Something Greater

Resisting Fear "Did Paul cleverly deceive us"? That might have been the question that kept hounding the Thessalonians. The first chapter of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians was meant to encourage and praise their pursuit of God . But there is a hint of defensiveness in Paul's words. For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of yo...

Get Naked For God My son was a gymnast when he was younger, and I came across a word in the Bible that comes directly from the sport of gymnastics. But more than just being an interesting word, it leads to what I think is the most important thing in life, and the key to enjoying life and feeling fulfilled. Read the following verse and focus on the words “train” and “training” : Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8) “Train” and “training” are translated from a Greek word: gumnadzo. This is where we get our English word, “gymnast” and “gymnasium”. This Greek word literally means to get naked and practice . It comes from “gumnos”, which means nude . Why is this important? Think about why an athlete would strip down to practice . A dedicated, serious athlet...

For What Should We Pray? Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) For what should we pray? Health? Food? Safety? Money to pay our debts? Friends to encourage us? Understanding? Direction? We should certainly ask God for what we lack. But remember that God has required many believers to go without these important benefits. He allowed Job to lose all of these things (Job 1). God has in the past required saints to undergo times of tremendous pain and loss (Hebrews 11:36-38). But there IS one thing that God will ALWAYS provide to those who ask: His peace ! God may not choose to grant us health, food, or safety. We may lack money. Friends may disappoint and we often will lack understanding and direction despite our heartfelt prayer. Yet God will NEVER allow us to l...

Faithful Work, Loving Labor, and Hope-filled Patience Paul continually remembered the "work of faith" found in the Thessalonian Christians. Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father...(1 Thessalonians 1:3) "Work of faith" is translated from a single Greek word, "ergon", from which we get our English word, "ergonomics", the science that improves the efficiency and safety of work environments. It means business, employment, product, or act . "Faith" in the Greek means a conviction of truth, to persuade, to trust . What work qualifies as faithful? ...You became imitators of us and of the Lord...you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit..." (1 Thessalonians 1:6) ...You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead-...

Eternal Life Eternal life...paradise...heaven...life after death...nirvana... all religions describe their view of the great mystery . But what does the Bible say? Is heaven a place of reward or a state of perfection? Paul (little one), a servant (dedicated to humble service) of God, and an apostle (one sent out) of Jesus Christ, according to (in regard to) the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after (in regard to) godliness (adoration and obedience toward God) in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (Titus 1:1-2) Look at the little word, "in" . In the Greek it is a preposition meaning superimposition, over, upon, etc. It is properly translated as "on", showing that our faith and knowledge rest upon the promise of eternal life. In the same letter to Titus, Paul mentions hope , connecting the hope of eternal life with the glorious appearing of Christ. For the grace of God t...

Apostle of Jesus Christ Paul identified himself af a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ . As servant, Paul belonged to God---he was "tied" to God and committed to service and obedience. As an apostle, Paul was "set apart", sent out or commissioned by Jesus to preach. Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness...(Titus 1:1) The word, "apostle" comes directly from the Greek word, "apostolos", meaning a delegate or ambassador . It comes from two combined words meaning set apart, or sent out . The two words literally mean "set fast away" , where "fast" means secure, or unshakeable. An apostle was unshakenly commissioned to be God's ambassador. Paul was called apostle because Jesus had commanded him to preach the gospel , the good news of salvation. But hath in due times manifested his word ...

God will at times stir us to notice some little, insignificant detail of ordinary life and lead us down a path of thought that helps us to understand truth. Jesus once pointed to a flower and made his disciples notice the colorful beauty of a simple flower. He saw in that flower a reminder that God provides clothing for even a flower...how much more will He provide for us? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: (Matthew 6:29) And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Matthew 6:30) Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (Matthew 6:28) A small detail concerning the Apostle Paul can remind us of the change that God brings to the life of one who loves and trusts Him. And by "small" detail, I mean literally, "lit...

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness...(Titus 1:1) Both "according to" and "after" are translated from a Greek word that means down, in place or time . It is used to point to a related idea, similar to saying "in regard to". The Greek word for "godliness" means piety, from a word meaning well-revererent or pious . "Pious" is an old-fashioned word, often used today in a negative sense, but it originally was a very positive, sincere word. It meant a person was godly; revering and honoring the Supreme Being in heart and in practice. A pious person has veneration and affection for the character of God, and habitually obeys his commands. Piety, or godliness, combines faith with real-life actions. Paul (little one), a servant (dedicated to humble service) of God, and an apostle (one sent out) of Jesus Christ, ac...