Tag Archives: hope

Rejoice Always

Posted on April 13, 2015 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 →

Posted in Bible | Tagged 1Thessalonians, Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, love, perspective, photos | 4 Comments

A Prayer of Purpose

Posted on April 12, 2015 by Don Merritt

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged Bible, Christian, Devotional, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, love, Prayer | 7 Comments

Bonus Post: Conditions in Thessalonica

Posted on April 11, 2015 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 →

Posted in Bible | Tagged 1Thessalonians, Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, history, hope, Jesus, life, perspective | 4 Comments

More Encouragement from Paul

Posted on April 11, 2015 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 →

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

Those who Have Died

Posted on April 10, 2015 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 →

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

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 →

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

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 →

Posted in Bible | Tagged 1Thessalonians, Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, love, perspective | 4 Comments

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 →