Monthly Archives: April 2015

Turning to other matters…

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Don Merritt

1Thessalonians 4:1-12 The time has come for Paul to give instruction more explicitly and in a way we are familiar with in his other letters. Notice as we go through these verses, however, that unlike some of the other churches … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 14:29

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Don Merritt

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. I’m not really sure what I can say to enhance or explain this proverb, for it seems pretty obvious to me what Solomon is getting at, other … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged Bible, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, Jesus, life, perspective, Proverbs | 2 Comments

Paul’s Love for the Thessalonians

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Don Merritt

1Thessalonians 2:17-3:10 Paul takes this opportunity to express his love for the church, as he laments his absence; he misses them. He has wanted to return to them, but Satan has prevented it. Oh how I wish he would have … Continue reading →

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Reminders of Paul’s Visit

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Don Merritt

1Thessalonians 2:1-16 At first glance, this is an odd section; is this part of the introduction or has Paul been challenged somehow? Has someone called him a fraud since he left them? When he wrote to the Galatians and Corinthians, … Continue reading →

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Greetings and Thanksgiving

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Don Merritt

1Thessalonians 1 Paul begins the letter with the customary greeting, identifying himself along with Silas and Timothy as its source. I highly doubt that the three of them co-wrote the letter; however Silas and Timothy had actually spent more time … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged 1Thessalonians, Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, love, perspective | 2 Comments

Proverbs 14:6

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Don Merritt

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. I used to listen to the Art Bell Show on the radio; it was always interesting and fun to listen to. Mr. Bell always had interesting … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, perspective, Proverbs, wisdom | 4 Comments

Paul Writes to Thessalonica

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Don Merritt

Actually, Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica at least twice. The letters that Paul wrote to that church are much discussed today, if for all of the wrong reasons, and since I haven’t covered them here before, I thought … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged 1Thessalonians, Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, Jesus, life, love, perspective | 1 Comment

Beginning Anew

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Don Merritt

Jesus told the disciples, now Apostles, to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them, and in a short time, the Spirit did come upon them; this and its aftermath is described in Acts chapter 2. Whatever their … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged Bible, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, Jesus, life, love, perspective | 18 Comments

Endings and New Beginnings

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Don Merritt

In the beginning, Jesus called them and promised to make them fishers of men. Then Jesus went about proclaiming the Kingdom of God, healing the sick, making the lame walk, giving sight to the blind and chasing out demons. Along … Continue reading →

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In the Garden

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Don Merritt

It was a garden where the great event took place, the event that both confirmed and changed everything, for you see, that garden tomb is empty! In a sense, our rebirth took place in a garden. I can’t speak for … Continue reading →