gratitude for God's blessings on our nation. Repentance - for where we, as a people and as individuals, have drifted from these seven principles. Renewal - asking God to raise up families, workers, teachers, leaders, and churches who live out these truths. Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect   With Pastor Mike Curry.

2 Thess 2:13-17

First Thessalonians | Russell Brown

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 2, lesson 13 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Growing in a Relationship with God”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Into Eternity”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Psalm 80; 1 Thess. 4:17; Rev. 21:9-27; Isa. 25:8; Rev. 7:17; Rev. 21:4; John 6:44. Memory Text: "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2, NKJV). (June 20 - June 26)  Sunday (Jill Morikone) - “Living Today”Monday (Shelley Quinn) - “Finally, Face-to-Face” Tuesday (John Lomacang) - “The Bride”Wednesday (James Rafferty) - “Follow the Lamb”Thursday (Ryan Johnson) - ““Come!”” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

2 Thess 2:1-12 Today we honor dads. The Bible has much to say about fathers and the importance of their role in the family. In today's world there is an assault on the honor of fatherhood, and even the definition of fatherhood. So, why is fatherhood to be honored? And what does a good father look like? We consider those questions as we pause this week to thank both our biological fathers and also our spiritual fathers.

Num. 10:1–10 Zech. 14:3–9 Matt. 24:29–36 1 Thess. 4:13–18 Will Jesus' return be partial and known only to the raptured few? Or will He come once in glory to judge and raise us up? In this message, learn the importance of setting our expectations well concerning the Second Coming of Jesus.

Gendern und grüne Büros statt großer Geister: Das Elend der deutschen Universitäten - Prof. André Thess schlägt Bildungs-Alarm Deutschlands Universitäten waren einmal Weltspitze. Heute glänzen viele eher mit Sprachleitfäden, Nachhaltigkeitsbüros und politischer Korrektheit. André Thess beschreibt im Gespräch, warum das deutsche Hochschulsystem ohne radikale Reform weiter abrutscht. Weltmeister im Gendern, Mittelmaß in der Wissenschaft: Professor André Thess sieht an deutschen Hochschulen nicht die Klimakrise als Hauptproblem, sondern eine Leistungskrise. Es geht um Studienabbrüche, marode Gebäude, falsche Anreize und den Verlust akademischer Exzellenz. Grüne Büros, klimaneutrale Leitbilder, autofreier Campus – und gleichzeitig fehlen Geld, Professoren, Infrastruktur und wissenschaftliche Spitze. André Thess stellt eine unbequeme Frage: Wie soll Deutschland wieder an die Weltspitze zurückkehren? Deutschlands Hochschulen brauchen nicht noch mehr Ideologie, sondern Leistung, Wettbewerb und Freiheit. André Thess plädiert für weniger Staat, mehr Verantwortung und ein neues Finanzierungsmodell. https://live.tichyseinblick.shop/produkt/thess-der-energiegipfel/

Concerning the times and the seasons . . . you know perfectly that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains upon a pregnant woman. (1 Thess, 5:1-3) This intensely powerful piece by David Booth permits us for just a very few minutes to share in something of the intense alarm and shock that war brings. Central to this remarkable piece is time, as beaten out by minutes and seconds in an emphasised way. Suddenly the warning sirens sounds, and all becomes confusion and cacophony as destruction is visited on the nation, Bells continue to sound throughout the piece, while the drumbeat of war continues relentlessly on every hand. It would be natural and appropriate to apply this piece to Ukraine. Quite apart from the immense physical damage the unrelenting air raids on its cities have caused the degree of psychological distress they have unleashed exceeds anything one can imagine. The trauma will take those caught up in this maelstrom years recover from. But David had a broader vision even than the war in Ukraine as he prepared this remarkable piece - not least a deep concern for our own nation. The Westminster chimes symbolise home life being disturbed by the sirens; with the trumpet at the end sounding a military call. The clock continues its unabated beat, symbolic of life continuing in amongst the alarms, and the piece concludes with the sound of marching men: a reminder that though the long years of peace have been our familiar friend, the unwelcome sirens can sound at any time for any nation. The greed and cruelty of human rulers know no boundaries or limits. Again and again the Bible looks forward to a reign of peace when the Lord Jesus returns to Earth; but first the world must pass through many painful birth pangs. May the Lord direct and lead you in prayer as you experience the power of this piece.

