Bible Study

November 28,2025

1 Thessalonians 2:1 – 4 (NKJV)

“Our Ministry”

Before looking at the study today why not commit to finding one thing everyday to be thankful for – then write it down and reflect next year.

1 “For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.”

Paul faced much persecution during his ministry often ending up in prison for his beliefs and teaching. But he had a ministry. Paul’s ministry was alive and vibrant and it was reflected in the church in Thessalonia. This was a vibrant church but it was vibrant because Paul had a ministry among them.

Paul spoke the truth in all he taught. He was a man of deep faith and trust in the Lord. Paul along with Silas had been brutalized in Philippi before going to Thessalonia. They were beaten. Imprisoned, and mistreated with false accusations, and illegally punished even though they were Roman citizens. According to Acts chapter seventeen while in Thessalonica they were falsely accused of civil treason and suffered physical intimidation.

Paul used three words to describe and affirm the truthfulness of his ministry. Those words say much about Paul. He “did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.” His manner of life was pure in all areas.

There is a possibility some false teachers came into the church to discredit Paul’s teaching but he emphatically states His was ‘approved by God.”

When reviewing Paul’s teaching life can the same be said about us? Have we found our place in the body of Christ in a local fellowship of believers? What are we called to do in the kingdom? Are we faithful? What is our witness to the world? Thoughts to ponder.

God Bless.

Bible Study

November 27, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving

I am reminded of the words to a song:
“Give thanks with a grateful heart,

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He’s given us Jesus Christ, His Son.”

As I reflect I think about all the things I am thankful for this year.

I am thankful for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,

I am thankful for Cindy my wife who I love beyond measure,

I love the Ross Community Church where we gave five plus years of our life serving and the wonderful people there,

I am thankful for Asbury Chapel where we now serve and the wonderful people and friends we serve with,

I am thankful for my mother and dad who taught us right from wrong and taught us there are consequences of our actions,

I am thankful for my mother and father in law who were the best. Mom we lost last year and her beloved husband this year,

I am thankful for God’s comfort in tough times and His blessings in all things,

I am thankful for friends many of whom I have known since first grade that read and share the Bible studies I do,

I am thankful for America and what it stands for.

I am thankful for the leadership God has instilled in His chosen leaders,

I am thankful for the “Good Morning” I receive via text message every morning,

Just today I received a note thanking God for a specific thing He has done in bringing us to Asbury Chapel,

I am thankful for people who accept us for who we are imperfect as we are but accept us in spite of us,

I am thankful for the material blessings God has given us and His faithfulness to keep us,

I am thankful for Pastor Jeff who suggested I get licensed to serve the Church of Jesus Christ,

To everyone reading this today know I love and appreciate you, Happy and blessed Thanksgiving 2025.

God Bless.

Bible Study

November 26, 2025

“Be Am Imitator”

1 Thessalonians 1:6 – 10 (NKJV)

6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and 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, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

The Thessalonian church much like many of the early churches faced persecution both from the citizens as well as the government of the day. In spite of that we are called to be a light in the midst of spiritual and moral darkness. Paul is telling them and commending them for having received the word and receiving it in joy.

Most of us would agree it is easy to accept the word when it is a good one or one we wanted to hear but not so much joy is expressed when we are told ‘no’ or we must ‘wait’ for an answer. The Greek word to express ‘example’ describes a seal that marked wax or stamped a coin. ‘These church members were so blessed that other churches around them were examples of who they had become. Paul uses the word “became” to say they had accomplished it ‘in every place.’

Paul used the term ‘turned’ here to indicate true repentance. Repentance calls for a person to turn from the ‘false gods’ they worship to the one true God. False gods can be and is anything that keeps one turned from the true God.

Once we are converted from the former lifestyle we lived we are to become examples in the new life we are changed into. “all things become new” when our life changes.

We are now exempt from the current wrath or the coming wrath. We will have times of trial but eternal wrath will not come as long as we are covered by the blood of Jesus. As we continue to read and study the book of First Thessalonians I believe we will see Paul is talking about the eternal wrath that is to come.

God Bless.

Bible Study

November 25, 2025

“Our Gospel”

1 Thessalonians 1:3 – 5 (NKJV)

3 “remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,”

Yesterday we mentioned the three-fold combination of faith, hope, and love. Paul follows those words with “knowing, your election by God.” This scripture is not about predestination as some might think. Paul when he uses the “elect” he is referring to the community called the church. If we were to jump ahead to verse six we would see what happens when this church accepted the promptings of the Spirit, found salvation and in turn they spurned idol worship. This is what is meant by faith and repentance.

Paul referred in his message ‘our gospel’ because it was for all sinners. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ not of any one man. Only true forgiveness can come from Jesus; there is no substitution for salvation. It goes beyond the word to the power of the Holy Spirit.

Then he mentions a phrase ‘what kind of men?’ The quality of the message is confirmed by the lives of the preacher as well as the life of the hearer. Paul lived a life that was exemplary after his conversion and prior to it he would admit he was the worst of all sinners. Yet Paul would tell us to keep our eyes on Jesue who would not fail.

