Bible Study

September 15, 2025 (CSB)

1 Thessalonians 2:15 – 20 (CSB)

“VIctory Over All”

“Who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us. They displease God and are hostile to everyone, 16 by keeping us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. As a result, they are constantly filling up their sins to the limit, and wrath has overtaken them at last. 17 But as for us, brothers and sisters, after we were forced to leave you for a short time (in person, not in heart), we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face. 18 So we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 Indeed you are our glory and joy!”

It was the will of God that all men find a relationship with God while to the Jew it was the will of the Jews that no man found a relationship with His Son Jesus.

As a result of the attitude of the Jews several things happened to them:

1. Historically all of the Babylonian exile,

2. Prophetically the destruction of the temple in 70 AD,

3. The teaching of Jesus second coming,

4. The doctrine of salvation concerning God’s coming wrath.

It is this point that Paul is bringing up. Paul had been torn away from the people he loved the Thessalonians and they had been orphaned because of this separation. He points to the problem here it is Satan who continues to be the problem in the world today. In reading and studying scripture we must see how it applies to us today. When Paul said He wanted to come to them again he was desiring to go to the seven churches John wrote about in the book of Revelation.

What does he mean by the term “crown of boasting?” Scripture teaches eternal life is like a wreath awarded in an athletic event. It is imperishable, it is righteous, it celebrates the victory over defilement, it celebrates the victory over death, and it celebrates salvation’s victory over Satan.

Victory surrounds the believer. God Bless.

Bible Study

September 12, 2025

1 Thessalonians 2:11 – 14  (CSB)

“Living Step By Step”

11 “As you know, like a father with his own children, 12 we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 13 This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, since you have also suffered the same things from people of your own country, just as they did from the Jews.”

Many people have not had an earthly father that exemplifies God, the Father of all. For that reason they cannot see a loving God as their father because of the hurt they have suffered. But, das, if that was your situation you know to do better with your children.

Paul spoke the words “encouraged, comforted, and implored” to describe his relationship with the church in Thessalonica emphasizing the personal touch of a father. But he also adds “the one who called you into His kingdom” that can only be our Fater God.

Paul references “the word of God” as the message he preached and the one Peter preached to the Gentiles. The only message of truth and faith. The Word of God is a powerful word when spoken can change people’s lives, can radically change the course of a nation. Ezra said this in 2 Chronicles 7:14 “and my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” The course of life and be changed by prayer and faith.

Paul encourages the church to become an “imitator” of God’s churches that are Judea. These churches had been persecuted as Jesus was and he is telling to walk in the way of the Old Testament just as the Jews did.

God Bless.

Bible Study

September 11, 2025 (CSB)

1 Thessalonians 2:4 – 10  (CSB)

“9-11”

“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit, 6 and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. 7 As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out. Therefore, we don’t need to say anything, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.”

I am reminded today (and many days) of the senseless tragedy that occurred on our soil twenty-four years ago. What have we learned since that day? From the shooting yesterday of Patriot Charlie Kirk it seems very little. What does the power of the Gospel have to do with these events?

The Gospel is the source of teaching us right from wrong beginning with the ten commandments found in Exodus. The law shows us our sin; Jesus shows us the path of salvation and freedom from that sin. We find our forgiveness through the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer for God’s leadership.

Just yesterday there was a call from a member of the House of Representatives for prayer for the family of Charlie Kirk, you saw the yelling of many the word “No” by members of one party. What has happened to our nation that we cannot unite in prayer over the loss of life as we did on 9-11-2001?

Paul said it well “you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit.” Even though there are those who do not welcome the message there are many today that find comfort and peace in that message. We will face tragedy and setbacks before Jesus returns, we will face persecution as we did yesterday, but we must learn to live in the power of the Holy Spirit if we are to ever get beyond the hatred that is rampant in the world today.

Let me encourage all of to pray.

God Bless.

Bible Study

September 19, 2025 (CSB)

1 Thessalonians 2:1 – 4  (CSB)

“Jesus the Heart Doctor”

“For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our visit with you was not without result. 2 On the contrary, after we had previously suffered and were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition. 3 For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive. 4 Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts.”

I like the positive approach Paul took in writing this letter. In verse one he says, “Our visit was not without result.” The ESV says, “was not in vain.” The Message age says, “no waste of time.” Ministry is never a waste of time.

In Philippi Paul and Silas were brutalized before they went to Thessalonica. They were physically beaten (Acts 16:22 -3), arrogantly treated with false accusations, (Acts 16:20 -21), jailed (Acts 16:24) and illegally punished in spite of their Roman citizenship (Acts 16:37).  While in Thessalonica they were accused of civil treason (Acts 17:7).

Paul speaks of a life lived in purity. He say he did not come from error or impurity. Impurity would imply a life pure of sexual wickedness. His manor of life was pure; he was not deceptive in his teaching. Paul may have been teaching about false doctrine that came into the church to discredit what Paul had taught. He was on a divine appointment for God.

