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In I Thessalonians Chapter 4 at verse 13, Paul begins this section with the word ‘Brothers’. He is writing to brothers. He is not lording it over them with his apostolic authority, but he is seeking to teach these believers in Jesus with the authority of Christ, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul has been dealing with the kind of life that is pleasing to God. He has been speaking about moral purity and living holy and upright lives and he has been pleading with these disciples to walk worthy.

Avoid impurity. Adopt brotherly love. Ambitiously…  ( Click for more )

Each should learn how to discipline and control his body. This is a lesson we have to learn and can learn. This is a lesson we have to learn – as we come to I Thessalonians Chapter 4 and verse 4.

These were immoral days and Paul is pleading with believers in Jesus Christ to be different – he wants to bring the best out of these converts to Jesus Christ.

He calls them to learn and this involves having a healthy mind and one of the results will be controlled emotions.

To have control and poise and balance, we have to work at it.

It is not –…  ( Click for more )

As we move on to I Thessalonians Chapter 4 – Paul is asking and urging or beseeching or pleading – and whenever Paul speaks like this he normally has something significantly important to say.

He had taught these believers in Jesus how to walk with God and how to live for God in that brief spell he had with those who came to faith in Jesus Christ – and now he is asking them to go further.

He wants them to walk with God – to make progress – to have movement forward towards a goal. He had instructed these disciples of Jesus how to live and walk…  ( Click for more )

We move on in I Thessalonians to Chapter 3 and verse 6 – Having read something of the concern and compassion in the heart of paul for these new disciples of Jesus, now we are reading of the consolations of the Gospel and compensations and rewards and fruit. God knows when we need encouragement – and in these days virtually everyone needs encouraging – and perhaps something deeper.

Paul had been awaiting news of these disciples in Thessalonica and when the news came the news was like the gospel message itself – it was good news.

Verse 7 –…  ( Click for more )

I Thessalonians Chapter 3 – We have seen how these disciples of Jesus in Thessalonica became Christians, through Paul’s ministry. We have seen how he had to leave them through the pressures of persecution – but he so wanted to hear and learn how they were – so he sent Timothy.

He was unable to go himself, so he did the next best thing. If we are blocked in one direction then we can move in another direction.

Paul knew how to handle frustration. We have to be prepared to face frustration, and learn how to handle a crisis.

Look at his…  ( Click for more )

So many do not realise that rejecting Jesus Christ leads to judgment.

We are in I Thessalonians Chapter 2 and verse 16 -

v.17 – Paul was prevented from nurturing that young church. We were taken from you. We so wanted to see you so that we might care for you. We had this great desire.

v.18 – Paul writes that he wanted to come to them on various occasions – but Satan hindered us. Stopped us – hindered us – it is the word for breaking up a road to render it impassable.

Satan put a road block in his path and he could not…  ( Click for more )

I Thessalonians Chapter 2 verse 10 – You know how we lived among you. So frequently Paul speaks in terms of personal testimony and refers to his example and pattern for life and belief and ministry.

You who believe in Jesus Christ know how we behaved. God honoured Paul’s words and ministry by putting His seal upon them.

He speaks about being ‘holy’ – which means being ‘set apart’ – ‘set apart’ for God for God’s use – and being fit for God’s use – the sense of being pure in His sight.…  ( Click for more )

We are in I Thessalonians Chapter 2 and verse 5 – Was Paul being accused of seeking fame and honour, and money when you read verse 9?

In Paul’s ministry, there was no flattery and no covetousness and no “what is in it for me” or “what can I get out of it”. He was never interested in the ‘kudos’ – personal glory – never. And, he was certainly not in it for the money.

Paul was totally sincere and that is what we are being taught to be through this letter.

People tried to destroy the impact of the message…  ( Click for more )

We move on to I Thessalonians Chapter 2 – “You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.” It was not for nothing that we came – it was not for nothing that all this has happened. Are there not times and occasions when we do wonder if our work and service and ministry has achieved and accomplished much?

v.1 – God owned and honoured the ministry – Paul was able to see how God had been present throughout all their efforts – and it had been tough.

v.2 – What had happened to us did not affect what we were…  ( Click for more )

In I Thessalonians Chapter 1 at verse 4 we learn that these believers in Jesus were chosen. They were part of the elect. They were marked out or cut out to be different. We could say they were ‘holy’ and set apart for God. Their calling was genuine, and that gives a deep assurance to Christians.

We are called by Jesus and carried at times by Jesus, on towards our eternal destiny. This verse raises an issue which can perplex people – the mystery of divine election.

There are two rails running through Scripture. One is the sovereignty of God…  ( Click for more )

We turn to I Thessalonians Chapter 1. This is a letter from Paul and Silas, or Silvanus, and Timothy, and it is sent to the Church, and the wording is most specific and precise.

It is some title – written from Corinth – and there is a strong suggestion that both letters were written within a week or two of each other – or a few months at the most.

We have been dealing with themes and topics recently – all biblical and biblically based – but it is good to take a letter – part of Scripture – a portion of the Word of God –…  ( Click for more )

Paul and Silas had been preaching and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ for only a fortnight – opposition was violent – and for their safety the new believing brothers sent Paul and Silas down the coast to Berea.

One would have thought they were required to remain in Thessalonica to protect and encourage and strengthen those who had newly come to faith in Jesus Christ – but not on this occasion.

Wherever Paul went there was blessing and battle – revival and uproar – faith and fury.

