Author Archives: Don Merritt

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About Don Merritt

A long time teacher and writer, Don hopes to share his varied life's experiences in a different way with a Christian perspective.

Called to a Holy Life

Posted on March 10, 2021 by Don Merritt

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through … Continue reading →

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Bonus Post: Conditions in Thessalonica

Posted on March 9, 2021 by Don Merritt

Thessalonica was located on the Macedonian coast with a large natural harbor, which would explain its founding there in 315 B.C. by Casander, a general of Alexander the Great.  In 146 B.C. the Romans made it the capital of Macedonia … Continue reading →

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Rejoice Always

Posted on March 9, 2021 by Don Merritt

1Thessalonians 5:12-28 Paul closes out this first letter to the Thessalonian church in these verses; the NIV calls this his “Final Instructions” yet somehow to me at least, that doesn’t quite describe it. It might be that in a technical … Continue reading →

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More Encouragement from Paul

Posted on March 9, 2021 by Don Merritt

1Thessalonians 5:1-11 Paul continues the discussion he began in 4:13-18 and in a sense repeats himself in slightly different words. He has been talking about what happens with those who have died, and as we saw last time, this is … Continue reading →

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Strong and Courageous

Posted on March 8, 2021 by Don Merritt

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 I needed to hear that on this Monday; how about you? … Continue reading →

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Spirit of Power

Posted on March 8, 2021 by Don Merritt
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Sunday Sermon Notes: March 7, 2021

Posted on March 7, 2021 by Don Merritt

Title: God Forgives Us, We Forgive Others Text: Matthew 18:21-35 This passage is often called “The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant” because that servant who had received mercy (forgiveness) by the Master, refused to show mercy (forgiveness) to his fellow … Continue reading →

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Those who Have Died

Posted on March 6, 2021 by Don Merritt

1Thessalonians 4:13-18 This passage (and the next for that matter) can either be simple to understand or difficult; the choice is ours to make. If you prefer simple, as I do, then all we need to do is to remember … Continue reading →

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Turning to other matters…

Posted on March 5, 2021 by Don Merritt

1Thessalonians 4:1-12 The time has come for Paul to give instruction more explicitly and more like what 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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Selfless

Posted on March 5, 2021 by Don Merritt

So, what do we have so far? In 2:1-3;10 we have Paul talking about putting the message of the gospel into the way we live our lives, and in this passage, we have Paul placing spiritual truth above physical distress … Continue reading →

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