Podcasts about thessalonians paul

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God's Word for Today10 Oct, 20244 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.- Prov 10:4-5 ESV BE DILIGENTThe righteous has God the Father who will surely provide his needs. He is more precious than the birds that He feeds. However, this does not mean he could be slack and lazy. There is no virtue in laziness. A lazy person is unproductive and suffer poverty. On the other hand, the diligent is productive and becomes rich. Our faith that God provides is evidenced by our diligence, is it not?. Scriptures consistently encourages us to diligently work and avoids laziness. Even in the garden of Eden where conditions were perfect for Adam and Eve, God gave Adam the responsibility to work. Genesis 2:15 says, "The LORD God took the man [Adam] and put him in the garden of Eden to work and keep it." In his first letter to the Thessalonians Paul condemns laziness. He writes: "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all" (1 Thess 5:12–14). Moreover, he said in 2 Thess 3:7–8 to the believers that he and his coworkers were not lazy when they were at Thessalonica. He recalls how they worked night and day so they wouldn't be a burden to any of the believers. In fact, his warning against laziness is stern, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" (2 Thess 3:10).The work ethic of the diligent demonstrates his prudence.[v.5]He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shameA diligent person works at every opportuned time while lazy person misses these opportunities, even during harvesting of crops. They love to sleep. Diligent children do make their parents proud. Laziness leads kids to a bad reputation making parents ashamed of them.What does this mean for us today?We, Christians, ought to diligently serve God, especially in harvesting souls. When Jesus' disciples returned with food from Samaria, they offered Jesus food to eat. But, He replied that His food was to do the will of God (John 4:34). At that time, Jesus saw the crowd of men wearing traditional white robes. He said to them, "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest" (John 4:35). Today is the day for harvesting souls. Tomorrow may be too late! As Jesus admonishes us, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.”[John 9:4] As used by Christ here, the "day" refers to the time left for Him to serve and fulfil God's will on earth. On the other hand, the "night" refers to the rapidly approaching time when Jesus will die, ending His earthly work (John 7:33; 12:35). Thus, like Jesus, the day is the most effective time for us to work, but it is also limited. We have only one life and soon it will pass. We have to redeem our time for the days are evil. Watch in YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmgListen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofProverbs

The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. [1 hour 5 minutes]

Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all God's people with a holy kiss. I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (1 Thessalonians 5:25-28) Kissing people who are not my family is not something I do.  Or at least, it wasn't until I met my wife.  Now I regularly kiss friends and acquaintances as well.  Why the change?  Some of you may already know.   Americans have no cultural practice of kissing people with whom you are not already in some way, intimate.  But the Dutch do—as do any number of cultures around the world—and my wife is Dutch.  The Dutch have a standard tradition of “three Dutch kisses” that one performs as a greeting when encountering anyone you know reasonably well.  Not on the lips mind you, but kisses applied to the cheek, or just to the air next to the cheek—first to the right, then flipping around to do the same thing on the left, then flipping back round to the right.  Three Dutch “kisses.” This cultural convention at first seemed terribly intimate and intrusive to me.  When I said so—my wife noted how she found the American greeting—which tends much more often to be a hug with those same friends and acquaintances—to be far more intimate and invasive.  The Dutch, after all, do not press their bodies together like the Americans do. It's all in what your used to, I suppose.  The “holy kiss” of Paul's writing is one of those Biblical commands that we assume to be culturally constructed--just like the American hug or the three Dutch kisses.  Even though the Holy Kiss shows up four different times in Paul's letters as a command to the Christian community—you will notice that we do not obey this command (and to my knowledge, the Dutch churches don't either).  Herein then lies one of the interpretive principles of Bible reading.   When we read Paul's letters, we are reading someone else's mail.  We are not the Thessalonians Paul was writing to.  Nor do we live in the times with its cultural customs that the Thessalonians lived in.  So when we interpret things like this, what we're looking for is the intent or purpose of the command—a principle that can be applied in our own time, place, and culture. So what was this “holy kiss”?  Later in the early church, it became known as the “kiss of peace.”  In some church traditions still today there is a section of the worship service called “passing the peace” which carries some residue from this practice.  Even our own periodic “greet one another as God has greeted you” moments at the beginning of our service carries something of it. The “holy kiss” was a moment in worship, often connected with the Lord's Supper, where fellowship and unity was affirmed, but also where reconciliation was worked out.  To offer this sign of intimate fellowship and unity required seeing the other as one whom Christ had forgiven and who I ought also to forgive (or confess before, as the case may be).  A sense grew up in the churches of “con-spiring” together through this kiss—quite literally a “breathing together” or a sharing the “Spirit together.”  For, as Paul says in Ephesians 4: “there is one body and one Spirit,” right after he implores the church to “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3-4).   Whatever the cultural form—this remains an important command and a good reminder at the end of this letter.   We ought always to continue to seek to manifest the one Spirit of Christ that makes the church Holy through working out—as tangibly as a kiss—our reconciliation with one another through confession and forgiveness.  As we do so, may “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it! The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you! (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24,28 The Message).  

Recorded January 21, 2024 AM

Welcome to The Way Ministries Bible Study! Join us as Pastor John continues his study in the Book of 2 Thessalonians. If this message has blessed you, please support our ministry - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thewayministriesri.org/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more information email Info@thewayministriesri.org Visit us online at www.thewayministriesri.org 1 Oakleigh Avenue, North Providence, RI 02911

Welcome to The Way Ministries Bible Study! Join us as Pastor John continues his study in the Book of 1 Thessalonians. If this message has blessed you, please support our ministry - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thewayministriesri.org/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more information email Info@thewayministriesri.org Visit us online at www.thewayministriesri.org 1 Oakleigh Avenue, North Providence, RI 02911

Colossians: Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians while he was in prison, addressing a community in Colossae facing various doctrinal challenges, including the influence of false teachings. Key Themes: Supremacy of Christ: Paul emphasises the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ in all things, both in the heavens and on earth. Freedom from Legalism: He warns against the dangers of legalistic practices and emphasises that believers are complete in Christ. Ethical Living: Paul provides practical instructions for Christian living, emphasising virtues such as compassion, forgiveness, and love. Unity in Christ: The letter encourages believers to maintain unity and harmony within the body of Christ, avoiding divisions and strife. 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonian church, a community he founded during his missionary journey. The believers in Thessalonica were facing challenges, including persecution and confusion about the return of Christ. Key Themes: Thanksgiving and Encouragement: Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonians' faithfulness and encourages them in their trials. Holiness and Sexual Purity: Paul stresses the importance of holy living, including sexual purity, and encourages believers to imitate Christ. The Return of Christ: A significant theme in Thessalonians is the Second Coming of Christ. Paul clarifies misconceptions and provides assurance about the future resurrection. Work and Responsibility: Paul addresses the importance of hard work, responsible living, and being mindful of one's actions while awaiting Christ's return. In all three letters, Paul combines theological teachings with practical instructions for Christian living, emphasising the centrality of Christ and the need for believers to live in a manner consistent with their faith.

Welcome to The Way Ministries Bible Study! Join us as Pastor John continues his study in the Book of 1 Thessalonians. If this message has blessed you, please support our ministry - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thewayministriesri.org/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more information email Info@thewayministriesri.org Visit us online at www.thewayministriesri.org 1 Oakleigh Avenue, North Providence, RI 02911

Welcome to The Way Ministries Bible Study! Join us as Pastor John continues his study in the Book of 1 Thessalonians. If this message has blessed you, please support our ministry - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thewayministriesri.org/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more information email Info@thewayministriesri.org Visit us online at www.thewayministriesri.org 1 Oakleigh Avenue, North Providence, RI 02911

Should we pray with an agenda? “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”(Matthew 6:5-8 NIV11) Introduction Is it acceptable to pray with an ‘agenda'? I ask because of something I experienced not too long ago. I was part of a prayer gathering online. The event had an agenda — a healthy one. We were praying for unity. I am glad I was there, and grateful to the person who planned the meeting. However, two incidents bothered me, and I have been trying to work out how important they are. Hence this article. I would value your take on the matter. Let me explain. Teaching Prayer One person's prayer was a lesson disguised as a prayer. I do not imply it was insincere, or unspiritual, just that it did not seem to fit within the ethos of the gathering. We had come together, in my understanding, to implore God to help us with something we were finding challenging. As such, my thought was to entreat God for his assistance. But this person prayed for us to heed Scripture, obey it and take it to heart. There is nothing wrong with those sentiments, of course, but it did not seem that person was talking to God. He was talking to the rest of us on God's behalf. That's teaching, not praying. Am I being fair? Preaching Prayer A second person praying affirmed the significance of unity by praying for it to be healed. However, he added a warning. The warning was that despite our challenges with unity, it was, he prayed, important that we not get distracted from evangelism. The implication was that this was a higher priority than unity. Although not the point of this article, I would suggest that dealing with broken unity is the one thing that might be a legitimate ‘distraction' from evangelism, given that Jesus made it clear our love-unity was essential to our evangelistic effectiveness (John 13.34-35; John 17.23). In any case, the prayer came across as a ‘preach', not a prayer. Again, am I being fair? Agenda Prayer The early church prayed ‘agenda' prayers. In response to the early persecution they asked God to “…consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”(Acts 4:29 NIV11) It seems reasonable to infer the church prayed for the release of Peter, “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” (Acts 12:5 NIV11) In one of his written prayers for the Thessalonians Paul asks that God will, “sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV11) All of these prayers had an 'agenda'. Perhaps a better way of looking at it is that they had a focus based on current experiences. Paul encouraged the Philippians to be honest and specific in their prayers, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV11) So, why was I uncomfortable in that prayer meeting?  Trauma Prayer  I can think of three reasons.  First, I spent many years in a church culture where every method of communication was a channel for the convictions of the leadership (local, or distant). Preaching, teaching, newsletters, books, videos, conversations, phone calls, discipling times, discipleship groups, leadership meetings and retreats, talks other people were ‘told' to have with me - and even prayer was used to reinforce the official church agenda (usually something along the lines of have more faith, evangelise more and work harder). Has this had a negative impact on the way I hear other people pray? Second, I think I felt patronised. Why does that person assume I and the others praying need reminding of Scriptures and our responsibility to obey them? It comes across as if they think they are more spiritual than me and everyone else. Indeed, the reminder of the significance of evangelism is similar. I get the sense the rest of us are not trusted to hold on to such convictions. Am I being proud here? A pure-hearted person might not have the same reaction. Is it not helpful to be reminded of basic beliefs? On the other hand, have we gathered to cement convictions, or beg for God's help? Third, I am not sure God is the focus. If God is fundamentally relational then we are gathering to pray to a ‘someone' who is present. How would I feel if I met with a group of people who said they wanted to talk to me, but then proceeded to talk to one another about me, and about what they think I think? God was in the room and some of us were not talking to him. What does that say about our understanding of his immanence, attentiveness and readiness? In the Matthew 6 passage quoted about Jesus tells us to, 'pray to your Father‘. Might unity be not only better mended, but also better experienced if we *all* prayed *to* our Father?  Conclusion I would not wish to imply that my prayer on the day was perfect. I dare say others in attendance could legitimately pick holes in it. But, as I reflect on Jesus' words in Matthew (and Luke 18), I am worried that a prayer to be ‘heard' is in danger of being a hypocritical prayer. How do we pray meaningfully for a real issue without reverting to preaching or teaching? The answer to that is doubtless out there. I have written this article to articulate my thinking and express some of my fears, and in hope that you, my reader, will have some useful insight for us all. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

Reading: From 1 ThessaloniansSpeaker: Paul McCabe The post Study in 1 Thessalonians – Paul’s Message in 1 Thessalonians first appeared on Minehead Baptist Church.

The church in Thessalonica was facing lots of struggles and persecution because of their faith. Paul lived it first hand in Acts 17:1-9. After escaping Thessalonica and then Berea, Paul took off for Athens and then Corinth. During his time in Corinth he sent two letters back to the church in Thessalonica over approximately 6 months. In both he expresses his concern for them, and encourages them to keep going in their faith, even though life had gotten so hard for them. In 2 Thessalonians Paul gives instruction about Jesus's return and to not be a lazy Christian. Keep going; Jesus will return, so keep working until he does!

Psalm - Israel's rebelliousness and the Lord's deliverance. The Lord praised for His goodness. Prosperity of the one who fears the Lord. 1 Thessalonians - Paul's ministry.

In 1 Thessalonians Paul reminds the new believers that it was his loving care for them and declaring God's Word to them (which they received) that brought transformation into their lives. It is the same today! This is the approach that we take (at OMA) as we reach out to young men and women that want to conquer addiction in their lives. The Conquer Addiction Podcast is designed to deliver real, Scriptural, and time-tested solutions for those struggling with addiction and those who are trying to help them.   Website: https://omainc.org Email: OMADirector2017@gmail.com or priorityev@mac.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/165704310121828/ Website: https://priorityev.info Instagram: instagram.com/bro_ken   Outreach Ministries of Alabama, Inc., PO Box 98 Valhermoso Springs, AL  35775 Phone:  256-778-8096   Give: https://omainc.org/donations/   Please share Conquer Addiction with your friends.  Please subscribe, rate, and review through Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

When I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. [1 hour 3 minutes]

A letter of Paul to the Church at Thessalonians emphasising strength, perseverance, prayer, love, and guidance. This book is a beautiful reminder that we need to love our neighbours and pray for strength and wisdom for each other. In this video, we analyse and discuss the impact that we can make in our lives and in the lives of others, how we can apply the message found within this letter to the modern day and how it helps us develop our lives, and how we can study Thessalonians. Support the show-------------------------- Where else to find Josh Yen: Philosophy YT: https://bit.ly/philforallEducation: https://bit.ly/joshyenBuisness: https://bit.ly/logoseduMy Website: https://joshuajwyen.com/

True worship comes from true love! As we continue our study through 1 Thessalonians Paul reaches a high point of praise and worship to our God for what he had done in the little church at Thessalonica. In doing so, we are giving a living example of true worship, it's source, it's direction, and it's results. May God bless you with power to worship God in true Christian love and joy, in Jesus name! © Copyright 2022 Joshua Burks All rights reserved See About page for more details and permissions

The bad news is worse than we've dared to contemplate; and the good news is unimaginably good! In 2 Thessalonians Paul makes one of the most dramatic pivots in the Bible; from talking about deluded people in the last days who will be abandoned and condemned... to reassuring the Christians that "...God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth." Here's Pastor Jim to open a sermon entitled, Called to Obtain Glory. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS10272022_0.mp3Scripture References: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5

Are prayer and fellowship with the Father essential to your life and ministry? Today's devotional helps us understand the importance and power of prayer and the priority it should have in our lives. If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon End of History and You, Part 6: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOWThis devotional is drawn from Dr. Michael Youssef's teachings found in his compelling book Fearless Living in Troubled Times. To equip you to face global instability and personal crises, Dr. Youssef unpacks the powerful hope found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians—Paul's letters to believers living in a hostile world. Explore what it means to live fearlessly in a day when people desperately need to see your unwavering faith.Don't miss Dr. Michael Youssef's new book, Is the End Near?: What Jesus Told Us About the Last Days. This eye-opening work will answer your questions about end-times issues by examining statements that Jesus Himself made about what was and is to come. You will be encouraged as you anticipate Christ's return.  Secure your copy today!

