Judges 21:25 – In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. When it comes to authority, in the most basic sense there are two options. One, authority is external, in people like parents, police officers, pastors, teachers, and laws. Both God and His Word are … Read more
The New Testament is clear that God’s people are to gather regularly for corporate worship. This is apparent by the frequent use of the Greek word ekklesia, which simply means a gathered assembly of God’s people. [FOOTNOTE: 1 Cor. 10:31] Likewise, Hebrews 10:24-25 commands, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love … Read more
2 Thessalonians 2:18 – …because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. What are some of the characteristics of the book of 1 Thessalonians, which Paul wrote to the kind, loving church at Thessalonica? First, the book is written in the form of an ancient letter. A Bible commentary says, … Read more
1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 – For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. The next time you hear negative gossip about a pastor, 1 Thessalonians … Read more
In talking about the church, we know many people, starting with Christians, who have had a painful experience with the church. The result is often a gnawing sense of guilt that they should be connected to a local body of believers, but some level of anxiety triggered by past troubles which keeps them at arm’s … Read more
1 Thessalonians 1:5b – You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. Paul writes the books of 1 & 2 Thessalonians to the church at Thessalonica to encourage and build them up, as well as settling some falsehoods that Satan’s recruits had spoken against Paul, who loved this … Read more
1 Thessalonians 1:2 – We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers. To establish their new identity in Christ, Paul tells the church at Thessalonica that they are “loved by God”, and “chosen” with God the Father acting much like a wonderful earthly father who adopts a … Read more
1 Thessalonians 1:7 – …so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. Importantly, Paul’s first line of 1 Thessalonians reveals he is writing to “the church”. The original Greek word “ekklēsia” is the most common word used to refer to the Christian community of believers. A Bible commentary … Read more
Jude 18-19 – They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. Two of the most iconic and prolific symbols scattered throughout western culture are the cross and the rainbow. The cross has long served … Read more
Jude 20-21 – But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. If you become a Christian later in life and don’t have much experience with … Read more
Jude 4 – For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. In boating, the goal is to have the boat in the water, but not let the water … Read more
Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. This may shock you but not everyone who goes to church is going to Heaven. The old metaphor says the same – … Read more