So far this week, we’ve studied what Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:20, when he says, “Do not hold prophecies in contempt.” But what do we do with the fact that the person is teaching something or prophesying about something that might be incorrect doctrine or teaching? Paul addresses that important concern in what heContinue reading “Preachers are not Holy Spirit robots? – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 3”
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The place of contempt in the life of the Christian – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 2
My wife, Michelle, and I enjoy watching the late night show monologues. Often the hosts poke fun at politicians, exposing the hypocrisy, or sometimes sheer lunacy, of those politicians. Watching those monologues, I will at times say out loud that a politician is an idiot. Have you ever exclaimed something like that? Contempt is drippingContinue reading “The place of contempt in the life of the Christian – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 2”
Prophets, prophecies, and contempt – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 1
In 1 Thessalonians 5, verse 20, Paul writes, “Do not treat prophecies with contempt.” Prophecies? What prophecies? In this letter Paul has mentioned the second coming of Jesus numerous times. At the end of each chapter, in fact. There has been a fairly influential interpretation of various biblical passages that equates the idea of propheciesContinue reading “Prophets, prophecies, and contempt – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 1”
Are there prophets in your church? (Does it matter?) – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Preview
When you think of a prophet, what image comes to mind? Old Testament luminaries with cloaks, staffs, and a mane of facial hair, standing alone atop a mountain? I’m thinking of Moses, Samuel, and Elijah. Or perhaps you think of the quirky seers of visions and performers of skits like Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Isaiah? IContinue reading “Are there prophets in your church? (Does it matter?) – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Preview”
What’s at the root of the saying, “That’s just the way I am”? – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 5
Years ago someone was telling me about a conflict they were having with their boss. They had actually had conflicts with a string of bosses. They said it was always the bosses’ fault. During their conflict with their most recent boss, they said, “That’s just the way I am.” Have you ever said that? HaveContinue reading “What’s at the root of the saying, “That’s just the way I am”? – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 5″
When you get into a family argument on the way to church – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 4
Think about how your mouth has gotten you in trouble in the past. Might have been this week. Might have been this morning. The worst is when you get into a verbal argument with a family member as you are getting ready to come to a worship service. You drive to church in silence. ThenContinue reading “When you get into a family argument on the way to church – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 4”
Dashboards, emotions, and making God sad – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 3
Car dashboards have all sorts of indicators. Speed, engine temperature, lights on/off, and turn signals have been standard for decades. In the past few years, cars are coming equipped with radar. My two vehicles have radar and alarms that sound if we are drifting toward the sides of our lane, or if we need toContinue reading “Dashboards, emotions, and making God sad – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 3”
Christians can experience the firepower of the Holy Spirit – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 2
In the previous post, I talked about Christians have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. But in the passage we are studying this week, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Paul writes that we can quench the Spirit. Quench? Is that like Gatorade, “the thirst quencher”? Yes, to quench is to stop something. But the word that theContinue reading “Christians can experience the firepower of the Holy Spirit – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 2”
What Christians mean when they say God lives in their hearts – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 1
When I was a child, I learned from my parents and Sunday School teachers that Jesus wants to live in my heart. At the time, I thought nothing was odd about that. I was told to “ask Jesus into my heart.” I eagerly did so. I don’t remember when I stopped believing that or talkingContinue reading “What Christians mean when they say God lives in their hearts – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 1”
There’s a fire God does not want us to put out – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Preview
A few weeks ago, a serious forest fire devastated 2700 acres in the Michaux State Forest here in Pennsylvania. Close friends of ours have a property located very near to where the fires burned, and thankfully their property was spared. Others were not so fortunate. The news reported that the fire was started not by lightning, butContinue reading “There’s a fire God does not want us to put out – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Preview”
Engaging Scripture 