“Imitators” Paul refers to those who follow Christ or “mimic” Him. Jesus was the first, Paul the second, and the Thessalonians were the third. When you suffer affliction and can remain in joy is the true picture of salvation.

God Bless.

Bible Study

November 24, 2025

“Giving Thanks”

1 Thessalonians 1:1 – 3

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

The Apostle Paul wrote several letters to churches in the New Testament to some he wrote at least two that we are aware of. Over the next period of our Bible study let’s look into his writings to the church in Thessalonica.

Paul had several reasons for writing this letter:

1. Encouraging the church,
2. Answering false allegations,
3. Comforting them,
4. Expressing joy for their faith,
5. Reminding of the importance of moral purity,
6. Condemning the sluggard lifestyle,
7. Correcting some misunderstanding of prophecy,
8. Defusing tensions within the church,
9. Exhorting them on the basics of Christianity.

Paul’s initial converts were Jewish but this church was not a Jewish assembly, but rather one gathered in the name of Jesus. He is both Lord God and Messiah. “We give thanks” for the entire group of believers.

Paul mentions three things that are important “work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope.” These are the fulfillment of the ministry duties which resulted in these three spiritual attitudes.

God Bless.

Bible Study

November  20, 2025

“Worshipping Together”

Acts  2:43 – 47  (NKJV)

43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

The word “fear’ as used here means “reverence.” At this time, the only ones to perform miracles were Jesus and the apostles and in some cases the apostles could not even perform miracles because of their lack of faith. With the giving of the Holy Spirit Jesus said we would do greater things than He had done. Are we seeing these miracles in the church today?

They cheerfully shared their possessions with those “in need.” Those in need in many cases were children and widows. Able bodied people are to work and they then can become cheerful givers. Jesus who was our best example told us to help the needy.  Jesus admonished the early Church to commit to seek out the poor and dignify them with their care: “Looking at his disciples he said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God’” (Luke 6:20). “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

“Day by day” they went to the temple for prayer, fellowship, and to praise God. Today we can do that anywhere, anyplace we are. The important thing to keep in mind is that we take time for daily communion with the Lord.

The church in Jerusalem was a joyful church (gladness and simplicity of heart). There was not the bickering and self-motivation in the early church. They were of one accord and lived in unity – a great less for the church today.

God Bless.

Bible Study

November  19, 2025

“Working Together”

Acts  2:41 – 42  (NKJV)

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. “Received His Word and were baptized.”

We look at baptism today maybe from a different perspective than those at this time. Baptism serves as notice to others that God has changed who I am. But there is a second element in it and that is it is entry into Jesus’ church.”

Many pastors and denominations push for church membership in fact to many base the strength of a church by its membership when that is a false narrative. The strength of a church is found in its praying members. This verse would indicate they did keep in some form a record of those in attendance.

The foundation of the church was the apostles teaching the doctrine. So we might question what doctrine, which doctrine is correct and the only answer to that – the doctrine is the holy scriptures given by God to those who wrote it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The second part of this was “fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Partnership, fellowship indicate a oneness Among the members a “One in the Spirit” as the song goes.

We are One in The Spirit,

We are One in The Lord.

We are One in The Spirit,

We are One in The Lord.

And we pray that all unity may one day be restored.

Chorus

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love,

By our Love,

Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

-2-

We will work with each other,

We will work side by side.

We will work with each other,

We will work side by side.

And we’ll guard each man’s dignity

And save each man’s pride.

And that is what fellowship, unity, and breaking bread is all about.

God Bless

Bible Study

November  18, 2025

“A Vital Church Grows”

Acts  2:37 – 40  (NKJV)

37 “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”  38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”  40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”

What should a message do for the hearer? There are times a pastor delivers a message which is not what he wants to say but what the Holy spirit wants said. That is the message preached that day by Peter. So, what should a message do for the hearer?

Peter begins his message with a stunning “stab” to the heart of the hearers that day. He says they killed the Messiah. That is a serious indictment. Paul outlines what must be done in this case. First he tells them “they must repent.” What does repentance involve? Genuine repentance knows sin must be forsaken (sorry for it), a willingness to turn the other way (one-hundred and eighty degree turn), and we embrace the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Once saved, forgiven by God the next step is baptism. The word baptism literally means “be dipped or immersed.” I cannot find any place in the scriptures that teaches anything other than immersion. The scriptures simply do not teach ‘sprinkling” or “pouring” that I am aware of.

This is the first time many Jews experienced baptism. Many had experienced the baptism of John and were familiar with the baptism of Gentile converts into Judaism. Why do you think Peter added “in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins?” Baptism does not provide forgiveness of sin nor the cleansing from sin. Forgiveness of sin precedes baptism. Genuine repentance brings forgiveness from God and because of the all new believers were to be baptized. Every believer enjoys the forgiveness of sins and baptism should follow.

Peter says “all who are afar off (those are the Gentiles, here it could mean non-Jews or non-believers). Gentiles were able to share in the gift of salvation because the Jews rejected Jesus and He went to non-Jews known as Gentiles.

God Bless.