4.21.24 Psalm 67 Part II

The psalmist begins by invoking the blessing that Aaron and his sons were to say over the people of Israel, which is found in Numbers 6. In Numbers 6, after the blessing we read the why: so they will put God’s name on the people of Israel. God’s name, as we’ve talked about before most …

4.21.24 Psalm 67 Part I

In Acts 17, after Paul left Thessalonica, he travelled down to Berea and then to Athens. And while in Athens, he was invited to speak in the Areopagus, and I want to read his words to you to begin our time in God’s word this morning, “ So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, …

4.14.24 1 Thessalonians 5:16–28 Part III

Next Paul turns his attention to our response, not to where God has placed each of us, but to what God says to us.  First, don’t quench the Spirit. Don’t hinder what the Spirit is trying to do in you. So what is that? If we confine ourselves for the sake of time to categories …

4.14.24 1 Thessalonians 5:16–28 Part II

First, we are to rejoice always. I do not believe Paul means by this to just put on a happy face. Nor do I believe that he is annulling the lament psalms as appropriate for Christians. But all things being equal, Paul is saying that we should be glad in Christ. We should be, in …

4.14.24 1 Thessalonians 5:16–28 Part I

Good morning. We are finishing up our time in 1 Thessalonians this morning. Next week, we’ll look at Psalm 67 as sort of a transition and introduction to the book of Acts, which we will begin on the 28th.  “Where do I belong?” is a basic question of human existence. That’s because, as we said …

4.7.24 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15 Part IV

Then Paul turns his attention toward the believers relationships with one another. And there are six short commands, all of which come about because we need one another to do these things for us.  First, we are to have peace among ourselves. We are a people who are to settle disputes. We are a people …

4.7.24 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15 Part III

So how do we relate to those who are diligent and have authority and admonish us? First, the New American Standard says appreciate. This word is actually just the basic word to know. And the various versions try to capture what Paul is after. Some say appreciate, others respect, others acknowledge.  Both the English and …

4.7.24 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15 Part II

Paul gives two commands in verses 12 and 13. But I want to start with the description of the object of those commands. The people Paul talks about are described in three ways in verse 12: those who diligently labor, those who have charge over you in the Lord, and those who give you instruction. …

4.7.24 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15 Part I

I haven’t counted, but I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the majority of the commands in the Bible have to do with the fact that we are relational people. God is interested in how we relate to one another. The commands are not just things he wants us to do or not …

3.31.24 1 Corinthians 15:12–28 Part III

But the gospel message is that Christ has been raised, and thus there are three things we need to be aware of. First, the condition by which we benefit from Jesus’ resurrection is identification with Christ instead of Adam. And you might say, “Well, I don’t want to identify with Adam.” But that is where …