In Paul’s conclusion of his second letter to Timothy, the urgency in his message is glaring. His fervor for the Lord and His message is commendable, and should be imitated (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1). His life was near its end, but still, his overwhelming focus was the furtherance of the gospel, and his concern for …
Continue reading 2 Timothy 4:1-5 In conclusion to Paul’s first letter addressed to his “true son in the faith” (1:1), he echoed once again his instruction for Timothy to safeguard the gospel message. This is perhaps the most important responsibility an evangelist has, as Paul so consistently noted (cf. 1:3, 18-20; 4:1-6, 16; 6:3-5, 12-14, 20, 21). Outer threats must …
Continue reading 1 Timothy 6:20-21
“The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both” (Proverbs 20:12). This proverb seems to simply state a fact. Yet, the fact is quite astounding. God’s wisdom is unmatched, and His creative power, unfathomable. In his obduracy, man refuses to accept the existence of a Creator. He cries, “Where is the …
Continue reading Facebook: Eyes and Ears
The claim that sin is hereditary, and as such all are born in sin because of Adam’s sin, is taught in part by using the text of Romans 5:12-21. Necessarily springing from such logic used in that interpretation is the concept of universalism – all men are saved through Christ just as all men were …
Continue reading One man’s disobedience and one Man’s obedience
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 3:1-5
“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 5:1-11
“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 …
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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