Acts 17 verse 10 – Paul and Silas are sent…  ( Click for more )

How did there come to be a vibrant Church of Jesus Christ in Thessalonica and what was its significance in these early days – but before we read this amazing letter to the Thessalonians – written probably around 52 to 53 AD – probably the first letter Paul wrote to the Church – we take time see how it all began.

In Acts Chapter 15 verse 36, we see something of Paul’s love for the people of God.

Chapter 15 verse 40 – Paul and Silas, go off on this missionary journey, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

Verse…  ( Click for more )

At Pentecost, the risen and living and ascended Lord Jesus Christ poured out the Holy Spirit upon one hundred and twenty disciples just as he had promised. Jesus always keeps his word. Jesus Christ always fulfils his promises.

Has Jesus Christ given you a promise that has as yet to be fulfilled? If it was given by Jesus then know that he will keep his word and fulfil his promise to you.

Jesus was giving to these waiting people hope and power and anointing as he was equipping them for service for the rest of their lives.

We read of the Holy Spirit being described…  ( Click for more )

What happened at Pentecost and how is this so highly relevant to the Church of Jesus Christ today? Why does this matter? It is much more important than many really realise.

These apostles and disciples were gathered together in one place. They were in the Temple in Jerusalem because when we read the record and account given to us by Dr Luke no one moved until the apostles arose and Peter spoke and explained the significance of what had just taken place.

They were gathered together in one place, at the one time and they were united. Someone had organised it and…  ( Click for more )

We turn to the Gospel of John and to Chapter 11 to consider God’s timing and what Jesus Christ offers in these verses – and how he wants to involve others.

There are always things we want – things we want fixed – things that have been broken and we want them repaired or restored – things we want to happen.

There are always prayers that we really want answered.

We face hurts and wounds and abandonment and betrayal.

Here in this passage – John Chapter 11 – is what happens when Jesus intervenes in a situation, which is desperate.…  ( Click for more )

I cannot imagine what it must have been like to see Jesus Christ go. These men were so different on that awesome occasion – they were able to take it in their stride.

We read the account of the Ascension in the opening section of ACTS and also in the concluding words of the Gospel of LUKE.

ACTS is the second book of a two part work by Gentile Luke. It is a history, illustrating the continuity of the work of God – presenting us with a unity of thought and purpose.

It is some six weeks after Passover - 40 days after God brought back Jesus Christ from the…  ( Click for more )

Romans 15 verse 29 – “I know that when I come to you I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.”

“See Rome and die” says the proverb.

It was the dream of Paul, the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to visit Rome before he died. He was determined not only to see it but to win it for Christ.

There was a small Christian community in Rome – holding on grimly – in a time of severe persecution, but Paul was willing to fling himself into full attack – with the love of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy…  ( Click for more )

As Jesus Christ approached Jerusalem and saw the city He wept over it. Luke Chapter 19 verse 41. There are different ways of looking at a city.

Some think of the city as the place of gateway to glamour and adventure and freedom and business and pleasure – a place to carve out your career.

To some born in the country, the city can appear like a prison with its towering buildings and noise and rushing around – and anonymity.

On this occasion, when Jesus came over the Mount of Olives what Jesus saw made Him weep.

Jesus saw the city as it really was –…  ( Click for more )

“Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come – the opening words of Ecclesiastes Chapter 12. This is a verse which has influenced my life, even when I did not know its significance - nor what was happening. This was the motto of the Boys' Brigade.

Read this Chapter.

Remember your Creator - when life might be easier - when there are not so many burdens or demands.

Remember means more than "not forget" - it means to renew our relationship - or have a relationship - with your Creator - with your God…  ( Click for more )

This message – this article - may be for only two people this week – Luke Chapter 24 verse 21 – “but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel”.

They had hoped in Christ – and it appears to have come to nothing.

He was dead. This was the most crushing of disappointments.

If even he could not be relied upon – where on earth are we to turn?

If His appearance and preaching and teaching and healing and miraculous gifts was all a mirage and a dream – then what are we to do?

These two men were…  ( Click for more )

A young boy was asked to read one of the lessons and he said – Let us turn to the Gospel according to Isaiah, to Chapter 52 reading from verse 13 and into Chapter 53. Some people cringed.

I did that a few years ago in a Holy Week Service and some people did raise their eyebrows – but did that boy not say something far truer than we realise?

This Chapter has had such an influence upon the New Testament writers – it is a most quoted passage.

The apostle used these sentences frequently.

Jesus must have used these words from Isaiah time and time…  ( Click for more )

“An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Luke Chapter 22 verse 43. In my preparations on these words of Jesus Christ on the cross, my eye rested on this verse.

On this journey through life – which at times can be most strange – there can arise a question about resources along the road.

Are we properly and fully equipped for this pilgrimage which at times is challenging and difficult – and some have it more difficult than others.

Can we be sure we will hold out to the end?

If there is an emergency – will…  ( Click for more )

We are reading Isaiah Chapter 49 – the second ‘Servant Song’ – and these are not among the best known verses in the Bible.

Isaiah is writing about the coming of Jesus Christ.

Verse 5 refers to being formed in the womb – there is not only a divine intervention but a divine intention – and God will not be thwarted.

When one considers the attempts to thwart the plans of God over the centuries, and to crush witnesses who would testify to the greatness of God – all these attempt have failed – from the pogrom in Egypt when Moses…  ( Click for more )