Paul began his second epistle to the Thessalonians as usual. He named himself, and those with him – “Silvanus (Roman for Silas), and Timothy.” Both men accompanied Paul throughout parts of his ministry. Timothy was especially dear to Paul (cf. 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2). The epistle is addressed to the assembly “of the …
Continue reading 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 Having just outlined proper conduct which the Thessalonians should be careful to observe, Paul moved to prayers on their behalf. Such conduct is the process of sanctification. As we grow closer to God by gaining a fuller knowledge of Him and His will, and by subsequent participation in His will, we are being further set …
Continue reading 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
The scriptural principles regarding fellowship are as clear as any other subject. However, clarity of scripture does not change the fact of hardened hearts. Some receive others into fellowship when they have no authority to do so, and some refuse to receive others into fellowship when they have the obligation to do so. Both actions …
Continue reading Fellowship 4 – Receive Him This is the last section of the epistle before Paul concludes with his final greetings. It is that which follows the foundation laid by Paul concerning Christ’s preeminence (1:15-23), the negative remarks concerning the Colossian heresy (2:1ff), and the applications concerning the Christian’s duties before the Preeminent One (3:1-4:6). After emphasizing their need to do …
Continue reading Colossians 4:2-6
As was noted previously, fellowship with God and man is contingent upon one thing. It is that which inheres in the term “fellowship.” “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” …
Continue reading Fellowship 3 – Fellowship Between Men Having just described his attitude of pressing on to the “goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (v. 14), Paul encouraged the brethren to follow his example. He does not mean he is the standard, but as he wrote to the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate …
Continue reading Philippians 3:17-4:1
“Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, ‘Are You the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you say’” (Matthew 27:11). “When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the …
Continue reading Facebook: Regicide“The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:56). Genesis 40 and 41 record the fulfillment of Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams concerning the famine. By his authority, the storehouses of …
Continue reading Sermon: Joseph Opens the Storehouses“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:17-18). As God’s people, our energy and zeal should not be focused on the prosperity of the world, and jealousy of …
Continue reading Sermon: Do Not Envy the WorldExodus 25 records God’s command that Moses make a request before the Israelites that they bring free-will offerings to God for the building of the sanctuary. Exodus 35 and 36 record their fulfillment of this request. We can learn from the liberality and willingness in their Offerings for the Sanctuary. Ppt: Offerings for the Sanctuary …
Continue reading Sermon: Offerings for the Sanctuary