Posts

1 Thessalonians 3 - Who Do You Lean On?

1 Thessalonians 3 Insights into 1 Thessalonians 3 3 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. Paul once again shows the deep love he has for every church he has planted. But since he felt he needed to stay in Corinth, he sent Timothy to make sure they church in Thessalonica would not get discouraged by the intense persecution they were facing.  1. Timothy went to s...
Post a Comment
Read more

1 Thessalonians 2 - Preaching the Gospel Free of Charge!

1 Thessalonians 2 - NIV   Key Themes in 1 Thessalonians 2 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Effective evangelists, pastors, and preachers often take a lot of criticism from their churches or the world in general. They are sometimes accused of being in it for their own glory, or just looking for worldly accolades. Of course, a Christian leader is not immune to temptation, pride, and sin. But sometimes others who might be jealous take " pot shots " at Christian leaders rather than focusing on the good God is doing in and through them. Paul was not immune from criticism from all the churches he started. Because he was only...
Post a Comment
Read more

1 Thessalonians 1 - What Does A Model Church Look Like?

1 Thessalonians 1 - NIV   Introduction and Background of of 1 Thessalonians 4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.  As you might have read, the church in Thessalonica was a church of young believers, mostly made up of Gentiles. Paul reflects on the fact that when the church heard the gospel from he and Silas, the Holy Spirit came upon them in powerful ways. The Holy Spirit led them to a deep conviction of their sin and their need for Christ. Indee...
Post a Comment
Read more

Colossians 4 - Prayer is the Boiler Room of the Church!

Colossians 4 - NIV Summary of Colossians 4 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. These are Paul's last words to the church at Colossae. He reminds them of the importance of prayer. When we pray, we are reminded of God's presence in our lives. We are reminded of the peace He gives us through the Holy Spirit. As we pray we remember how God has been faithful in the past with thanksgiving.  We give thanks giving for prayers answered and even for prayers that aren't answered. We know God always hears us and gives us what " we need when we need it ". Notice I didn...
Post a Comment
Read more

Colossians 3 - In the Name of Jesus Is More Than Just Prayer!

Colossians 3 - NIV Enduring Word Commentary 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. In Chapter 3 of Colossians, Paul teaches about all of the practical ramifications of our being raised with Christ metaphorically speaking. We have a new position in Christ before our Father in heaven. We no longer stand condemned, because Jesus has cancelled the written code of the Law. Jesus erased and wiped out all of our sins when he died for us on the cross, which made us right with God.  In verses 1 - 14, Paul talks about putting to death our old nature, which is marked by the sins of ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Colossians 2 - Where There Are No Root, There is No Fruit!

Colossians 2 - NIV Enduring Word Commentary Spiritual Fullness in Christ 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. "Colossians 2 is a pivotal chapter in the New Testament written by the Apostle Paul, focusing on the sufficiency and supremacy of Jesus Christ over human philosophies, legalism, and false teachings." Bible Gateway Paul is teaching about what happens AFTER you receive Jesus as Your Lord and Savior. Accepting Christ is only the beginning of your faith journey. The rest of our lives, we will be struggling to grow more to be like him. In these two verses Paul highlights the key aspects of how knowing and abiding in Christ is all we really need. He uses two important metaphors to highlight our relationship with Christ.  1. Continue you to live your lives "rooted in Him". The roots are what draw nutrien...
Post a Comment
Read more

Colossians 1 - The "Spitting Image" of the Father!

Colossians 1 - NIV Enduring Word Commentary Background on the Letter to the Colossians (summarized from Google AI) Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison in Rome, around 60-62 A.D.  Colossae is located in modern Turkey, 100 miles east of Ephesus. The church was started by a local man named Epapras, who likely heard Paul preach in Ephesus. The occasion was Paul's deep concern from false teaching, which had infiltrated the church. This false teaching was a mixture of Jewish legalism. I.e. Sabbath and dietary rules, and observation of festivals. Worship of angels and mystical experience. Also known as "secret knowledge" or "gnosticism". And, "ascetism", which was a self-imposed denial of bodily needs in search of a higher spiritual purity.  Purpose of the letter.  " Paul wrote to prove that Jesus Christ is completely supreme, sufficient, and preeminent over all creation and spiritual powers. He argued that believers do not need to add hidden r...
Post a Comment
Read more