Topic : 1 Thessalonians

Resource

• The Expositor, W. R. Nicoll, ed., 3rd Series, Vol. 1, 1885, pp. 81ff, “The First Love and Hope in Thessalonica,” F. Godet

The Fear of Man Bringeth a Snare

The pioneer evangelist Peter Cartwright spent 70 years in the work of the Lord and always preached the Word of God without fear or favor. One Sunday he was asked to speak at a Methodist church in the southern part of the United States. During the song just before the message, the pastor whispered to him that Andrew Jackson had just entered the sanctuary. He cautioned Cartwright to be very careful of what he said lest he offend their famous guest. The evangelist, however, knowing that “the fear of man bringeth a snare” (Prov. 29:25), was determined not to compromise the truth. He also knew that great leaders need the Lord as much as anyone, so he boldly proclaimed the gospel. In fact, halfway though his sermon he said, “I understand that Andrew Jackson is present in the congregation today. If he does not repent of his sins and accept Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, he will be just as lost as anyone else who has never asked God for His forgiveness.”

Instead of becoming angry, Jackson admired the preacher for his courage. He listened with keen interest to the message and felt such deep conviction that after the service Cartwright was able to lead him to the Lord. From that moment on, the two became the best of friends.

The fear of man should never keep us from speaking out for Christ. The gospel is a powerful message, and the indwelling Holy Spirit will impart power to our words (2 Tim. 1:7). Holy boldness is needed, and if we trust Christ, holy boldness will be given. - H.G.B.

Our Daily Bread, May 20

Resource

• The Integrity Crisis, W. Wiersbe, Nelson, 1988, pp. 50ff

Resources

• Evangelism, A Biblical Approach, M. Cocoris, Moody, 1984, pp. 121ff.
• Swindoll, You and Your Problems.

Resource

• The Strong Family, Bible Study Guide by C. Swindoll, p. 10.

Moms & Dads Responsibilities

A Mother’s Work:

• a protection system,
• a love for all to see,
• a shared life.

A Father’s Gifts:

• exhortation,
• encouragement,
• insistence

From Why Christians Sin, J. Kirk Johnston, Discovery House, 1992, pp. 59ff

Joe Theismann

Quarterback cum ESPN commentator Joe Theismann, allegedly explaining to his soon-to-be-ex second wife why he had an affair: “God wants Joe Theismann to be happy.”

Sanctity of Life, C. Swindoll, Word, 1990, pp. 62ff

Resource

• Difficult Passages in the Epistles, R. Stein, Baker, 1988, “Did Paul’s theology develop?”

Resources

• The Rapture in I Thes. 5:1-11
• Walvoord: A Tribute, Donald Campbell, ed., Moody, 1982, p. 67

Colonist Victory

During the Revolutionary War, a loyalist spy appeared at the headquarters of Hessian commander Colonel Johann Rall, carrying an urgent message. General George Washington and his Continental army had secretly crossed the Delaware River that morning and were advancing on Trenton, New Jersey where the Hessians were encamped. The spy was denied an audience with the commander and instead wrote his message on a piece of paper. A porter took the note to the Hessian colonel, but because Rall was involved in a poker game he stuffed the unread note into his pocket.

When the guards at the Hessian camp began firing their muskets in a futile attempt to stop Washington’s army, Rall was still playing cards. Without time to organize, the Hessian army was captured. The battle occurred the day after Christmas, 1776, giving the colonists a late present—their first major victory of the war.

Today in the Word, MBI, October, 1991, p. 21

Spot Bowling

Imagine what the game of bowling would be like if you couldn’t see the pins you were trying to hit. In 1933, Bill Knox did just that—and bowled a perfect game.

In Philadelphia’s Olney Alleys, Bill had a screen placed just above the foul line to obscure his view of the lane. His purpose was to demonstrate the technique of spot bowling, which involves throwing the ball at a selected floor mark on the near end of the lane. Like many bowlers, Bill knew that you can do better if you aim at a mark close to you that’s in line with the pins. He proved his point with a perfect 300 game of 12 strikes in a row.

Spot bowling illustrates part of a wise approach to life. When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians about the return of Christ, he reminded them that the ultimate goal of their salvation was to “be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (5:23). Paul taught them to focus their eyes on near actions that were in line with that goal. He urged them to comfort one another, help the weak, warn the wayward, pray without ceasing, and rejoice always. Then he added that we must do this in the power of Christ who is working in us (vv. 23-24).

Lord, help us to see what we can do today that will keep us focused on Your eternal goal for us. - M.R.D.II

Our Daily Bread, August 4, 1992

Pray as God Would Have Us Pray

British writer Samuel Chadwick had this to say: “To pray as God would have us pray is the greatest achievement on earth. Such a prayer life costs. It takes time. All praying saints have spent hours every day in prayer. In these days, there is no time to pray; but without time, and a lot of it, we shall never learn to pray.” - H.G.B.

Our Daily Bread, November 17

The Bull

The following humorous story appears in the autobiography of Clarence E. Macartney: As two men were walking through a field one day, they spotted an enraged bull. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence. The storming bull followed in hot pursuit, and it was soon apparent they wouldn’t make it. Terrified, the one shouted to the other, “Put up a prayer, John. We’re in for it!” John answered, “I can’t. I’ve never made a public prayer in my life.” “But you must!” implored his companion. “The bull is catching up to us.” “All right,” panted John, “I’ll say the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table: ‘O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.’”

This fictitious story suggests a valuable truth. No matter how severe trial, Christians should give thanks in everything. - R.W.D.

Our Daily Bread, April 30

Missing Groom

A young woman named Anne Steele had encountered one trial and disappointment after another. Being a devout Christian, she continuously sought to praise God—even in sorrow. She was engaged to be married, and had looked forward to her wedding day with eagerness. The big day finally arrived and so did the guests—but the groom was missing. After about an hour of waiting, a messenger brought the tragic news that Anne’s fiancé had drowned. The sudden shock was almost too much for her, but after a while she regained her spiritual composure.

Later Anne Steele penned the song that is still found in many hymnbooks:

“Father, whate’er of earthly bliss Thy sovereign will denies,
Accepted at Thy throne of grace, let this petition rise:
Give me a calm, a thankful heart, from every murmur free!
The blessings of Thy grace impart, and make me live to Thee.”

- H.G.B.

Our Daily Bread, April 29

Mirage

Samuel Baker tells of a regiment dying of thirst in the Arabian Desert. In the distance they thought they saw water, but their Arabian guide warned it was only a mirage. They argued, the guide was killed, and the whole regiment rushed toward the water. Mile after mile, the mirage led the thirsty troops deeper into the desert. Too late they realized the truth. They died pursuing a fantasy.

Moody Monthly, September 1984, Erwin Lutzer, p. 92

Fatal Errors in the Mind

Corrupt affections indulged in the heart and evil practices allowed in the life will greatly tend to promote fatal errors in the mind; whereas purity of heart and integrity of life will dispose men to receive the truth in love. We should therefore abstain from evil, and all appearances of evil—from sin, and that which looks like sin, leads to it and borders upon it. He who is not wary of the appearances of sin, who avoids not the temptations and approaches to sin, will not long abstain from the actual commission of sin.

Matthew Henry