The impact of God's sovereign election on our lives should not make us arrogant. Today's devotional reflects on why God's gracious choice to redeem us should humble us. Listen and revel in the grace of God.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOWThis devotional is excerpted from Dr. Michael Youssef's compelling book Fearless Living in Troubled Times. To equip you to face global instability and personal crises, Dr. Youssef unpacks the powerful hope found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians—Paul's letters to believers living in a hostile world. Explore what it means to live fearlessly in a day when people desperately need to see your unwavering faith.Don't miss Dr. Michael Youssef's new book, Is the End Near?: What Jesus Told Us About the Last Days. This eye-opening work will answer your questions about end-times issues by examining statements that Jesus Himself made about what was and is to come. You will be encouraged as you anticipate Christ's return.  Secure your copy today!

Today's devotional reminds us that the Holy Spirit is at work both in us as we witness and in those we witness to, so we can go out into the world and boldly share the hope of Christ. If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOWThis devotional is excerpted from Dr. Michael Youssef's compelling book Fearless Living in Troubled Times. To equip you to face global instability and personal crises, Dr. Youssef unpacks the powerful hope found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians—Paul's letters to believers living in a hostile world. Explore what it means to live fearlessly in a day when people desperately need to see your unwavering faith.Don't miss Dr. Michael Youssef's new book, Is the End Near?: What Jesus Told Us About the Last Days. This eye-opening work will answer your questions about end-times issues by examining statements that Jesus Himself made about what was and is to come. You will be encouraged as you anticipate Christ's return.  Secure your copy today!

Every genuine Christian who trusts in God's Word, puts his or her beliefs into action toward others, and is confident of his or her ultimate destination.  Today's devotional details the three indispensable traits that are actively at work in the life of every believer.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times, Part 1: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOWThis devotional is excerpted from Dr. Michael Youssef's compelling book, Fearless Living in Troubled Times. To equip you to face global instability and personal crises, Dr. Youssef unpacks the powerful hope found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians—Paul's letters to believers living in a hostile world. Explore what it means to live fearlessly in a day when people desperately need to see your unwavering faith.

Are you living up to the purpose God chose you to fulfill? Are you living up to His calling on your life? The Gospel is communicated in words—but it is so much more than just words. The Good News of Jesus Christ is power. It is dynamite. Uncover the dynamite power of the Gospel in today's devotional.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOWThis devotional is excerpted from Dr. Michael Youssef's compelling book Fearless Living in Troubled Times. To equip you to face global instability and personal crises, Dr. Youssef unpacks the powerful hope found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians—Paul's letters to believers living in a hostile world. Explore what it means to live fearlessly in a day when people desperately need to see your unwavering faith.

Salvation consists not only of receiving Jesus as Savior, but receiving Jesus as Lord. Today's devotional discusses what it means to have a genuine faith in Jesus Christ - a faith that embraces Jesus as Savior and Lord.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOWThis devotional is excerpted from Dr. Michael Youssef's compelling book Fearless Living in Troubled Times. To equip you to face global instability and personal crises, Dr. Youssef unpacks the powerful hope found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians—Paul's letters to believers living in a hostile world. Explore what it means to live fearlessly in a day when people desperately need to see your unwavering faith.If you enjoyed listening to this devotional, subscribe today to have a written copy delivered to your inbox every day.  You can then open your email and take a deeper dive into the referenced Scripture passages, share the devotional with family and friends, and find related resources to grow your walk with Christ daily.  

As believers, we are all waiting for the Lord's return.  Today's devotional Biblically frames what it looks like to wait for the Lord.  If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOWThis devotional is excerpted from Dr. Michael Youssef's compelling book Fearless Living in Troubled Times. To equip you to face global instability and personal crises, Dr. Youssef unpacks the powerful hope found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians—Paul's letters to believers living in a hostile world. Explore what it means to live fearlessly in a day when people desperately need to see your unwavering faith.If you enjoyed listening to this devotional, subscribe today to have a written copy delivered to your inbox every day.  You can then open your email and take a deeper dive into the referenced Scripture passages, share the devotional with family and friends, and find related resources to grow your walk with Christ daily.  

Death is a frightening and mysterious subject, but the grave is not the end of the story. Today's devotional reminds us that when a believing loved one dies, we have hope for the future because we believe in the Resurrection and in everlasting life.  Listen now for hope and encouragement in the Lord during times of grief.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times, Part 5:  LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOWThis devotional is excerpted from Dr. Michael Youssef's compelling book Fearless Living in Troubled Times. To equip you to face global instability and personal crises, Dr. Youssef unpacks the powerful hope found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians—Paul's letters to believers living in a hostile world. Explore what it means to live fearlessly in a day when people desperately need to see your unwavering faith.If you enjoyed listening to this devotional, subscribe today to have a written copy delivered to your inbox every day.  You can then open your email and take a deeper dive into the referenced Scripture passages, share the devotional with family and friends, and find related resources to grow your walk with Christ daily.  

Do you struggle with understanding God's Word?  Today's devotional helps you understand how to read and process God's Word so that His power illuminates the Truth within. Only then can we understand and live a victorious life in Christ.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times, Part 8: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOWThis devotional is excerpted from Dr. Michael Youssef's compelling book Fearless Living in Troubled Times. To equip you to face global instability and personal crises, Dr. Youssef unpacks the powerful hope found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians—Paul's letters to believers living in a hostile world. Explore what it means to live fearlessly in a day when people desperately need to see your unwavering faith.If you enjoyed listening to this devotional, subscribe today to have a written copy delivered to your inbox every day.  You can then open your email and take a deeper dive into the referenced Scripture passages, share the devotional with family and friends, and find related resources to grow your walk with Christ daily.  

Many of us who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior would have to admit that there are still idols in our lives. Today's devotional reveals what those idols could be and why we must turn away from these idols and turn to the living God. If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOWThis devotional is excerpted from Dr. Michael Youssef's compelling book Fearless Living in Troubled Times .To equip you to face global instability and personal crises, Dr. Youssef unpacks the powerful hope found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians—Paul's letters to believers living in a hostile world. Explore what it means to live fearlessly in a day when people desperately need to see your unwavering faith.If you enjoyed listening to this devotional, subscribe today to have a written copy delivered to your inbox every day.  You can then open your email and take a deeper dive into the referenced Scripture passages, share the devotional with family and friends, and find related resources to grow your walk with Christ daily.  

There is not a single person alive who has not faced the sting of unfair criticism. Although we can reach a stage of spiritual maturity where we are better able to manage the pain and forgive an injury, only a person with ice water in his veins could say that criticism doesn't hurt. In today's devotional, we discover the secret to standing firm in the Gospel in the face of criticism.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOWThis devotional is excerpted from Dr. Michael Youssef's compelling book Fearless Living in Troubled Times. To equip you to face global instability and personal crises, Dr. Youssef unpacks the powerful hope found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians—Paul's letters to believers living in a hostile world. Explore what it means to live fearlessly in a day when people desperately need to see your unwavering faith.If you enjoyed listening to this devotional, subscribe today to have a written copy delivered to your inbox every day.  You can then open your email and take a deeper dive into the referenced Scripture passages, share the devotional with family and friends, and find related resources to grow your walk with Christ daily.   

