“in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:12)

            To embrace wickedness is to say by our choices that we do not believe the truth of God’s Word.  If we accept what the Scriptures say about sin, then wickedness’ temporary pleasures are swallowed up in the horrifying truths of their long-term consequences.  Truth unmasks sin for what it is and leaves the believer panged by their past sins and eternally grateful for the opportunity to be washed of them.  To return to sin requires a self-delusion and forgetfulness of what sin does and how evil it is.

            The truth reveals both righteousness and sin.  To love truth is to hate sin.  We must all ask ourselves: what sins must I learn to hate more?

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“… when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed…” (2 Thessalonians 1:10)

            When Jesus returns, you know what all the Christians will be doing?  We will be marveling at Him, full of joy and wonder and awe as our Savior comes to get us.

What will Jesus be doing when He returns?  He will be glorying in us.  He will revel in those He has saved as He finds joy in our presence.  The King will enjoy the company of His citizens, and the citizens will marvel at their King.

It will be the best day ever.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…in everything give thanks, for this is the God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

            Today, look for a way to be thankful for something you would normally complain about.  It is God’s will for us to learn to give thanks in seemingly thankless circumstances.  The apostles thanked God for the right to be counted worthy of suffering shame (see Acts 5:41).  Jesus gave thanks that not everyone understood or accepted the gospel (see Matthew 11:25)… and He even gave thanks for the chance to eat the Passover with His apostles even though one of them was about to betray Him and the rest scatter as He suffered (see Luke 22:15).

            Gratitude during trial is a Christ-like skill.  Use today to hone it.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-28

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

            Today, I encourage you to do what Paul said.  Find someone who is laboring diligently to do Jesus’ work and tell them how much you appreciate what they do.  Gratitude is always in style.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:8-16

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief, for you are all sons of light and sons of day.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5)

            Theft is predominantly done at night.  Thieves take advantage of the shadows and the darkness to better conceal their timing and intentions.  One of the first things that a city will do to reduce burglaries is to install streetlights.  By illuminating roads and homes, the element of surprise is removed.

            The return of Jesus is coming.  The day and the hour are unknown to us, but when we live a life of faith, we turn the lights on and are protected from the judgment aspect of His return.  A righteous life is like turning the porch light on – Jesus may come at any hour of the night, but He comes as a friend, and we are prepared for His arrival.  If we follow Him every day, we need not be worried about what day He comes back.  An everyday servant of Christ isn’t concerned about a surprise inspection.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-7

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14)

What a beautiful picture of the death of a Christian.  Paul describes the death of a child of God as falling asleep in Jesus.  It conjures up a picture of a child falling asleep in the arms of a parent or feeling so safe and protected by the presence of your spouse that you gently nod off.  To die as a Christian is to go softly and calmly into that next phase of life that is unknown to us (but with such peace because we know Who is there).  We fall asleep and wake up in the arms of Jesus.  We are safe.

What beautiful confidence and comfort this verse offers.

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-18

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you.” (1 Thessalonians 4:6)

            The city of Thessalonica was steeped in a heritage of sexual immorality.  It was an accepted practice in their daily lives and even their religious rites… much like our culture today.  Marriages began, they ended, and second, third, fourth, and fifth marriages became a common sight… if marriage was pursued at all.  Like today, sexual behavior was unregulated and pursued as if there were no ethical questions involved.

            Yet, the pain caused by sexual sins is deep.  Marriages are destroyed by it, homes broken up, women (and men) are objectified, souls are upset, and minds are turned toward the flesh instead of walking by the Spirit.  In a world where sexual deviancy leads to human trafficking, abuse, violence, and a host of other evils – who can right these wrongs?

            The Lord is avenger in these things.  Beware the “victimless” sin of fornication.  There is no such thing.  God sees.  And for those who have been defrauded and damaged by the sexual sins of others… take comfort.  God sees.

Matthew 4:4 #Bible Bites

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…for now, we really live if you stand firm in the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 3:8)

It is hard to read these words and not see the connection Paul had with those he taught.  Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians practically drips with his affection and earnest concern for the people of Thessalonica.  He speaks of barely being able to endure waiting to hear of their well-being (3:1), of giving thanks for them always in his prayers (1:2), and rejoicing that they had turned to God from idols (1:9). Would it surprise you that Paul had known these people for little more than a month?  Read Acts 18, and you will see that Paul was driven out of Thessalonica very quickly.

Paul’s affection for them wasn’t created by quantity of time but by the quality of his heart and the shared connection they had through Jesus.  When Christians meet, they are instantly family – the common bond of the Savior can knit strong bonds quite quickly.  What a gift!  God is very good to His people.  There is much to rejoice over in the family He has sanctified through His Son.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13b)

            If God were to cry down from the heavens with lightning and the voice of thunder, I suspect most would listen and obey.  We respond quickly to overt power and flaunting strength.  Yet, the words of the Scripture are no less the words of God than ones spoken from a quaking mountaintop or boomed from the heavens.

            To read the Bible is to hear the words of God spoken directly to you.  These are not good words; they are ultimate words.  The Bible is authority engraved in text.  Listen accordingly.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites 

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:10-20

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.” (1 Thessalonians 2:2)

            One of the easiest ways to identify someone’s level of conviction is to see how well it holds up under opposition.  If the first mild obstacle leads to quitting, you know it was a preference, not a conviction.  Paul suffered in Philippi – his reaction – preach amid opposition in Thessalonica.  Paul is a Timex Christian.  He takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’.  (If you aren’t old enough to get the reference, then you are young enough to Google it.)

            Your faith has become a conviction when the difficult days bother you, but they don’t stop you.  Just because it is hard doesn’t mean you are doing it wrong.  It might just mean you are doing something right, and the devil took notice.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision