"…by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved….so as always to fillup the measure of their sins." 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – 16 This is a sobering text. Paul unquestionably loved the Jewish people passionately andsacrificially (just read Romans 9 – 11). But he says here that no matter what the ethnicity ofpeople who commit sin, God will deal with them in discipline. Of speci...  Read More

"For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 After pastoring churches and studying them personally for decades, I can tell you that one of the biggest dangers to a congregation is having a pastor who, when all is said and done, ...  Read More

"…but just we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts." 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4 Well, we are already into the second chapter of First Thessalonians in our weekly devotional study, and let me point out that this entire second chapter deals with the subject of a pastor’s ministry to his people. Paul begins by dis...  Read More

“For they themselves report … how you turned to God from idols to serve the Living and TrueGod, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”        1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 Ever wonder how long you have to be a Christian before you begin to get some of the biggerthings right in regard to the Christian life? Turns out, not that long...  Read More

“What’s the goal of the Christian life?” My answer is pretty simple: “Grow in your character to reflect Christ, and invite someone into your life to learn that with you.”  Read More

A mini-devotional series through the Thessalonian epistles.  Read More