Do you believe sharing God's Truth in love is the most loving and kind thing you can do or as something negative that should be avoided at all costs?God's Word teaches that admonishing one another in a spirit of humility is actually a demonstration of Christian love.  Listen to today's devotional to understand why this is what truly loving your neighbor looks like.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times, Part 7: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOWThis devotional is excerpted from Dr. Michael Youssef's compelling book Fearless Living in Troubled Times. To equip you to face global instability and personal crises, Dr. Youssef unpacks the powerful hope found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians—Paul's letters to believers living in a hostile world. Explore what it means to live fearlessly in a day when people desperately need to see your unwavering faith.If you enjoyed listening to this devotional, subscribe today to have a written copy delivered to your inbox every day.  You can then open your email and take a deeper dive into the referenced Scripture passages, share the devotional with family and friends, and find related resources to grow your walk with Christ daily.  

Episode 169 – Paul’s Places – Part 10: Thessalonica Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script: With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God's trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven. Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life. Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4, verses 16 and 17, Contemporary English Version ******** VK: Hello! I’m Victoria K. Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. We’re so grateful we have the opportunity to be with you today. We have been working on a series we call “Paul’s Places” for several weeks now. In fact, this is our 10th lesson in this series. By “Paul,” of course, we’re referring to the Apostle Paul who wrote almost half of the books in the New Testament. In this “Paul’s Places” series we are taking a look at Paul’s letters to the churches that are identified in our Bibles by geographic names – mostly of cities such as Rome or Corinth. But the book of Galatians is named for the province of Galatia which was a region in what is now in modern-day Turkey. Anyone who has missed any of the previous lessons can find them on our website, crystalseabooks.com, or on their favorite podcast app. Today In the studio we have RD Fierro, the author of a number of great Christian books and the founder of Crystal Sea Books. RD, what was the major reason you wanted to do this “Paul’s Places” series? RD: Well, I’d like to start by thanking our listeners for joining us here today. The reason we undertook this “Paul’s Places” series is really quite simple – to help our listeners formulate a better answer to the question: “are the New Testament documents historically reliable?” The New Testament documents are the documents from which we get our information about Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension. These are real events that occurred within real history. So, it is reasonable for people to wonder how we can be sure that we have an accurate record of their occurrence. VK: We are now 2,000 years removed from the time that Jesus walked on the earth, performed His miracles, died, and rose again. And we are almost 2,000 years removed from the time when people began hearing about those events and either accepting or rejecting the meaning of what had occurred. Many of those early hearers celebrated the fact that Christ Jesus the Messiah had come and they became the first Christians. But we tend to forget in our day and age that those first Christians – even though they believed – had questions about exactly what had taken place. So, the Apostles began writing and sending documents to some of those first groups and churches to provide answers to questions and encourage their recipients. And later many of those early documents were gathered into the compilation that we call our New Testament. RD: Right. And the Apostle Paul was one of the hardest working of the Apostles and one of the most prolific writers. Almost half of our New Testament came from his hand. VK: And among the letters that Paul sent that have been preserved for us are the letters he sent to churches in various cities – or in one case – several churches in a region known as Galatia. We call those letters by the name of the group that received them – such as Romans, Corinthians, or Thessalonians. And today we want to take a closer look at the letters Paul sent to the Thessalonians. RD: Yes. Among Paul’s letters that have been preserved for us nine of those letters are identified by place names. There are six cities named and, as you said, one region called Galatia. Two of those cities, Corinth and Thessalonica, have more than one letter preserved in our Bible. So, we call those 1 and 2 Corinthians and 1 and 2 Thessalonians. In our Bibles 1 and 2 Corinthians are placed earlier in the order of arrangement within the compilation. But most scholars believe that 1 and 2 Thessalonians were actually the earliest of Paul’s letters that have been preserved. VK: The one possible exception to 1 and 2 Thessalonians being the earliest of Paul’s letters that were preserved is the letter to the Galatians. Scholars are pretty much evenly split on the date of the composition of Galatians. Some scholars believe Galatians was written as early as 49 AD right after Paul’s 1st missionary journey. Other scholars place it several years later after or during Paul’s 3rd missionary journey – possibly as late as 57 AD. Since most scholars date 1 and 2 Thessalonians around 51 or 52 AD it is quite possible they were the earliest of his letters, or epistles, that have been retained. RD: Yes. And for anyone who would like more information about the dating of Galatians question they can visit our website, crystalseabooks.com, and listen to the episode in this “Paul’s Places” series that covers Galatia. For today we want to turn our attention to the letters to the Thessalonians. And that first thing that I want to notice is that we know exactly where the city of Thessalonica is located because it is in the same place today as it was in Paul’s time. Today, Thessalonica, is also known as, Thessaloniki, Saloniki, or Salonica. VK: Today, Thessalonica is the second-largest city in Greece, with over 1 million inhabitants. In Paul’s day it’s thought that Thessalonica had about 200,000 residents. Thessalonica is a sea-port. It is at the head of the bay which is on the Gulf of Thessalonica. As a sea port is ideally situated for commerce. Thessalonica was founded by one of Alexander the Great’s successors named Cassander in 315 BC. Cassander named the city for his wife who was also a half-sister of Alexander. Today, Thessalonica is the capital of the geographic region of Macedonia and it pretty much served that same purpose in Paul’s day when Macedonia was a Roman province. The Romans had taken charge of Macedonia and Thessalonica in 148 BC. So, it is fair to say that in Paul’s day was a very important city. Right away it makes sense that Paul would have gone there to preach and establish a church when he had the opportunity. RD: And even more than being an important city Thessalonica was located on what is called the Egnatian Way. The Egnatian Way was a very important transportation artery the Romans had built in the 2nd century BC. It ran through territory that is now part of modern Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, and European Turkey as a continuation of the Appian Way. Essentially the Egnatian Way was the main line of overland travel through Macedonia (northern Greece) all the way from the west coast of Greece to western Turkey. Both Thessalonica and Philippi were on it. So, it makes sense that when Paul was mistreated in Philippi he would have followed the Egnatian Way to the next major city to the west which was Thessalonica. VK: We hear about that in the book of Acts, chapter 17, verses 1 through 3. “Now when [Paul and Silas] had traveled through Amphipolis [AM-PHIP-AH-LIS] and Apollonia [APP-AH-LOAN-EE-UH], they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul’s custom, he visited them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.’” RD: Essentially, Paul skipped two smaller towns on the Egnatian Way, Amphipolis and Apollonia, and made his next ministry stop after Philippi in Thessalonica – which we have said was a far more important city. Plus, it is quite likely that there may not have been a synagogue in either Amphipolis or Apollonia, so that would have limited Paul’s normal approach to preaching the gospel when he entered a new area. VK: And here that was Paul’s custom from the section of Acts. When Paul came to a new area he would start preaching the gospel at the local synagogue. Paul was a Jew so he would start at the place where it was most likely he would find people who would know the Jewish scriptures, our Old Testament, and with whom he had a natural bond. If Paul didn’t get a positive response from the Jews in the synagogue he would find a place to preach to the Gentiles, the non-Jews. Then, he would stay, as long as it was profitable for him to be there. All too often the resentment of the local Jewish community would create problems for Paul and his new converts. That’s what happened here. In verses 5 and 6 from chapter 17 of Acts we hear, “But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and they attacked the house of Jason and were seeking to bring [Paul and Silas] out to the people. When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brothers before the city authorities and taking along some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; …” RD: Right. This little vignette that we get from Acts is actually very helpful in giving us insight into the content of the letters that Paul sent to the Thessalonians. So, let’s dig into that a bit. It doesn’t seem like Paul got to spend too much time in Thessalonica before he had to move on. Compare a time period that sounds like it was 2 to 3 months with the 18 months Paul spent in Corinth when he founded the church there and the nearly 3 years he spent in Ephesus. But the church he founded in Thessalonica continued on despite Paul’s limited time there. VK: Possibly because there were some influential people within Thessalonica who had begun to believe when they first heard the gospel. Acts, chapter 17, verse 4 tells us that “a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a significant number of the leading women” had become believers. RD: Quite possibly. I think that reference to “leading women” is particularly important. “Leading” in this context likely means influential, important, and rich. That’s a pretty good start for a church to have a group of influential and wealthy women who have discovered the truth. They would not be easily pushed aside or dissuaded. And, oddly enough, the fact that the Thessalonian church included a large number of wealthy and influential women may give us an interesting clue into one of the primary subjects that Paul addressed in his letters to the Thessalonians. VK: An interesting clue huh? I can’t wait to see where you’re going with this. RD: Yes. It’s sanctified imagination time. A couple of times in this “Paul’s Places” series we’ve mentioned that we can learn more and understand better the content of Paul’s letters, his epistles, if we not only study the individual letters themselves but also look across the letters to see where they compare and contrast. Well, we’ve noticed in the letters that we’ve covered so far that Paul has covered a wide variety of subjects. VK: He covered the relationship between the Jews and Gentiles both before and after Jesus’ coming in the letter to the Romans. Rome had a lot of both Jews and Gentiles in