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First Thessalonians 5 Part 4 Resist Seeking Revenge On Your Enemies

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A note about the archive index containing all Bible lessons posted on this blog since its inception in 2019.   An index for  all lessons  posted from 2019 through 2021, was published on  September 7, 2022. An index for all lessons posted in 2022, was published  J anuary 24, 2023. An index for all lessons posted in 2023 was posted on  February 28, 2024.  Each index lists lesson titles and the date each one was posted, so that you can study subjects that we have written about. As this letter draws to a close, Paul shares some final guidance about Christian living. Never mistreat anyone. Pursue that which is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.  Paul is exhorting us to live a principled life marked by Christian virtue in our responses to other people.  In particular, the apostle is focused on how we respond toward our enemies and those who hate us because we are believers in
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First Thessalonians 5 Part 3 Spiritual Disciplines and Spiritual Warfare

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Christian soldiers must maintain spiritual discipline.  1 Thessalonians 5:14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.   The phrase "warn them that are unruly" is a military term. It refers to Roman soldiers who break ranks rather than maintaining strict discipline during the battle. Soldiers must follow orders and obey the chain of command. A soldier must maintain fighting discipline even when those around them are wounded.  When soldiers fall out of rank, chaos and confusion ensue and battle effectiveness is diminished.  Comforting the feeble minded is the idea of helping the faint-hearted. It is encouraging those who are discouraged in battle because our enemies, the flesh, the devil and the world, are so strong.   We have victory in Jesus Christ and stand fast in His love.  Romans 8:35-37  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or
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The Ministry Of The Spirit Of God With The Word Of God In Our Hearts Part 6

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Below you will find the link to our Church's YouTube channel. Pastor Alvis asked me to teach the adult Sunday school class last year. This lesson focuses upon the progressive revelation of God in the scriptures. We begin by remembering how good it is for us to drink in the pure spiritual water of scripture. Then, we look at the principle of progressive revelation, defined as line upon line, hear a little and there a little. Finally, we trace the scarlet thread of redemption from Genesis through Exodus. This thread can be followed all the way from Genesis to Revelation.   I hope this livestream will bless all who can view it. Bob
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First Thessalonians 5 Part 2 Pastoral Care Is Part Of Serving God

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In Paul's Spirit guided letter to the church at Thessalonica, he gives some very practical ways of living according to the gospel of Christ. These instructions come in rapid succession because they are brief but full of instruction. How God wants us to treat our faithful pastors. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;  13)  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.  Paul addresses how Christians should interact with leaders in the church such as pastors, teachers or evangelists.  His guidance is very appropriate for modern times and how pastors are treated.  Remember, we live in a time when church attendance is the lowest it has been in our history.  We live in a time when many pastors are pressured to grow their church.  We live in a time when many pastors struggle on how to preach the gospel to congregants who often do not
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First Thessalonians 5 Part 1 Addressing Both Aspects of Jesus' Return

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Paul continues his train of thought, as guided by the Holy Spirit. He taught us a right view of death and instructed us about the return of Christ. Paul expands on the second coming of Jesus Christ which shall occur in two distinct phases: the rapture of the Church and the Day of the LORD judgment. Confusion and chaos can enter into the church when the distinct aspects of Christ's second coming are ignored. Paul's instruction on the day of the LORD.  1 Thessalonians 5:1  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  Jesus taught about the times and the seasons during his return. He was speaking about what cultural conditions would be like when He returns.  However, during Jesus' earthly ministry, He addressed it primarily in terms of the kingdom of God and how this related to the Jewish people. When Christ establishes His kingdom, it is the Father's decision.  Acts 1:6-7  When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, sa
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First Thessalonians 4 Part 5 Rapture And Resurrection Of Life!

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We are comforted knowing we have resurrection hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  Paul comforts us by instructing us about a right view of death.  We should view the death as a portal into the heavenly kingdom of God. When a Christian dies, Paul describes them  as falling asleep. Yes, we may fear the manner in which we die (heart attack, stroke, cancer and so on) but we need not fear death. Our Lord Jesus Christ overpowered sin, death, Hell, the Devil and the grave by His resurrection.  Each saint who dies is precious in the sight of the Lord. Our loving Father takes note when one of the sheep of His pasture dies.  He cares for each one of us and loves us greatly.  Our Father demonstrated this by allowing His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place to pay for our sins. Jesus endured the wrath of God that should have been poured out on us. Paul was stone
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1 Thessalonians 4 Part 4 A Christian View Of Death

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At this point, the apostle Paul is going to give one of the most detailed instruction about the second coming of Jesus Christ. A right view of death for the Christian 1 Thessalonians 4:13  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  Paul describes the proper Christian attitude about death. It is one of hope and great anticipation, as we shall see. Paul heard that some Thessalonians had prolonged grief over their dead like the heathen, who had no hope of the resurrection of life. Believers were puzzled concerning the doctrine of the resurrection. Some of Christians at Thessalonica certainly posed the question "What happens to a Christian when he or she dies?" Paul answers this question by teaching about the second coming of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the dead. His first goal is to dispel any ignorance that the Thessalonians may have in their minds, since most of them were
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