Category Archives: Bible

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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Paul’s Love for the Thessalonians

Posted on March 4, 2021 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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How We Know He Loves Us

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Don Merritt

We know that God loves us; yes, that’s right- He loves all of us, and that includes you. I realize that there are times in life when we might question whether or not He even knows we exist; I’ve had … Continue reading →

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Reminders of Paul’s Visit

Posted on March 3, 2021 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 March 2, 2021 by Don Merritt

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 in Thessalonica … Continue reading →

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Paul Writes to Thessalonica

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Don Merritt

The letters that Paul wrote to that church are much discussed today, if for all of the wrong reasons. His first letter, written about 50 – 51 AD is very likely Paul’s first pastoral letter. This was done during the … Continue reading →

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Sunday Sermon Notes: February 28, 2021

Posted on February 28, 2021 by Don Merritt

Title: This is Love Text:  John 4:7-12 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. … Continue reading →

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Walking in the morning stillness

Posted on February 27, 2021 by Don Merritt

I have always enjoyed going for a walk, especially early in the morning when the air is still and the land is relatively quiet and calm. Now that I finally live in the country, this is even more true for … Continue reading →

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Jesus Gives an Answer That Changes Everything

Posted on February 26, 2021 by Don Merritt

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the … Continue reading →

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