its congregation. He covered how to deal with sexual temptation in his letter to the Corinthians. The city of Corinth contained a temple to the Roman goddess Venus that employed as many as a 1,000 prostitutes. Sexual temptation was a real problem there. In his letter to the Colossians Paul was very emphatic that Jesus was superior to all other supposed gods, goddesses, and celestial powers. Colossae was located in a region that had worshipped the goddess Cybele that some thought had become an astral power. RD: Right. Up to this point we have seen that Paul covered a wide variety of subjects in his letters along with a continuous emphasis on the fact of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies contained in the Old Testament, which were the Jewish scriptures, about the Messiah. Evidently part of Paul’s evangelistic strategy was to start out by proclaiming that the Messiah had come and that this meant that the major event necessary for redemptive history to proceed to its conclusion had been completed. VK: The New Geneva Study Bible’s introductory section on 1 Thessalonians says this. “… the Thessalonian letters, Paul’s preaching at Athens, recorded in Acts 17, confirms that [Paul’s] strategy among non-Jewish audiences at this time was to stress the coming judgment that God has placed in the hands of the risen Christ.” RD: And, of course, that makes sense. With Jewish audiences Paul had a point of connection that he did not have with non-Jewish audiences. With Jewish audiences Paul could refer to their scriptures which, for most of his listeners, were in the form of the Greek version of the Old Testament, the Septuagint. But with non-Jewish audiences referring to the Septuagint would have been meaningless. Even if they had a copy they would have had little or no familiarity with its content. But one place Paul could start his evangelistic message was with the fact that all human beings have an innate sense of right and wrong and that the fact that we all know we have done things that are wrong means that someday we are going to face judgment. VK: But, naturally, at the same time that Paul confirmed his audiences fears about the coming judgment he gave them the good news that anyone who placed their trust in Jesus, the Messiah who had come, would have no reason to fear that judgment. The consequences of judgement for those who believed in Christ had already been placed on Christ. Believers, therefore, need have no fear of judgment. Jesus has been judged in our place. We can look forward to eternal life because he paid the penalty for our sin. RD: Amen. And Paul covers this good news in one way or another in every one of his letters. But among all the other subjects we have seen that Paul has covered there is one very obvious subject that we have not mentioned because, surprisingly enough, it is only covered in depth in 1 and 2 Thessalonians and 1 Corinthians. VK: And that subject is? RD: The question of the order and timing of when judgment and our own resurrection will occur. Think about it. A man has just told you about this prophet in Judea that preached about the kingdom of heaven, claimed he was God in the flesh, and performed miracles to validate his claim. Then that prophet was killed by the Romans … VK: And everybody in Paul’s day knew that the Romans were very good at executing people they thought were criminals ... RD: … and they knew how they executed them. But then you hear that the prophet who said He was the Son of God didn’t stay dead. He rose from the dead by His own power, appeared to hundreds of people for a period of 40 days, and then ascended back into heaven. And you are told that someday this prophet is coming back to earth to judge everyone who has ever lived. That whole message is startling and amazing so naturally you have questions. So, what is the first question most people would ask when they hear the prophet is coming back? VK: When. I would want to know when the prophet is coming back. And I would want to know how I’ll be able to recognize that we’re getting close to that time. RD: Exactly. But the only place in his many letters when Paul spends much time on the question of the how and when of Jesus’ return is in 1 and 2 Thessalonians and 1 Corinthians. Well, one reason this question seems to have been particularly important to the Thessalonians is that evidently between Paul’s time with them around late 50 or early 51 AD and when he wrote 1 Thessalonians, a number of the Thessalonian believers had died. And evidently the question of what would happen to believers who had died before Christ’s return had become important in the Thessalonian church. Evidently, after Paul left them someone inside or outside the church had started circulating the idea that believers who were still alive when Christ returns would get better treatment than those who had died. So, remember what we said about the church at Thessalonica having started with a number of the “leading women.” VK: Oh. I see where you’re going with this line of thinking. You’re thinking that it would be quite common for wealthy, influential women to be, shall we say, more mature. Or said plainly – a lot of years often pass before people acquire substantial amounts of money, influence, or wisdom. Not always – but it’s certainly not uncommon. RD: And what do older women have? VK: Older husbands. And we all know it’s very common for men not to live as long as women. So, it’s not a stretch to think that some of the concern about the treatment of dead believers may have arisen among some of the older women who had helped found the church. That actually makes good sense. Those women had been early converts. And even though Paul had only been gone from Thessalonica for a year or two before he wrote 1 Thessalonians it’s easily possible some of those early converts had already experienced the loss of the most important person in their life. Naturally, they would want to be sure that if Jesus came back before they died that they would be reunited with their lost loved one. Grief has a way of bringing certain questions into sharp relief. Wow. You don’t think about that when you read those epistles. To us these are letters long dated and established. But when Paul was writing to the Thessalonian church he may very well have been writing to a church where some of his first converts had only recently become widows. RD: The question of the timing of Jesus’ return gets sensationalized in our day and time. There are countless books, movies, and TV dramas that have contemplated the question in one form or another. But we know with absolute certainty that 2,000 years will have elapsed between Jesus’ first and second coming. VK: But those 1st century believers had no way of knowing that. For all they knew it might have been just a matter of a few decades that would elapse. So, to a widow in Thessalonica who had just lost her life partner the question of the treatment of a dead believer would have had a great sense of immediacy. RD: Yep. And remember that those 1st century believers not only didn’t have the benefit of our 2,000 years of hindsight but they also didn’t have any easily accessible resources to get answers to their questions. So, when Paul sent them a letter that said in effect, “don’t worry. If your husband or wife has just died they will also be raised to new life when Jesus comes” that would have been like eating cold watermelon on a hot day. VK: Yes. I recognize that line from your book The Prodigal’s Advocate. RD: Well, for anyone who wants to deepen their faith or help someone else find theirs The Prodigal’s Advocate is a great resource. At any rate, wanting to know how and when Christ will return is still a subject of interest in our day and age. And it would have been a natural question for Paul’s first converts. In a way it is remarkable that after Paul wrote the letters to the Thessalonians Paul only spent much time addressing the question in 1 Corinthians. VK: Well, as we’ve noted 1 and 2 Thessalonians are quite possibly Paul’s earliest epistles that have been preserved. It may be that as Paul moved through his ministry career he began covering Christ’s return so thoroughly in person he no longer had to spend much time on it in his written correspondence. RD: And that is actually a very important observation. One of the topics that Paul does cover in 1 Thessalonians is the divinity of Christ. Paul strongly affirms Christ’s divinity in 1 Thessalonians. So, this tells us that the doctrine that Christ is both fully divine as well as fully human was not a much later development in the Christian faith as is sometimes alleged. Right from the beginning the earliest Christians knew that Jesus was “God in the flesh.” And the Trinitarian nature of the Godhead is also addressed in 2 Thessalonians, chapter 2, verses 13 and 14. VK: Those verses say, “But we ought always to thank God for you, … because God chose you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you … that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” RD: This demonstrates that rather than such doctrines as dual nature of Christ and the Trinitarian nature of God were well understood from the earliest days of Christianity. Critics will sometimes allege that the belief that Christ was truly God was a later addition to the Christian faith. The critics will assert something like “Christ was a good man and a great teacher but he never claimed to be God.” But as C.S. Lewis pointed out in his well-known discussion of “Lord, liar, or lunatic,” that kind of assertion is just silly. Anyone who reads the gospels carefully knows that Jesus quite clearly claimed to be God and to possess prerogatives that only God possesses such as the authority to forgive sins. So, as Lewis noted any man who believes he is God may be a liar trying to deceive others or he might be a lunatic who is simply crazy. But neither a liar nor a lunatic should be considered a “good man or a great teacher.” But if Jesus is who He claimed to be, God incarnate, then the only appropriate response is to fall on our knees in abject awe and worship Him. VK: Well, that’s a good place to end for today. Again, this “Paul’s Places” series is all about helping people see more clearly that the Pauline epistles, the letters contained in the New Testament written by the Apostle Paul, are exactly what they claim to be. They are letters written by one of Christianity’s first evangelical preachers to convey important truths to those who had begun to place their trust in Jesus. Those letters most certainly assert Christ’s divinity but far from that assertion being some kind of myth it is backed up by solid historical evidence and testimony. Paul’s letters are not only spiritually informative but historically accurate and reliable. The critics who assert that the divinity of Christ was a legendary attribute added hundreds of years after Christ’s death simply do not have truth or evidence on their side. Paul’s letters fit perfectly into an inspired, inerrant, and infallible scripture. Let’s close with prayer as we always do. Today let’s listen to a prayer for our young children and let’s always remember that if we do not train them up in the word of the Lord others will train them up in the way of the world. ---- PRAYER FOR YOUNG CHILDREN VK: Before we close we’d like to remind our audience that a lot of our radio episodes are linked together in series of topics so if they missed any episodes in this series or if they just want to hear one again, all of these episodes are available on your favorite podcast app. To find them just search on “Anchored by Truth by Crystal Sea Books.” If you’d like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We’re not perfect but our Boss is!” (Opening Bible Quotes from the Good News Translation) Philippians, chapter 1, verses 18 thru 20, Good News Translation paultanner.org/English Docs/SpecialArt/Pauline Chronology.pdf