He had approval, integrity, and devotion to the message of the cross and of the saving work of Jesus. Our mission in 2025 should be nothing less than example Paul gave us.

God Bless.

Bible Study

September 9, 2025 (CSB)

1 Thessalonians 1:9 -10 (CSB)

“What is Turning?

“For they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.”

The scriptures teach us that turning is repentance. Paul calls it turning in our scripture for today. I remember while attending church at Cornerstone in Ohio that Pastor Jeff used a simple illustration of what turning meant. He walked across the front of the church made a one-hundred and eighty degree turn and said that is it – you turn around from where you are going to where you need to go.

Paul found the Thessalonians involved in idol worship. Now we may say I do not worship idols but is there something in your life that keeps you from a total commitment to God? We do not like to admit there could be something that hinders us. We all should examine our lives to ascertain if there is anything interfering.

The Thessalonians abandoned their idol worship and turned to the one true God. He admonished them to “wait.” Paul wrote of this over and over in this Epistle. Some scholars refer to it as the current distress that we face but it seems as though Paul is speaking of the eternal wrath that will be encountered by those rejecting Jesus.

Eternal punishment will come to those who say “No” to Jesus’ offer of salvation. They either cannot give up what they are doing (idol worship can be anything) or cannot come to grips with saying “I repent” I am willing (with Good’s help) to turn from where I was headed to where I want to go. A decision can change eternity. Make the decision today to turn around and walk across the front of the church in different direction. If you have questions please send me a message so we can talk.

God Bless.

Bible Study

September 8, 2025

1 Thessalonians 1:4 – 7 (CSB)

“A Message For All Generations”

“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit, 6 and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. 7 As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”

“He has chosen you” is a phrase Paul used to describe the church. It has also been referred to as the “elect.” In salvation the initiating will is God’s not mans. If we look to verse nine we see a clear meaning to what Paul is saying. Human will participates as a response to God’s call “when you welcomed the message” of redemption. This response came as a result of faith in the Word and repentance acting on the Word. There are those who believe in the “elect” as only certain ones God has called or will call, but salvation is open to anyone who answers the call of the Holy Spirit.

Paul in verse five refers to the gospel as “our gospel” because it was written for him as well as all of us who are sinners. Interesting also that he referred to it as the “message with joy from the Holy Spirit” he knew it was not his message but a divine message from God the creator.

We often think people do not look at how we live our lives but our lives are an open book to others. We may not think they watch but they do looking for a crack in your faith or looking for the what you stand for is consistent with what you say.

Concluding a look at verse seven for today is that idea of being an example for all people. Paul commended the people for being an example of who Christ is in their lives. A good lesson for mankind of 2025 to set an example for others to follow as we grow into the image of Christ Jesus,

God Bless.

Bible Study

September 5, 2025 (CSB)

1 Thessalonians 1:1 – 3 (CSB)

“Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Grace to you and peace. 2 We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers. 3 We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Having concluded the book of Colossians lets delve into 1 Thessalonians. Paul again is the author of the book and he is writing it to the church in Thessalonica around 50 – 51 AD.

His purpose in writing this book was to remind believers what he had previously taught them and reinforce those things they already knew.

There are three primary themes in this writing:

(1). Faith And the Gospel explained and personalized,

(2). Living to please God, and

(3). Hopeful preparation for the day of the Lord.

In the first point he is speaking of the Gospel as a power as the Lord’s message. He commends the believers faith and the outworking of it in love and hope. His second point is a reminder as God’s holy people we are set apart people, called to a particular way. And finally we must be prepared for the day when Christ returns in His full glory both unexpectedly and surprising.

Silvanus was a friend of Paul and Timothy was his most notable disciple. He went on Paul’s first two missionary journeys and remained with him during his first Roman imprisonment.

Pau frequently prayed for the churches he ministered to and in always keeping them before the Lord Jesus Christ. He often spoke of their hope, faith and love a good reminder that we should be mindful of other believers.

God Bless.

September 4, 2025

Colossians 4:7 – 18 CSB)

“Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. 10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. 13 For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas send you greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home. 16 After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.” 18 I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.”

Paul concludes his letter by naming those who have helped him. It is good to be thankful to those whom God has put in our path to help an encourage us.

Tychius – means “fortunate.” He was a one of Paul’s converts and delivered the letter to the Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon.

Onesimus – a runaway slave who was the basis for the letter to Philemon.

Aristachus – a companion of aul’s on his journey to Jerusalem and his voyage to Rome.

Jeus who is called Justus -n one of the Roamn Jews who believed in Paul’s message.

Epaphras – Founder of the Colossian church.

Luke – Paul’s personal physician and close friend.

Demus – a man who demonstrated significant commitment to the Lord.

Nympha – one who opened her house for the church to meet.

Archippus – most likely the son of Philemon.

People are important in our lives we all have them who have supported us, encouraged us, mentored us, and befriended us. Never forget those who have been instrumental in your life and thank them by being specific in what you say.

God Bless.