Tag Archives: Bible study

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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A Final Thought

Posted on July 17, 2020 by Don Merritt

When I was a boy, I read a book about the life of Jesus, and it really got my attention. As I thought about it, and as I thought about this Jesus guy, I really had no problem believing that … Continue reading →

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“Do You Love Me?”

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Don Merritt

John 21 Chapter 20 is John’s record of events concerning the risen Christ in Jerusalem; chapter 21 is John’s story from Galilee.  Why the disciples had traveled there isn’t given, but it makes sense that they wouldn’t be staying on … Continue reading →

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Jesus With the Disciples

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Don Merritt

John 20:21-31 We pick up our story now when Jesus was with His disciples on the evening of the day when He rose from the tomb. Upon seeing Him, the disciples were thrill, however… This is no social call; Jesus … Continue reading →

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The Tomb is Empty!

Posted on July 14, 2020 by Don Merritt

John 20:1-20 Last time, our lesson closed when Pilate finally sent Jesus away to be crucified.  Now we pick up the story after the crucifixion has been completed, on the first day of the new week with Mary Magdalene who … Continue reading →

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The Verdict

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Don Merritt

John 19:1-16 These verses comprise one of the most amazing narratives in all of world literature.  They tell a terrible story of betrayal, hypocrisy, and weakness, evil and hate, yet through this quagmire of politics, dishonesty and intrigue God’s great … Continue reading →

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On Trial

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Don Merritt

John 18:28-40 Our story has progressed from where we left off last time.  Jesus and the disciples left the upper room and went to the garden where Jesus was arrested while at prayer.  His response to their demand for Him … Continue reading →

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Jesus Prays

Posted on July 11, 2020 by Don Merritt

John 17 This is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in the entire New Testament.  Jesus is clearly one who prays a great deal, and we can gain a great deal of insight into prayer in this chapter.  For the … Continue reading →

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