“Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1). Christians are a part of God’s family, and as such, there is fraternal affection for one another. This brotherly love is to be continuously shown in word and deed (cf. 1 John 3:18). Paul’s epistle to Philemon serves as a wonderful example of the strength of brotherly love. Ppt: …
Continue reading Sermon: An Appeal For Brotherly LoveLove
In the previous verses (v. 4-7), Paul acknowledged Philemon’s proven character of love as a Christian. This set the foundation for Paul’s appeal to him. He could have easily, and appropriately commanded Philemon to do “what is fitting,” but he instead appealed for “love’s sake.” He would have yet another opportunity to act in a …
Continue reading Philemon 8-11
Our Lord was no stranger to tests. He was met with many in His life, and continually proved His love for His Father, and showed His depth of wisdom. It was no different when one day His enemies came before Him with questions designed to trap. The Pharisees failed to find Jesus in contradiction when …
Continue reading Which is the greatest commandment? Prior to a final exhortation in verses 6-15, Paul set a foundation for a proper response from the Thessalonians. The exhortation would include a reminder about that which he already wrote (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 5:14). In order to elicit the most appropriate response, Paul first gave attention to their past and present obedience. As …
Continue reading 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 The previous verses contained Paul’s explanation concerning that of which the Thessalonians were ignorant (cf. 4:13-18). The current text serves as a reminder of things of which the brethren were already informed – the coming of the Day of the Lord, and the conduct to be assumed by those who look forward to that day. …
Continue reading 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11The Hebrew word, “hesed,” is found in the Old Testament 247 times. Many times, it is translated into “lovingkindness.” However, because of the deep meaning found in the Hebrew, it is also translated into several other English words (mercy, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, etc.). It is not only a central theme of the Old Testament, but …
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“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting” (Psalm 136:1, NASB). Psalm 136 is a great manifestation of the constancy of God’s lovingkindness (translated “mercy” in the NKJV). This concept of “lovingkindness” denotes the condescension of the transcendent Creator in love, mercy, goodness, and loyalty to His creation as …
Continue reading Facebook: “His lovingkindness is everlasting” Like he did with all of his epistles, Paul identified himself as the author. Along with him in his ministry, although not necessarily in writing the epistle, was his close companion Timothy. Paul had not founded the church in Colosse, nor is it likely that he had seen them personally, yet his love for them …
Continue reading Colossians 1:1-8Love is an indispensable characteristic of the Christian. Without it one cannot please God, but if one loves the way God demands he will come short in nothing. This lesson discusses the description of love in 1 Corinthians 13, and considers a few actions motivated by love. Ppt: Actions-Driven-By-Love Outline: Actions-Driven-By-Love Download: mp3
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“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha” (1 Corinthians 16:22, KJV). In his salutation in his letter to Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote with his own hand (v. 21) two Aramaic words which were likely familiar to his audience. The first word, “Anathema,” has reference to being delivered …
Continue reading The Patternists: “Let him be Anathema Maranatha”