Sermon by David Rountree on 6/14/26 at New Covenant Church in Anderson, SC. Knowing The Holy Spirit Personally: Acts 19:2, Romans 5:5 - The Holy Spirit's Description for Our Delight: 1. A divine person. Not a mysterious force. 2. A personal comforter (John 14:26): a) intelligence (John 14:26) b) will (Acts 16:7) c) affections (Isa. 63:10) The Holy Spirit's Deity for Our Dependence: 1. Divine Names (Acts 5:3,4) 2. Divine Perfections: a) omnipresence (Ps. 139:7-10) b) omniscience (Isa. 40:13,14) c) omnipotence (1 Cor. 12:11) d) eternity (Heb. 9:14) 3. Divine Works (Gen. 1:2; Ps. 104:30; John 3:5,6; Rom. 8:11). 4. Divine Honor (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 9:11; 2 Cor. 13:13). The Holy Spirit's Duties for Our Deliverance: 1. Superintended creation (Gen. 1:1-2). 2. Inspired the text of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21). 3. Beget Christ (Luke 1:34). 4. Regenerates Sinners (John 3:5-8). 5. Comforts (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). 6. Sanctifies (2 Thess. 2:13). 7. Intercedes (Rom. 8:26). 8. Exalts Christ (John 15:26; 16:14). 9. Convicts the world (John 16:8). 10. Instructs the Christian (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13-15; 1 John 2:20,27).

In Romans 15:30-33, we encounter a powerful appeal that challenges our understanding of prayer and vulnerability within the body of Christ. The Greek word 'parakaleo' - meaning to urge, appeal, or earnestly request - frames this passage with urgency and importance. What's striking is that the Apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament and planted churches throughout the known world, doesn't end this section with requests for money, recognition, or applause. Instead, he asks for something far more valuable: prayer. This reveals a profound truth about spiritual leadership and community - even the most mature believers need the prayer support of others. Paul's request isn't self-centered but gospel-centered; he asks for protection as he returns to Jerusalem (ironically, to the very place where he once persecuted Christians) so he can continue his ministry. This passage invites us to examine our own approach to prayer and community. Are we willing to be vulnerable enough to ask others to pray for us? Do we follow through when someone shares their burdens with us, or do we offer empty promises of 'I'll pray for you' without actually doing it? The call here is to become a people who genuinely bear one another's burdens, who stir up one another to love and good works, and who don't neglect meeting together for mutual encouragement. Prayer isn't meant to be a hyper-spiritual, eloquent performance - it's simply conversation with our Father, who wants to hear from us about everything, including the needs of those around us.**Sermon Notes – Romans 15:30–33 – “An Appeal to Pray”****Text:** Romans 15:30–33  > “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf…”---### 1. The Weight of “I Appeal to You” (Parakaleō)  - Paul isn't making a casual suggestion; he's urgently calling for attention and response.  - *Parakaleō* = to urge, exhort, strongly request, comfort, encourage.  - Other places Paul “appeals”:   - Romans 12:1–2 – present your bodies as living sacrifices.   - Romans 16:17 – watch out for those who cause divisions.   - 1 Cor 4:16; 16:15; Eph 4:1; 1 Thess 4:1 – walk worthy, imitate Christ, submit to godly leaders.  - Idea: “Look at me. Listen. This really matters.”---### 2. The Specific Appeal: Pray With Me (v. 30–31)  - “Strive together with me in your prayers” – prayer is hard work, shared labor.  - Paul, the great apostle, openly asks for help. No spiritual lone rangers.  - His requests:   - Protection from unbelievers in Judea.   - That his service to Jerusalem would be acceptable.   - That he might come to Rome with joy and be refreshed.  - His prayer is gospel-centered, not comfort-centered: protection **for mission**, not just ease.---### 3. Why This Matters for the Church  **a. Appeal for Prayer**  - Normal Christian life: asking for prayer, not pretending “I'm fine.”  - Requires humility, vulnerability, transparency.**b. Encourage Those Who Ask**  - Don't just say, “I'll pray for you” and walk away.  - Listen, ask wise questions (as appropriate), pray *on the spot* when possible.  - Keep checking in: bear one another's burdens (Gal 6:2).**c. Follow Through in Prayer**  - Prayer is simple conversation with the Father, not performance.  - Use reminders, texts, calls; let people know you're praying (Phil 1:3–5).  **d. Pray for Leaders**  - Spiritual leaders (pastors, elders, parents, civil leaders) carry heavy responsibility.  - Like Paul, they need protection, wisdom, clarity, and perseverance.---## Practical Applications1. **Ask for Prayer This Week**    - Tell at least one trusted believer one real struggle and ask them to pray specifically.2. **Pray Immediately**    - When someone shares a need, stop and pray with them right then if at all possible.3. **Create a Prayer List**    - Include: family, church leaders, one hurting friend, one non-Christian, one global need.4. **Gospel-Shape Your Prayers**    - Add: “How does the gospel advance in this situation?” and pray toward that.5. **Commit to Pray for Leaders**    - Choose one leader (church, home, or civic) and pray for them daily for the next week.---## Discussion Questions1. What does Paul's repeated “I appeal to you” reveal about how seriously he takes prayer?  2. Why is it hard for you personally to admit “I'm not okay” and ask for prayer?  3. When have you actually felt “striving together” with someone in prayer? What was that like?  4. How can we as a group move beyond “I'll pray for you” to real follow-through?  5. In what ways are your prayers currently more self-centered than gospel-centered?  6. What specific things should we be praying for our church's leaders right now?

