(REFLECTIONS ON 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17) Why do Paul, Silas, and Timothy encourage the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold to the traditions which they were taught? It is because there were forces at work that tried to turn the focus of their faith away from God, and replacing it with something other than God Himself. At […]
(REFLECTIONS ON 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12) Why does Paul, Silas, and Timothy give thanks to God for the Thessalonian believers? It is because despite persecution and afflictions for their faith, they endure, persevere, and remain faithful. Their faith is greatly enlarged, rather than diminishing, and their love grows ever greater, rather than decreasing in conflict. This is […]
(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28) In the Old Testament, the prophets preached the word of God to Israel. They did not speak their own words, mixed with their own desires and motives, but it was their duty to be a vessel for God’s word to His people. However, there were prophets that didn’t speak God’s word, […]
(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18) 1 Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. A life of faith is not just about knowledge of […]
(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13) The Thessalonian church was established by a team led by Paul, Silas, and Timothy. This was a group effort that was established in fellowship. It was a team, albeit made up of individuals, and that is what makes today’s Scripture so interesting to read. In today’s Scripture 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 we […]
(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20) For Paul and his colleagues, the gospel they preached was not their own, but it was the gospel of God. It was not preached because it would bring about health and wealth, but amid much opposition. In fact, they did not just preach the gospel of God, but they also gave […]
(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10) As Paul writes to the church that he, Silas, and Timothy established (Ref. Acts 17), it is a message of encouragement and thanksgiving for their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope. Yes, the church in Thessalonica was established by Paul, Silas, and Timothy, but not in them […]
(REFLECTIONS ON John 21:1-25) As we reach the last chapter of the Gospel of John, it is an ending, but also a new beginning. Jesus said to Peter after He restored him for denying Jesus, “Follow Me!” Just as Jesus called the disciples at the beginning of His ministry, “Follow Me!“, when it is all said […]
(REFLECTIONS ON John 20:24-31) Earlier, Mary encountered the resurrected Christ and came announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord.” When it was evening on that day, while the disciples were hiding for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Jesus showed them […]
(REFLECTIONS ON John 20:1-23) In today’s Scripture, we see an interesting progression from the missing body of Jesus to the knowledge that Jesus is alive. When Mary first came to the tomb, she and those with her saw that the stone had already been taken away from the tomb. Her assumption without looking in to investigate […]