For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I raised you up, that I might show My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Truth to Learn God chooses to do what He does to bring glory to Himself. Behind...
New Blog Section – Chicken Scratchings
We have recently added a new blog section. It's called Chicken Scratchings (click on "Chicken Scratchings" on the top menu). That's seems like a crazy title, doesn't it. Well, we learn a lot about God from these girls. These are weekly posts by my wife, Conie, a retired High School English...
Ministry Starting-up Again
About a year and a half ago I got very discouraged when Thomas Nelson Publishing refused to give me rights to use the NKJV translation for the e-book I was planning to release for the Book of James daily verse studies. During that time I have been doing a lot...
Please pray with me for this ministry!
Please join me in prayer and fasting As you may have noticed, this ministry has been inactive for a number of months now. The reason for this hiatus is deeply personal and, I must confess, perhaps even selfish. Over the past week I have sensed that God is about to do...
2 Thessalonians 3:18 – Our Master’s Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Truth to Learn Jesus Christ is our gracious Lord and Master. He owns us. Behind the Words “Grace” is translated from the Greek noun charis, which is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, we see that...
2 Thessalonians 3:17 – Read Your Bible
The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write. Truth to Learn We must read the Bible to learn God’s message to us. Behind the Words Aspasmos is the Greek word translated as “salutation.” It is based on aspodzomai, which means...
2 Thessalonians 3:16 – No Worries, Mate
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. Truth to Learn There is no cause for worry when the Lord of peace is our God. Behind the Words “Lord” is from the Greek noun kurios, which is based...
2 Thessalonians 3:15 – Loving Restoration, Not Punishment
Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Truth to Learn Church discipline should be done as an act of love, with the objective being restoration and growth, not punishment. Behind the Words The word “count” is translated from the Greek verb hēgeomai, which...
2 Thessalonians 3:14 – Breaking Fellowship
And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Truth to Learn We are not to fellowship with other Christians who are rebellious and disobedient. Behind the Words “Obey” is translated from the...
2 Thessalonians 3:13 – Don’t Get Discouraged
But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. Truth to Learn Work hard for God and don’t get discouraged. Behind the Words Adelphos is the word translated “brother.” It literally refers to someone from the same womb, hence, “a brother or sister.” It is used throughout...
2 Thessalonians 3:12 – Share the Load
Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. Truth to Learn Everyone in the church needs to carry his or her own weight. Behind the Words The words “who are such” come from the...
2 Thessalonians 3:11 – Another Fine Line
For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Truth to Learn There is a difference between taking care of the needs of others and becoming a know-it-all busybody. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “we...
2 Thessalonians 3:10 – A Fine Line
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. Truth to Learn There is a difference between showing love and enabling the laziness of others. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “we commanded” is parangellō, which is made up...
2 Thessalonians 3:9 – Christ-like Selflessness
not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. Truth to Learn Our love for others is shown in what we sacrifice for them. Behind the Words “Authority” is translated from the Greek noun exousia, which is derived from the...
2 Thessalonians 3:8 – A Servant Above Reproach
nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, Truth to Learn The Apostle Paul behaved above reproach in his ministry. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “free of...
2 Thessalonians 3:7 – Walk, or Just Talk?
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; Truth to Learn The most effective proclaimer of the Gospel truth is someone who lives the kind of life he preaches about. Behind the Words The word translated “know” is eidō, which means...
2 Thessalonians 3:6 – Judgment With Love
But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. Truth to Learn There are times when Christians are supposed to judge others. Behind the Words The...
2 Thessalonians 3:5 – Our Heavenly Guide
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. Truth to Learn As you travel through this life, follow God’s directions. Behind the Words “Direct” is translated from the Greek verb kateuthenō. This is a compound word made up of kata,...
2 Thessalonians 3:4 – Obey Your Commander
And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Truth to Learn It’s up to Him and He is faithful. But, it’s also up to us to do our part. Behind the Words “We have confidence” is translated...
2 Thessalonians 3:3 – Walking Faith
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. Truth to Learn Walking by faith means trusting that God will establish and guard you both now and in the future. Behind the Words The word translated “faithful” is pistos, which is based on...
2 Thessalonians 3:2 – Protect The Messengers
and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. Truth to Learn Those who deliver the gospel message need God’s protection. Behind the Words “We may be delivered” is translated from the Greek verb rhuomai. This word is derived from rhuō, meaning “to...
2 Thessalonians 3:1 – Pray For God’s Glory
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, Truth to Learn Our prayers need to focus on God’s glory, not our own. Behind the Words “Finally” is translated from loipos, meaning “that which remains,” “as...
2 Thessalonians 2:17 – Comfort For Our Walk
comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. Truth to Learn Comfort is God’s doing, but walking in faith is up to you. Behind the Words “Comfort” is translated from the Greek verb parakaleō. This word has the same root as the word translated “consolation” in...
2 Thessalonians 2:16 – Eternal Comfort and Hope
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, Truth to Learn Our God promises eternal comfort and real hope for Christians. Behind the Words The word translated “himself” is autos, meaning “him,...
2 Thessalonians 2:15 – Stand Firm and Hold Fast
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. Truth to Learn We must learn truth and hold fast to what we know is true. Behind the Words “Stand fast” is from the stēkō, which is derived from the verb histēmi,...
2 Thessalonians 2:14 – Let Your Light Shine!
to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Truth to Learn In heaven we will shine with the brilliant glory of God. Behind the Words The word “called” is translated from kaleō, which means “to invite someone to come...
2 Thessalonians 2:13 – Believe the Truth
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, Truth to Learn Belief in the truth is of critical importance to everyone. Behind...
2 Thessalonians 2:12 – Truth Rejected
that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Truth to Learn Judgment is coming! We need to spread the good news now. Behind the Words The words “they … may be condemned” are translated from the Greek verb krinō, which means...
2 Thessalonians 2:11 – Hardened Hearts
And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, Truth to Learn Hardening one’s heart toward God is never a good idea. Behind the Words The expression “for this reason” is translated from the Greek words dia touto, which literally mean “through this.”...
2 Thessalonians 2:10 – Unrighteous Deception
and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Truth to Learn The world ruler during the Tribulation will be a great deceiver. Behind the Words The word “unrighteousness” is from adikia, which is made...
2 Thessalonians 2:8 – Glorious Second Coming
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. Truth to Learn Jesus will destroy the antichrist at His second coming. Behind the Words “Consume” is translated from the Greek verb anaireō....