Transcript Executive Producer Roderick Podcast Introduction Today we will complete the book of  2 Thessalonians. I'll have comments on both chapters after the reading, and I'm calling today's episode “Keep Your Eye On the Ball.” Comments on 2 Thessalonians Paul was telling the church at Thessalonica that they shouldn't panic when people come around saying that... The post 2 Thessalonians 1-3: Keep Your Eye On the Ball first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

1 Thessalonians (Program #7) – The Church Becoming the Embodiment of the Triune God (2) In both of his epistles to the Thessalonians Paul stresses at the beginning that the Church is in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a strong confirmation to this in another passage of the Scripture in […]

“Leadership is influence,” said the professor when asked to define leadership. My conclusion: if we influence others, we are leaders. You and I, whether we admit it or not, are leaders in our own sphere of influence. How might we refine the positive influence of our life in those we love? Our River Church community is learning from the followers of Jesus in the coastal town of Thessalonica; and they show us that “those who follow the words and ways of Jesus are inevitably led to invest in others.” Three leaders, or mentors if you will, invested in the church of the Thessalonians … Paul, Silas, and Timothy were model mentors for a model church. Sunday morning we'll read through 1 Thessalonians 2 and consider some of the characteristics of a leader whose influence has been marinated in the words and ways of Jesus. -Bill

Matthew 28, MSG,CEV- God authorized and commanded Me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. Now as with everything pertaining to Jesus and His Kingdom, the only way any of this is a reality is through faith. We have to believe this stuff!! Think about it, Jesus commissioned each of us, given each of us an assignment. This assignment is ultimately about creating disciples that openly acknowledge our allegiance and reliance in Christ. I believe that everything Jesus did with His life on the planet was not only pointing to what He was about to accomplish on the cross, but showing us what humanity, anointed by the Holy Spirit is supposed to look like. Matthew 18, Who’s the greatest in the Kingdom? v.4, Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom. v.11, The son of man has come to save that which was lost.  v.21, “Lord how often do I forgive my brother that sins against me?”When Jesus said up to seventy times seven, He isn’t actually giving a specific number, He’s really insinuating limitless forgiveness. Chapter 19, Jesus counsels the rich young ruler; v.21-24,NKJV- Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22, But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23, Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24, And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Chapter 21, Jesus cleanses the temple, then once again He heals al that come to Him.The lesson of the fig tree v.21,NKJV- “So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.” At the end of the day, we’ve got to believe this stuff!!Matthew 22, The parable of the wedding feast. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like...” A king who arranged a marriage for his son. Everyone invited all had excuses v.11-12, How dare you come in here with no wedding garment. In other words not clothed in righteousness. Matthew 23, Jesus hammers the Pharisees about their hypocrisy. Matthew 24:3,NKJV-  Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”  This is a private teaching from Jesus to His disciples. (Jewish disciples)Many of the signs Jesus describes are religious deception, social and political turmoil, disloyalty, persecution... In 1 Corinthians Paul reminds us that there are 3 groups of people throughout the scriptures, Jews, Gentiles, Church and there are times that discernment will be necessary. Chapter 24, Jesus is talking about His return to the Jewish people, not the church going to Him. Read Revelation 6 along with this chapter. Jeremiah 30:7,  “Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, But he shall be saved out of it. Daniel 12:1,  At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book.  v.15,  “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),” In 2 Thessalonians Paul actually gives us a little further insight  concerning the coming of the Lord and our gathering to Him, he says I don’t want you to be shaken,That days will not come until the great apostasy and the man of sin sets in the temple showing himself to be God. Ive always with struggled with the “falling away” commentary on this passage, and after watching the documentary on the Galilean wedding, I was absolutely convinced. Think about it, it just doesn’t make sense that Christ would be returning for a bride that has fallen out of love with Him, not prepared for Him or looking for His return. I have a very old Oxford dictionary and this phrase falling away in the Greek is the word apostsia, is translated 2 ways, rebellion and departure. v.3, Geneva bible, Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day shall not come,except there come a departing first, and that that man of sin be disclosed, even the son of perdition. Before the Geneva bible, William Tyndale”s first translation also used the word departure in this passage. The Wuest translation, “Unless the departure of the church came first...” And I get it, this word, apostasia can be translated either way, departure or rebellion, but in the context of the chapter, it actually ties everything together. I personally think it’s simply more of a common sense interpretation. Matthew 25:1,NKJV- Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Live ready, v.7, trimmed their lamps, trimmed- (gr.kosmeo) where we get our word cosmetic- to beautify, adorn, arrange, to get ready.The point, its too late to get ready when He shows up.  v.31-32, When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. Matthew 26:1-2,NKJV-  Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that He said to His disciples, “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Matthew 27, Jesus institutes the Lords Supper. Peter denies Jesus. Jesus is crucified. Then you know... Matthew 28:5-8,NKJV- “But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.” Matthew 28:16-20,NKJV-  “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Now as with everything pertaining to Jesus and His Kingdom, the only way any of this is a reality is through faith. We have to believe this stuff!! Think about it, Jesus commissioned each of us, given each of us an assignment. This assignment is ultimately about creating disciples that openly acknowledge our allegiance and reliance in Christ.

