As we continue to look at Paul’s final exhortations to the saints at Thessalonica, let us keep in mind that he was writing during the time of miraculous gifts. Because of this, his exhortation does not mean exactly the same thing to us today as it did to the saints at Thessalonica, though we can […]
Too many people do not think of the Spirit as they should. We need to understand that the Spirit is a member of the Godhead, meaning that He is a divine being. In other words, the Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4). The work of the Spirit is to convict sinners. John 16:7-8 (ESV) 7 Nevertheless, […]
How often do you give thanks to God? It is not good enough to give thanks to Him once in a while, or just when things are going our way. Our appreciation for God, and all that He has done, and continues to do for us, should be constant. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) 18 Give […]
The next exhortation in Paul’s closing remarks to the church at Thessalonica is to “pray without ceasing.” This is an exhortation to which we all should give heed. Paul was not the first one to give such advice. Jesus told His disciples that “they ought always to pray.” Do you pray consistently? That is the […]
The young church at Thessalonica faced severe persecution. Paul boasted to other churches about their steadfast faith amid such persecution and afflictions (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5). Nevertheless, Paul still expected them to have a joyful attitude. He exhorted them to simply “rejoice always” (1 Thessalonica 5:16). The church at Thessalonica was not the only church to […]
Revenge is a disposition of the devil, and, sadly, it is embodied by most societies and cultures today, including the one in which we live. Revenge is sometimes the first thought that enters a person’s mind when he is mistreated by someone. “If you push me, I am going to push you back,” is the […]
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NKJV) 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. Notice, not all who are struggling spiritually should be treated the same way. Different situations call for different tactics. Paul refers to three categories of brethren who need help. First, […]
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (KJV) 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Who were these that Paul told the brethren at […]
It is amazing to me that so many simple teachings in the Bible can be misunderstood. While Martin Luther had good intentions in starting the 16th century Reformation Movement, a religious revolt against Catholicism, more harm has been done religiously than good from that movement. After the Lutheran church was started in 1520, several other […]
John 15:1-5 (ESV) 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have […]