| By Andy Moyle | 1 min 47 secs | 0 Comments
There was clearly hope that Jesus would return soon – when persecution strikes, hope for an early return of Christ always rises. We are commanded here to live in tension, as though Jesus could come back today, but as if He isn’t too! So Paul wants prayer for growth of the gospel work, so that […]
| By Andy Moyle | 1 min 8 secs | 0 Comments
There are some false teachers who give a date for Christ’s return or even believe He has already returned. Back in Paul’s day people were clearly saying such things, demons were whispering and people were writing about it. ‘Don’t be deceived’, Paul says, ‘things will get worse before Jesus comes back!’. The man of lawlessness, […]
| By Andy Moyle | 1 min 21 secs | 0 Comments
In Paul’s second letter, he again gives thanks for things that have improved since his first letter – their faith is growing abundantly and their love is increasing and steadfastness continuing in affliction. In 1 Thessalonians he thanked the Lord for their work of faith, labour of love, and steadfastness of hope. They are suffering […]
| By Andy Moyle | 3 mins 23 secs | 0 Comments
At the start of this final chapter, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that Jesus will return at some unknown time in the future. His point, following on from the beginning of chapter 4, is to make us think about how we are living now, knowing Jesus could return at any time. Paul reminds us that we […]
| By Andy Moyle | 1 min 20 secs | 0 Comments
Firstly Paul wants his readers to put into practice what they have been taught. Are you doing that? Are you practising what you have been taught, or just talking about it endlessly or criticising those who are? He wants them to work on their sanctification – they are already declared holy, just as we are, […]
| By Andy Moyle | 1 min 4 secs | 0 Comments
Paul feels torn apart from this wonderful church – he is in prison for the faith and unable to visit, and it’s tearing him up. Apostolic ministry shapes and serves churches that have been planted and is highly relational, full of love and friendship. That’s why we are not part of a denomination, but an […]
| By Andy Moyle | 2 mins 2 secs | 0 Comments
As usual Paul starts off by giving thanks for the church in Thessalonica – his prayer life, praying for the churches he cares for, is evidenced in his letters. We have found many times that he is a thankful man. In 1 Corinthians 1 he gave thanks for the very things he was about to […]
| By Andy Moyle | 2 mins 33 secs | 0 Comments
We probably all know someone who has no faith in Jesus but has some level of spiritual interest, despite all the barriers they may have to believing the gospel. I have some family members, friends and work colleagues who fall into this category. Also, when talking to the general public, I often find some […]
| By Andy Moyle | 1 min 28 secs | 0 Comments
It’s been said that we can be “so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good”. This paints a satirical picture of heavenly mindedness as spiritual aloofness, void of any practical good. Of course, even if anyone was to actually fall into this category, this is not at all the true nature of being heavenly minded. […]