'Given the relationship between Paul and the Thessalonian Christians, it should not surprise us that his letters to them throb with tenderness and care...here, as perhaps nowhere else in his letters, we see how the apostle loved his converts and laboured to lead them on in the faith. This should make every serious Christian, and especially every responsible Chrisitan leader, turn with eagerness to the text of the letters that await us.' From the Introduction by Andrew Young.
The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God’s Word. These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) reflection questions that help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) “Gospel Glimpses” that highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) “Whole-Bible Connections” that show how any given passage connects to the Bible’s overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) “Theological Soundings” that identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God’s grace on every page of the Bible. Over the course of 12 weeks, this study connects Paul's letters to the Thessalonians to the lives of Christians today. These epistles encourage readers by reminding them of the salvation God will bring to all those whom he has called—strengthening them to pursue lives of holiness and love as they anticipate Jesus's return.
Jesus is coming soon! Many Christians feel inadequate and worry about this event. By delving into and applying the wisdom the apostle Paul shares with the Thessalonians, they can become confident in their walk with God.
Most evangelical Christians believe that those people who are not saved before they die will be punished in hell forever. But is this what the Bible truly teaches? Do Christians need to rethink their understanding of hell? In the late twentieth century, a growing number of evangelical theologians, biblical scholars, and philosophers began to reject the traditional doctrine of eternal conscious torment in hell in favor of a minority theological perspective called conditional immortality. This view contends that the unsaved are resurrected to face divine judgment, just as Christians have always believed, but due to the fact that immortality is only given to those who are in Christ, the unsaved do not exist forever in hell. Instead, they face the punishment of the "second death"--an end to their conscious existence. This volume brings together excerpts from a variety of well-respected evangelical thinkers, including John Stott, John Wenham, and E. Earl Ellis, as they articulate the biblical, theological, and philosophical arguments for conditionalism. These readings will give thoughtful Christians strong evidence that there are indeed compelling reasons for rethinking hell.
This in-depth Bible study series now covers the entire New Testament and much of the Old Testament. With more than 3 million copies sold, the Be Series has touched people's hearts everywhere. Let Warren Wiersbe's words of wisdom touch your heart, too.
The new church at Thessalonica is under fierce attack. Opposing Jewish leaders have caused a riot and driven the church-planting team out of town. But amazingly, against all odds, the new congregation begins to grow and attract converts from the pagan population of the city. What's more, it becomes a model congregation among the fledging Christian movement in the Mediterranean region. 1 and 2 Thessalonians, written about 50 AD, are the earliest documents in the New Testament. They reveal the Apostle Paul's heart and passion as he seeks to guide this congregation towards health and balance. In 1 and 2 Thessalonians you'll learn important truths about Christ's coming -- specifically regarding the rapture and the Antichrist. Paul explains how to deal with overly-dependent members, God's grace in selecting his children, the heart and character of a disciple-maker, a high view of sexual purity, and keys to a healthy Christian congregation. This volume covers the two letters in nine lessons. Classes and small groups will find this a helpful curriculum guide to their study 1 and 2 Thessalonians with links to free participant handouts, as well as thorough preparation for the leader. Thought-provoking questions will stimulate many insightful discussions. These heavily-footnoted lessons provide most of the research that preachers and teachers will need. At the same time, these lessons will inspire and challenge the individual reader to grow as a disciple.
If Romans is, humanly speaking, the most impressive of Paul's letters, then Ephesians is probably the most elegant. In its opening doxology blessings cascade down upon the reader. In its closing verses the smell of the battlefield lies heavily in the air and through the smoke of war we see Christians, fully clad in the armour of spiritual warfare, still standing. From beginning to end Ephesians sets before us the wonder of God's grace, the privilege of belonging to the church, and the pattern of life-transformation the gospel produces. In Let's Study Ephesians Sinclair Ferguson skillfully leads us through this wonderful letter, explaining its teaching with masterful simplicity and showing its importance and relevance to the church today.
At times every Christian feels anxious or insecure about life—and about faith. The Thessalonians were no different, and Paul's letters helped them find assurance. In this ten-session LifeGuide® Bible Study on 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Donald Baker shows how Paul's answers can help you to be certain too.