1 and 2 Thessalonians -- Paul's lavish encouragement to faithful believers with questions about the return of Jesus and how to live 'til he comes

06/14/2020 - Sunday Morning Message at Pinheads Family Entertainment Center in Fishers, IN

08/16/2020 - Sunday Morning Message at Pinheads Family Entertainment Center in Fishers, IN

08/09/2020 - Sunday Morning Message at Pinheads Family Entertainment Center in Fishers, IN

08/02/2020 - Sunday Morning Message at Pinheads Family Entertainment Center in Fishers, IN

06/07/2020 - Sunday Morning Message at Pinheads Family Entertainment Center in Fishers, IN

George Orwell once said, "There are some ideas so stupid that only intellectuals believe them." I am not an intellectual and it's my belief that you are not one either. So when we are confronted with a new idea we need to evaluate them. We need to see if they have merit, see if they are true or false. We finished the first section of our series How to Survive in a Post-Christian World. We learned that God has appointed our leaders and for that reason, we are to subject ourselves to their leadership except when they ask us to disobey God. We learned that we are to love our neighbors even when they hate us and persecute us. And we learned that in these last days we need to wake up, put off the deeds of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Today we will begin our new section with a question. It is a True or False question. I will ask this question in just a moment, but I want you to refrain from shouting out your answer. I want you to keep your answer to the question to yourself. And a little later we will answer it aloud. Here is the question: True or False – All roads that lead to God are good. Today the one thing you will learn is how to answer that question and any other question that may come your way. Let’s pray Test the Spirits Turn in your Bible to 1 John 4:1-3. I opened this lesson with a question, is this a true or false statement – All roads that lead to God are good. A little later we will answer that question. But first we have to cover some ground. We need to learn the fundamentals on how to know whether something is true or false. Follow along as I read from 1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. The idea of “testing” or “trying” the spirits is found elsewhere in the Bible. Leave a finger at 1 John 4 but turn to 1 Thessalonians 5:20:22 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. I want to take 1 John and 1 Thessalonians and mash the two passages together. In 1 Thessalonians we are told to “Test all things.” In 1 John we are told to “test the spirits.” Let’s start with “the spirits” of 1 John. We know that the Holy Spirit is God. John just mentioned the Holy Spirit in the last verse of chapter three. So we know of the Holy Spirit, but this passage tells us that there are even more spirits in this world and we must test them. What does it mean to test? It means to make a critical examination of something; to determine the genuineness of something; to really examine it. The Greek word for test is used for metallurgy. It is the test that a goldsmith would use to test the purity of gold. We should never take something at face value. We should evaluate it. We should make sure it is genuine. We should check its purity. We make these evaluations 1,000s of times per day. Every time we sit on a chair we determine whether or not it will hold. When we drive our cars down the road or over a bridge the mind evaluates whether or not it will hold. These tests are based on past experience. It has held before. It will hold this time. In 1994, here in Westminster, Robert Knight took a dinner break from his job at the sewer treatment plant, jumped in his car, and drove toward town to get some food. It was 2 am. As he drove along route 31, all of a sudden the road was no longer there and Robert in his van plunged into a sinkhole that measured 45 feet wide and 18 feet deep. He died a few hours later in shock trauma. We ask ourselves, why did Robert drive route 31 if there was a possibility that a sinkhole might swallow him up? Why didn’t he take another road? The reason he drove on that road without any fear is that the road had never swallowed him up before or anyone else for that matter. He made an evaluation based on past experiences. We do this all the time. Faith is an evaluation based on past experiences. We know that God will do such in such because He has always done so in the past. Past experiences or faith is one test but there are others. Another test is the doctrine of Christ. The First Test – Jesus John is not worrying about sinkholes or even matters that we can evaluate with past experience. John is focused on things pertaining to Jesus, to spiritual matters. How can we determine if a religious idea, a religious person, or a religious institution is genuine? One way is to see what they say about Jesus. 1 John is an early response to an early version of Gnosticism. Gnosticism believed that Jesus was not God and that Jesus was spirit. Gnostics believed that Jesus did not have a body. Gnostics believe that all things physical are bad and all things spiritual are good. In the time of 1 John they believed that Jesus was an emanation, a spirit, and did not have a body. What does that wrong thinking do to the crucifixion? What does it do to the resurrection? Look back at 1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You can see in verses 2 and 3 John’s response to the Gnostics. Something is false if it believes Jesus did not come in the flesh. Jesus is God incarnate. Jesus came to this earth in full humanity The Holy Spirit (v2) testifies to the true nature of God the Son. Satan and false prophets distort the nature of Jesus. Satan is a liar and a murderer. His false prophets are the same. (John 8:44) He wants to keep you from salvation. He wants to kill you spiritually forever. There are other things about Jesus you must believe. They too can be used to test an idea, person, or institution. Jesus is God the Son. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world. Jesus rose again bodily on the 3rd day Salvation is only through Jesus Satan and his false prophets want to keep you from truly understanding and believing on Jesus because Jesus is God and salvation only comes through Jesus. You can test a spirit or everything by what they believe concerning Jesus. Here is a question you can ask when you are uncertain about someone’s faith or ideas: Who is Jesus to you? The Word                    In a few minutes, we will answer our True or False question. Don’t shout it out. Keep your answer quiet. I will give you an opportunity to share in a bit. But remember the question is: True or False – All roads that lead to God are good. There is a second test that we need to use when we are confronted by something. It is the Word test. We have been looking at 1 John 4 and also considering 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 In both passages, prophecy is mentioned. In 1 Thessalonians Paul tells us not to despise prophecies. In 1 John, John warns us about false prophets. What does Paul mean in 1 Thessalonians when he tells us not to despise prophecies? The word “prophecies” can mean the spoken revelation from God. That’s the way I always imagine prophecies. Some longhaired, crazy-eyed prophet standing up on a hill shouting out, “Thus saith the LORD!!!” But the word prophecies can mean the written word of God. In fact, the idea of the written word is meant more often than spoken. An example is found in 2 Peter 1:19-21 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. Paul is saying that when the Word is preached, taught, or read we are to take it seriously. We must not reject it. We must receive it. Do not despise the Word. Example of the Word Test A perfect example of this can be found in Acts 17:10-12. If you have walked with Christ for any amount of time you are familiar with the story of the Bereans. Christians admire the Bereans. Many churches bear their name – Berean Bible Church, Berean Baptist Church.... Why so? Let’s read and find out. Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. The Bereans did not take what Paul said at face value. They tested his words and they tested him. They did so by comparing him and his words to Scripture. Why did they do this? It was their nature. It was who they were as a synagogue. They were people of the Word. They studied it with eagerness. So it was natural for them to use the Word as a tool to test whether or not something was true. Pray to God that we too would be a church of the Word. The Word of God is what we should use to test everything. Let’s go back to our question. I will ask it again and now you will give me your answer. Don’t shout it out. Rather let’s do a show of hands. If you believe it is True when I say “All roads that lead to God are good.” Then raise your hand. If you believe it is False when I say the same raise your hands. The answer is False. Why? We want to be like the Bereans. What verse or passage should we use to test this question? John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. I think it’s time for a pop quiz. I gave you time to think about your answer to the True or False question. How here comes one and I will not give you any time to think about it. But I will help you with this hint. Hint: You can find a passage to help you evaluate this idea in the Book of Genesis. There, I have eliminated 65 other Bible books. Here is the idea to evaluate. On Thursday, February 25, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives Passed the Equality Act. The act is not yet law because it has to pass the Senate. But if it does, many things in the US will change. Here is one change that we can test. If Equality Act passes the Senate, we will no longer be allowed to identify people by biological gender. No longer will there be males or females, boys or girls. What is a Bible passage, found in the book of Genesis, that will help you test this new idea? Genesis 1:27 and 5:2 If you would like to read more about the impact the Equity Act can have on our society, Mary Rice Hasson wrote an opinion piece for Newsweek Magazine titled The Equity Act and the End of Females.  https://www.newsweek.com/equality-act-end-females-opinion-1571432 Also, The Heritage Foundation has an article The Equity Act – How Could Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Laws Affect You? https://www.heritage.org/gender/heritage-explains/the-equality-act Remember, don’t despise or dismiss or reject God’s Word. Read it with eagerness. God is using it to teach you. And you can use the Word to test everything. Conclusion The Apostle John warned about false prophets. False prophets are everywhere. They are writing books. They are on TV and radio. They are on social media. And they even occupy the halls of government. They use all forms of media – print, broadcast, and the internet. Every day they feed you with their false doctrine and corrupt ideas. How can you test these people, test their ideas, and test their organizations? Find out what they think about Jesus. Test them using the Bible. Let us pray that you and this church will eagerly study God’s Word so that we will not fall to Satan’s lies.

