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”
Tag Archives: second coming
My church building ripped my shirt (and what it taught me) – 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11, Part 1
I have attended half-day prayer retreats with Open Hands Ministries for the last six months or so. If you live in or near South-Central Pennsylvania, you might really appreciate an Open Hands prayer retreat. Each of the retreats has a different topic, and a couple months ago, the topic was The Dark Night of theContinue reading “My church building ripped my shirt (and what it taught me) – 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11, Part 1”
The bread that almost got me fired – 1 Thessalonians 5:5–11, Preview
In the nine months before October 2002, the date I began ministry at Faith Church, I worked at my denomination’s then seminary, Evangelical School of Theology, as the Director of the Annual Fund.* I had heard of the denomination, the Evangelical Congregational Church, and I had heard of the seminary, but this was the firstContinue reading “The bread that almost got me fired – 1 Thessalonians 5:5–11, Preview”
Jesus’ return might be a very bad thing for Christians – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 4
Is it possible that when Jesus shows up, it might be a very sad moment for Christians? Can’t be, right? When Jesus returns, it will be glorious celebration. Except that’s not what the Bible says. In 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verses 1–4, Paul writes, “Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do notContinue reading “Jesus’ return might be a very bad thing for Christians – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 4”
Why I no longer emphasize the rapture (something else is far more important) – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 3
What will happen to people who are still alive when Jesus returns? Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4, verse 15, “According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.” Paul is talkingContinue reading “Why I no longer emphasize the rapture (something else is far more important) – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 3”
Did Jesus return last year? – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Preview
I just googled it and found that people are predicting that Jesus will return in 2024, 2030, and 2033. Yes, I mentioned 2024. Yes, I know that was last year. Did Jesus return last year, and I missed it? Remember the hype of Y2K, or the end of the Mayan Calendar, or 2012? Remember rapture-bombing? HereContinue reading “Did Jesus return last year? – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Preview”
God’s surprising role as judge – Advent Psalm of Celebration, Part 5
At the conclusion of Psalm 98, a psalm of joyous celebration, suddenly, all the joy and praise and glory seems to stop. Notice how the psalm concludes in verse 9b, “For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.” Judge? What a different tone. WhatContinue reading “God’s surprising role as judge – Advent Psalm of Celebration, Part 5”
Why we need a second Advent – Advent 2022, Week 4, Part 5
Editor’s Note: This post is written by guest blogger, David Hundert. David is a current Master of Divinity student at Evangelical Seminary. As we conclude our observance of Advent 2022, did you know we need a second advent? The need for the second advent is twofold. First, in 2 Peter 3:8-9 we read, But doContinue reading “Why we need a second Advent – Advent 2022, Week 4, Part 5”
How to seek God in the new year – 2 Thessalonians 3, Part 4
Editor’s Note: Once again I welcome David Hundert as guest blogger this week! Thanks David, for filling in for me. In this four-part series, David concludes our Advent 2021 series, Ready for the Return, in which we studied 2 Thessalonians. How to seek God is even more evident, more important, and even more critical asContinue reading “How to seek God in the new year – 2 Thessalonians 3, Part 4”
How Advent inspires us to share the good news about Jesus – 2 Thessalonians 3, Part 1
Editor’s Note: Once again I welcome David Hundert as guest blogger this week! Thanks David, for filling in for me. In this four-part series, David concludes our Advent 2021 series, Ready for the Return, in which we studied 2 Thessalonians. Consider this irony: In 2019, if you stayed home and did nothing, you were consideredContinue reading “How Advent inspires us to share the good news about Jesus – 2 Thessalonians 3, Part 1”
Engaging Scripture 