The end of 1 Thessalonians is the practical boots on the ground portion of this brilliant letter. It gives the church both its marching orders and the plan to construct a community that lives into its given righteousness.
The church at Thessalonica is first encouraged about the good job they are doing demonstrating brotherly love. Next, they are encouraged to keep going by: living quietly, minding their own business, work with their hands, walk properly, and being dependent on no one.
Paul has to leave the new church quickly and has concerns about tough things he had said to them. Did they accept them? Reject? Were they mad at him? He sends Timothy and gets a refreshing answer to his relational doubt.
The church at Thessalonica is a model of church success. This leads to the big question: why? At the end of Chapter 2 we get the answer. It is God’s Word, Suffering, War, and the Win.
Daniel lives a life of difficulty from being ripped from his home as youth, to being thrown to the lions as an old man. It would be natural to ask, “Is this worth it?” Daniel’s book concludes with God telling him this is the end and it is brilliant.
Ezekiel is one of the most colorful prophets. His actions, words, and visions are both mysterious and marvelous. Chapter one set the tone for the entire book. It is a shock to Ezekiel and a comfort for every person that feels exiled.
For two millennia, people have questioned: Who is Jesus? Was He a prophet, teacher, sage, or the Son of God? Colossians dives deep into the nature and personhood of Jesus…