Paul has been expressing his love and appreciation of the Thessalonian church and then, BAM!…he starts talking about SEX! (I Thess 4) And as it is today, so it was then, sex can be a stumbling block even for those who love Jesus. Those early believers had stood strong in the face of affliction andContinue reading “Let’s talk about SEX!”
Tag Archives: readThessalonians
You know it’s going to be okay, right?
You know it’s going to be okay, right? Of course, I want the election to go the way of religious freedom, protecting the lives of the unborn, the sanctity of marriage, ….but it may not. And our world may get harder.Our country may look very different. But as I think about all this, I rememberContinue reading “You know it’s going to be okay, right?”
Don’t grow weary.
There is nothing like the right word, at just the right time, to lift your soul. Paul is about to set his pen down on his second letter to the believers in Thessalonica, when he says, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.” (2 Thess 3:13) And my weary, wornContinue reading “Don’t grow weary.”
I almost didn’t write this.
It’s controversial.Many churches refuse to do it. It certainly isn’t popular, or politically correct, in our world today. But Paul, emphatically commanded Christians to withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly (2 Thess 3:6) That’s kind of a big subject that he places at the end of his letter. Honestly, part of me was temptedContinue reading “I almost didn’t write this.”
his words took me back…
His words took me back to a place I haven’t been in years.“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” (2Thess 3:3) Many years ago, I sat surrounded by family and church friends at my parents home. They had come there to try to comfort me… toContinue reading “his words took me back…”
What we need right now
Love. Consolation. Hope. Grace. Comfort. Yes, I’ll have a heaping helping of each. Right now. Especially now. And this is just what our Father gives His children. His well never runs dry. Paul penned words of this blessing to the believers being persecuted in Thessalonica. “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our GodContinue reading “What we need right now”
How do we stand fast when the world is going CRAZY?
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” (2 Thess 2:15) One of my favorite preachers, Doug Sager, who is with Jesus now, used to say “When you are reading the Bible and see “therefore” ask what it’s there for.” I can still hear hisContinue reading “How do we stand fast when the world is going CRAZY?”
Two things will happen before the Return of Christ
As we read 2 Thessalonians 2, let’s remember what prompted Paul’s second letter. The Apostle Paul has been told the Thessalonian believers were afraid they were in the tribulation period and had missed the Second Coming of Christ (1 Thess 4:17, when all Christians will meet the Lord in the air). Paul writes this secondContinue reading “Two things will happen before the Return of Christ”
Why are we still here?
Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t immediately take us to Heaven after we are saved? Well, I have. …(not so much on fun days like this one in the picture with my Ben, but on the harder days… I sure have). But, this I know and believe, God has good reason for everything HeContinue reading “Why are we still here?”
Another Letter
After his first letter to the young church at Thessalonica, Paul realized he needed to clarify some false ideas about the Second Coming. He picks up his pen and begins by reaffirming his deep love for the believers there. He recognizes their love for each other, their strong faith despite persecution, and encourages them thatContinue reading “Another Letter”
While we wait…
I love chapter five of First Thessalonians, so much, that I could spend the next year here! Its one of those passages that could be read every day for hope and instruction. It resets our perspective and priorities. It helps us know how to live and encourages us to remember Who has us. Will youContinue reading “While we wait…”
Look up!
Paul, knew that young, persecuted church at Thessalonica longed for the Messiah’s return; but he also knew them well enough to know they were concerned about those believers who had already died. He picks up his pen and continues to write, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who areContinue reading “Look up!”
The Quiet Life
Live a quiet life? Well, how fun is that? Paul encourages believers to love others, more and more, and then he tells them to live a quiet life (1Thess 4:11). The truth is, many of us are addicted to excitement and praise. We prefer the big events, the roar of the crowd, the fireworks, theContinue reading “The Quiet Life”
Want to start a commune?
He’s talked about sex, and he is about to talk about the end times, but sandwiched between those areas, Paul gives instruction not to be missed. Paul urges the believers to live a life that is characterized by an increasing love for others, a steady, quiet calm, and hard work. (I Thess 4:9-12). There isContinue reading “Want to start a commune?”
Done!
I wonder if he stared out the window, waiting for his young friend to return with news. Paul was hoping, with all his heart, that Timothy would bring a good report of the young Thessalonian church. How he longed to know their faith in Christ was not shaken by the afflictions they were enduring. (Continue reading “Done!”
Greatest Delight 💕
I’m not sure, if much else delights my soul more than to watch my children make the choice to stand with God during their hard days. I’m reminded of that today as I read First Thessalonians 2:19-3:8. Nothing seemed to excite the Apostle Paul more than to see believers, he had helped bring to theContinue reading “Greatest Delight 💕”
Sometimes it seems Satan is winning…
Sometimes, it seems Satan is winning. We’d be dishonest if we didn’t admit, that when we see his “victories”, we can get down. But hold on! Our God is greater and He is perfect in taking what the enemy intends for evil and bringing good from it. I’m reminded of this this morning. In hisContinue reading “Sometimes it seems Satan is winning…”
Expect this…
It’s not an easy pill to swallow, but I find comfort knowing God told me to expect it. It’s something Jesus, in His teaching, never hid from us (Matt 5:10-11), Peter told us not to be surprised by it (1 Peter 4:12) and Paul doesn’t leave it out in his letter to the Thessalonians either.Continue reading “Expect this…”
Sweet Peace comes from this…
The preacher rejoiced because those new converts had received the Word of God, as so much more than the word of men, but as truth. “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word ofContinue reading “Sweet Peace comes from this…”
Have you ever been falsely accused?
Have you ever been falsely accused? It stings. Honestly, it’s one of the most frustrating things I’ve encountered. The Apostle Paul knew what this felt like. He had been accused of impure motives regarding the the young Thessalonian church; but, in truth, those people were dear to him and he wanted them to know it.Continue reading “Have you ever been falsely accused?”
Kim Jaggers Ministry 