There are some who refuse to subscribe to the concept of the plenary verbal inspiration of scripture – every word is inspired of God. This concept is seen in scripture itself, and is the pillar that supports the Bible as a source of authority. If plenary verbal inspiration is denied, scripture cannot be used as …
Continue reading The Patternists: All from God, or none from God
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 3:1-51 Samuel 8 records God’s people requesting a king. The request came from a desire to be like the surrounding nations. Israel had no physical king, but were given judges. Although God served as their king, and was continually faithful to them given their own faithfulness, they were not content. The attitude they expressed is …
Continue reading Sermon: That We May Be Like All the NationsThe “day of the Lord” was used in the Old Testament in reference to days of destruction, revenge, punishment, and also deliverance. It is used in the New Testament to refer to the second coming of Christ when He will judge the world – sentencing everlasting punishment to evil doers, and everlasting salvation to the …
Continue reading Sermon: The Day of the Lord
“I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren” (1 Thessalonians 5:27). Paul did not simply request that the brethren read the epistle, but commanded them to do so. Some view the reading of scripture as optional. Some who read do so casually, as if it does them …
Continue reading Facebook: A Charge to Read 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 …
Continue reading Sermon: Lovingkindness (Hesed)
“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”
The apostle Paul began his letter to the saints in Colosse by mentioning his avid intercession on their behalf (cf. 1:3). Before detailing the prayer, he explained the reason he prayed for them (cf. 1:4-8). Having heard of their faithfulness in Christ after the preaching of the word by Epaphras, he continually thanked God, and …
Continue reading A Prayer On Behalf of the Colossians 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 1:1-8