November 14. Reading 318. Effective Ministry 1 Thessalonians 1-3 “We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had becomeRead More …

1 Thessalonians Introduction The young church at Thessalonica suffered immediate persecution, and Paul was driven from the city (Acts 17:1-9). This early letter, written about a.d. 50, was intended to encourage and further instruct very new believers. This and a second letter pick up themes found in all Paul’s letters,Read More …

November 13. Reading 317. Christ In The Life Colossians 3-4 “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col. 3:12). It’s easy to recognize Christ in another person’s life—and even easier to recognize Him in your own. Background Review and preview.Read More …

November 12. Reading 316. Life In Christ Colossians 2 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Col. 2:6-7). Understand life in Christ and weRead More …

November 11. Reading 315. Christ Supreme Colossians 1 “He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy” (Col. 1:18). Without Christ, Christianity is nothing. Background The Colossian heresy. Features of the heresy that was corrupting the church at ColosseRead More …

Colossians Introduction Colossians is one of four letters Paul wrote from prison in Rome, about a.d. 61. This letter has a sharp focus: Paul wrote to combat a peculiar heresy that seemed to blend occult superstition with a “hollow and deceptive philosophy” (2:8). The effect of the heresy was toRead More …

November 10. Reading 314. Content With Christ Philippians 4 “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Phil. 4:11). When you have it all, more means little. Overview Paul exhorted his friends (4:1-9), put their gift to him in unique perspective (vv. 10-20), and added final greetings (vv. 21-23).Read More …

November 9. Reading 313. To Know Christ Philippians 3 “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil. 3:8). Power for living as well as salvation is to be found in Christ alone. Overview Paul had abandoned confidence in his own worksRead More …

November 8. Reading 312. Humility Incarnate Philippians 2 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing” (Phil. 2:5-7). The way to be exalted is still, be humble.Read More …

November 7. Reading 311. Paul In Chains Philippians 1 “What has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel” (Phil. 1:12). In Christ, even bad news can be good news in disguise. Background The church in Philippi. Paul founded the church in the Roman colony city of PhilippiRead More …