Carefully Think Read the entire letter of 1 Thessalonians for context. It is only 5 chapters, try to read it in one setting. Do chapters 4 and 5 remind you of anything else we have been recently studying? How has the emphasis directed us to live? Expectantly and Faithfully? The sermon text is 1 Thessalonians 5:14. What part of the letter is this found in? Does that le...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Matthew 25:31-46. Read Matthew 24:36-25:46. What is the unity between Jesus' explanation of the timing of his return and the two parables in verses 24:36-25:30 and the sheep and the goats in 25:31-46? When Jesus does come what does He say His primary role will be? How does he explain this? Why does Jesus use the example of the sheep and goats? W...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Matthew 24:3625:30 Think back on Pastor Bret's sermon from last week focusing on Matthew 24:3651. Find the two descriptions Jesus gave about how we are to live in light of his return: we are to live expectantly (3644), and we are to live faithfully (4550). The two parables in our passage this week (25:130) are examples that illustrate thos...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Matthew 24:36-51 Re-read the first part of Matthew 24 for context. What do you think of the end times date setting movement in light of verse 36? Prayerfully Meditate As we consider verses 44-46, what can we do to be ready? Consider your expectation of the Lord's return. Is your expectation that His return could be imminent, and how do you ...
Keep ReadingThis is the third article in a three part series. If you have not read the first two posts, it is highly recommended you read the first and second part before the final. Let's get real practical while God is closing the gap between Bible World and Everyday Land in your life. When Christians choose to use the wrong weapons to fight these spiritual issues, they sometimes b...
Keep ReadingCarefully Think Read Matt 24:29-35 Re-read Matt 24 for context and for perspective continue through chapter 25 to finish "all these sayings" (26:1) "This generation will not pass away until all these things take place" (24:34 ESV). See Matt 12:45; 16:4; 17:17; 23:36 for Matthew's other uses of generation and consider what he means when he uses the term. Prayerfully...
Keep ReadingThis is the second article in a three part series. If you have not read the first part you can do here. Did you ever wonder why so many Born-again Christians suffer from habitual anxiety, debilitating depression and destructive anger, not to mention all sorts of other non-organic "mental disorders?" In many cases, genuine and loving believers have bought into a worldly or...
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