Background In 1 Thess 4:1-13 – 5:11, Paul provides instruction and encouragement about the second coming of Jesus. His instruction and encouragement result from Timothy's report of the Thessalonians. They asked about those who die before the Lord's coming. Paul answers this question very simply, by stating that those in Christ who died will be... Read More
In 1 Thess 4:13 – 5:11, Paul responds to the Thessalonians' inquiry about the Lord's coming. Paul reveals a distinct contrast between those who believe and those who do not. For those who belong to Christ, Paul declares that they possess salvation through Christ. He identifies salvation as involving faith in the death and resurrection of Christ.... Read More
1 Thess 4:1-13 – 5:11 resides in the macro-context of the Lord's coming. Paul provides instruction and encouragement about the second coming of Jesus in this macro-context. His instruction and encouragement result from Timothy's report of the Thessalonians. They made an inquiry about what happens to those who die before the Lord's coming. Paul... Read More
- God is Love: Nuts & Bolts Pt II
I wanted to know and allow others to know that there is no fear in God’s love and judgment. His love is perfect and complete. However, in His perfect love, God prompts us to respond to make it complete.
- God is Love: Nuts & Bolts Pt I
Background In 1 John, John calls the believers back to a fundamental understanding that God is love. He reveals that God is love later in the book. The first issue that he addresses deals with a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief. The opposing ideology known as Gnosticism split the believers into two. In 1 John 2:18 – 23, John reveals that antichrist who denied Christ lived among them. These individuals eventually left the church community, but their false teachings continued to infiltrate the church. 1 John 4:1 – 3 …
- God is Love Pt III
When I started this study, I aimed to prove that God’ love remains complete and that His believers reside in His love. I wanted to demonstrate that when believers are imperfect, God perfectly loves them. This understanding is true. God loved us first, so much so that He sent His Son as our sacrifice. In this sacrificial love, God tells us that we do not need to fear the Day of Judgement. Fearing Judgment Day means that we have not embraced the salvation that He has provided. At this point, I wanted the study to be complete. I wanted to …