1 Thess 4:1–12 A God Pleasing Church Main Point. Characteristics of a church that pleases God. Driving Question. How does a church live in a way that pleases God? Three characteristics: 1. Holiness before God (2–8) 2. Love for one another (9–10) 3. Witness before the world (11–12)

Being Filled Again With The Holy Spirit // Holy Spirit Series // Acts 4, Ephesians 5:18, 1 Thess 5:19, Acts 10:44–46, Romans 5:5 // Doug Glynn // 05.31.26

As the world continues its march toward globalism, and according to Scripture, this will include a coming world leader. Who is he, what do we know about him, and what will be his agenda? The Bible doesn't give us all of the answers, but it does provide a remarkable amount of information about this person. After Jesus Christ, he is the most prominent person in end times prophecy! Join us now in 2 Thess. 2 for this podcast message on the Antichrist.

Today, more than ever before, we live in a herd environment, a human herd.  Mass advertising in a great variety of media confronts us hour after hour, this creates a herd mentality. We reflected on this as we read Paul's words this morning.  He told the Thessalonians that we “give you in ourselves an example to imitate.” [2 Thess. 3 v.9]  What do we imitate? What or who do we take as our examples in life?  An equally important question – why do we see them as examples that we might feel inclined to imitate?  Bad examples surround us!   But there are other things that are in some aspects good, but are dangerous in other ways! In these cases we need to acknowledge the good but be conscious of the potential for danger, seeing the aspects that could be deceitful, as Paul did.      Do you remember what he wrote about sin in Romans ch. 7?  Verse 11 challenges our understanding.  Paul wrote, “For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me …” Yet, the next verse says, the “law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” What does he mean?  It appears to us that in studying the law and keeping them they became proud of their righteousness, that pride, deceived them! Now he was a follower of Christ, Paul sees life through Christ's eyes, he now has what we might call, a down to earth perspective. He  writes, “you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it … that we might not be a burden to you.” [v.7,8]  So we need to ask ourselves – are we pulling our weight, doing our share?  We live in a world (in the west in particular) where getting something for nothing is the aim of quite a percentage of the population.  Some have seen a career in ‘Christianity' as a means of making a living with very little hard work attached to it.  This is sometimes evident in India, especially if some overseas organisation is pouring in money. In this country the degree of ‘social welfare' encourages some to try to live ‘idle' lives, but the true believer must have an attitude that is the very opposite.  Soon we will be reading the letter to the Hebrews where it is stated, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.  Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” [13 v.7] They did not have the blessing of a Bible to read every day and we cannot help but think that, if they had, they would have read it every spare moment – and made as many such moments as possible.  Today with so many Bibles available, it is vital we ask ourselves what part does God's word take as we live each day?    One of the smallest “books” in the Bible is the 3rd letter of John. Let's take our final point from what he wrote at the end of his long life. “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good.  Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” [v.11]  What will you do today that you would call “good”? We should read the Bible with such dedication of mind that we “see” God.

Does oral sex count as sex? Can you slap a guy if he gropes you? Why didn't Jesus ever get married?In this episode, we answer some of the most awkward, controversial, and honestly fascinating questions Christians secretly wonder about when it comes to sex, relationships, faith, cheating, gaslighting, and marriage.Nothing is off limits.Some of these questions made us laugh. Some got very serious very quickly. And some are the kinds of questions most Christians think about but are too nervous to ask out loud.We'll talk about:What is actually happening when you “get the ick”Whether oral sex counts as sex and what the Bible says about sexual boundariesWhat grace really means and why it is not permission to keep sinningHow to recognize and respond to gaslightingHow to love someone who believes God hates them because they are gayWhether God chooses your spouse and how much weight to give prophetic wordsWhether it is okay to physically defend yourself if someone crosses a boundaryWhy Jesus never got married even though God said it's not good for man to be aloneHow to know when cheating should lead to divorce versus reconciliationWhether you have to take your husband's last nameThis episode is honest, biblical, practical, and definitely not surface level.If you've ever had a question you felt too embarrassed to ask at church, this conversation is for you.Let's talk about it

Sermon Audio

Topic: Testing the Spirits: Biblical Discernment in an Age of Media Lies, Tribal Echo Chambers, and “Christian” Extremes   Whiskey Review: New Riff Bottle in Bond Connect: Instagram: @manhoodneat X: Manhood Neat (@ManhoodNeat) / X Youtube: Manhood, Neat Podcast - YouTube  email: manhood.neat@gmail.com Show Notes: Zionism- “Zionism is the belief that the Jewish people have a rightful claim to a national homeland in the land of Israel, historically and politically.” Reformed Bro- “Reformed Theology is a stream of Protestant Christianity that emphasizes God's sovereignty, the authority of Scripture, and salvation by grace alone.” -But the Bro's take it to the extreme - Reformed Reformed Reformed Dispensational- “Dispensationalism is a theological system that teaches God works through distinct periods (‘dispensations') and maintains a clear distinction between Israel and the Church.” - 2 roads to one God “We've watched brothers and generations swing from naive Zionism to reactionary antisemitism. Both fail the test.” I'm reformed, I'm evangelical, I'm catholic, I am Baptist, I am a Calvinist…why not Christian Reminds me - I am of Paul; I am of Apollos.  1 Corinthians 3:4-9:  4For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? 5What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. Fellow Christians (regardless of denomination) - Let us come reason together Unity of the Body of Christ for His work The enemy loves to divide. “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity” - Rupertus Meldenius Key Text: 1 John 4  Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood. God's Love and Ours.7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. How do Christian men discern truth without becoming tools of deception or hatred? God demands we test the spirits (v.1) Confess Christ rightly (v.2-3 Listen to apostolic truth (v.6) Love as evidence of knowing God (v.7-21). Confronting the two ditches History (Brief Overview) Early Church: Mixed – some respect for Jewish roots, but supersessionism/replacement theology grew No longer Jew nor Gentile, but the Church and the world  Justin Martyr, later hardened replacement theology Led to disdain, pogroms (violent, mob-driven attacks—typically riots involving looting, assault, rape, murder, and destruction of property—targeted at a specific ethnic or religious groups.)  Martin Luther's later writings (On the Jews and Their Lies) exemplify tragic failure of love. Reformation/ Puritans: Varied; some future hope for Jewish people (pre-Darby).  John Nelson Darby (1800s, Plymouth Brethren) systematized dispensationalism:  distinct Israel/Church track  pre-trib rapture  literal futurist readings  Popularized via Scofield Reference Bible (1909). Fueled 20th-century evangelical support for Israel. Zionist movement: Jewish political nationalism (Theodor Herzl, late 1800s) responded to European antisemitism. Christian Zionism often overlapped but with eschatological motives. Scofield influence: Shaped views of unconditional land promises. Post-Holocaust: Shifts toward Philo-Semitism (the admiration, respect, or obsession with Jewish people, culture, or history, often by non-Jews) in reaction to Church failures, but some swung to uncritical political allegiance. Modern swing: Newly Reformed / postmillennial / reconstructionist circles reacting against shallow dispensationalism by over-correcting into ethnic suspicion or outright antisemitism.  Examples:  Holocaust minimization “Zionist Occupied Government" echoes Treating all Jewish influence as cabal-like.  This is not discernment – it's another false spirit. Practical tests for Discerning information from 1 John 4 (This is the point): Does the source confess Christ preeminent - Love the Lord your God with everything  or push fear/hate/nationalism as gospel? Does it promote love for neighbors?  Prayer for enemies? Cross-reference history, primary sources, multiple views – not echo chambers. To "Reformed" Bros: Opposition to dispensational errors is fine; becoming ethnic scoffers is apostasy from apostolic love. To Zionists: Israel's existence isn't carte blanche; critique policies Biblically. This is one area - lots of other ditches  Women's role / value Poet and Warrior Both: Media profits from division. Web algorithms radicalize.  (1 Thess 5:21). but test everything; hold fast what is good.