Bible in a Year: 1 and 2 Thessalonians Paul started this church not like a business. He started it with the Word and the Holy Spirit. He wrote to give hope to this church that Jesus will come back and rapture the church. The post How the Church Begins appeared first on Life of Purpose Christian Church.

Some people are so disconnected from reality, we wonder "How could anyone believe that?" And the answer could be, "They had help!" The Present Deception is the title of the sermon we started yesterday. In 2 Thessalonians Paul refers to three kinds of supernatural delusion - three "means of deception" as Jim calls them. There's religious deception employing false doctrine; a mass deception through demonic miracles; and a third, much more frightening delusion that we'll discuss today. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am and WRZN 720AM (Gainesville & Ocala, FL) at 7:30am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for just $7 on a single CD or $2 as an MP3 download. RS09242020_0.mp3Scripture References: 2 Thessalonians 2:7

In 1 Thessalonians Paul writes of the proven track record towards the church, in how they lived their lives in working hard, their attitude towards them and how they were never a burden to them. Matt taught out of 1 Thessalonians 2 on how these same examples and heart-attitudes should be the hallmark for all our leadership in King’s as well.

What evidence shows that we are a healthy church? Strong believers make us strong churches. In the opening to the letter of 1st Thessalonians Paul commends them on their well-known faith and ministry that is motivated by their love for God. Can you relate to being a strong believer like the Thessalonians? The post Evidence of a Healthy Church (1st Thessalonians 1:1-10) appeared first on First Baptist Granite Falls.

So now that you are a Christian, how then ought you to live-- To the Thessalonians Paul wrote, -... dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.- The Apostle, from chapter 12, verse 1, has been working out the meaning of -obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus-. You, enjoying the empathy of the Lord Jesus,must model your living after Him and thus also empathize with others.

So now that you are a Christian, how then ought you to live- To the Thessalonians Paul wrote, -... dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.- The Apostle, from chapter 12, verse 1, has been working out the meaning of -obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus-. You, enjoying the empathy of the Lord Jesus,must model your living after Him and thus also empathize with others.

In the book of 1 Thessalonians Paul tells us to "Therefore encourage one another with these words". He is talking about the last days. There is comfort and hope in knowing how things will unfold in our world. Jesus told us "to keep watch" and to be ready, because He will return for His church. We should be living in such a way that we are ready at any moment for His return.

A study on the book of 1st Thessalonians | Paul uses pen and parchment to reflect, remember and instruct a very young church in Macedonia. It's a spiritually young church, but it's one that has quickly become a shining example. So, what kind of church was this? And maybe a better question is: What kind of church is God calling us to be?

A study on the book of 1st Thessalonians | Paul uses pen and parchment to reflect, remember and instruct a very young church in Macedonia. It's a spiritually young church, but it's one that has quickly become a shining example. So, what kind of church was this? And maybe a better question is: What kind of church is God calling us to be?

A study on the book of 1st Thessalonians | Paul uses pen and parchment to reflect, remember and instruct a very young church in Macedonia. It's a spiritually young church, but it's one that has quickly become a shining example. So, what kind of church was this? And maybe a better question is: What kind of church is God calling us to be?

A study on the book of 1st Thessalonians | Paul uses pen and parchment to reflect, remember and instruct a very young church in Macedonia. It's a spiritually young church, but it's one that has quickly become a shining example. So, what kind of church was this? And maybe a better question is: What kind of church is God calling us to be?

A study on the book of 1st Thessalonians | Paul uses pen and parchment to reflect, remember and instruct a very young church in Macedonia. It's a spiritually young church, but it's one that has quickly become a shining example. So, what kind of church was this? And maybe a better question is: What kind of church is God calling us to be?

A study on the book of 1st Thessalonians | Paul uses pen and parchment to reflect, remember and instruct a very young church in Macedonia. It's a spiritually young church, but it's one that has quickly become a shining example. So, what kind of church was this? And maybe a better question is: What kind of church is God calling us to be?

In the final section of his letter to the Thessalonians Paul outlines eight ways to prepare for the sure return of Jesus Christ.

In the final section of his letter to the Thessalonians Paul outlines eight ways to prepare for the sure return of Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 One of our members, Peder Swanson, guest preaches for us. In Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians Paul starts off by offering words of encouragement in the midst of persecution. He then offers hope in the resurrection of Christ and his second coming. He charges them to stand firm and requests that the Thessalonians pray for him. We pick up in 2 Thess. 3:5 where Paul says,  May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. What does it look like to allow God to direct your heart? Peder hopes that this verse would encourage you and remind you of the love that God has for you and how that love might shape your life.  

In 1 Thessalonians Paul tells the church not to grieve like those who have no hope. How is a Christian to grieve? Pastor Andy explores 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.