While poverty does not ensure someone is next to the Kingdom, Jesus did teach that riches were an obstacle to trusting in the Lord. The point of entry to defeating the spiritual obstacle of riches is rejecting all earthly substitutes. Those who are rich in God seek to embrace the presence of God in Christ in order that they may fight greed and experience true spiritual contentment.

Knowing how to pray and knowing what to pray for are two important and interrelated matters. Thankfully, Scripture is full of prayers which teach us about both manner and content. In this text, Paul teaches that the believer must unceasingly pray for knowledge of God's will that leads to spiritual transformation.

In the broader scheme of the -tsadhe- portion of this psalm, the opening verse sets the tone with its focus upon the righteous character of the Lord and its reflection in the word. The message of verse 137 is clear- the written revelation of God reflects the character of God. When you read God's revelation, you read about the Lord. This message examines the proper response to Scripture in view of its divine qualities.

It is said that whenever Luther became troubled in soul on account of the devastation of the plague, he would say -let's go sing Psalm 46.- The heart of the solace Luther must have savored from singing this psalm is reflected in the hymn he wrote based upon this psalm, -A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.- Here Luther wrote, -We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.- The spiritual strength Psalm 46 affords the believer is located precisely in what it promises- God is for His Church. This message explores how the knowledge of God's promise of protection forms the basis of the believer's confidence before calamity.

There is an evident alternation in Psalm 48 between Zion and Zion's God which raises the question about what is the dominant focus. Although the psalm frequently speaks of both, the final verse -v14- makes it clear that the focus is not upon the glory of Zion but the glory of Zion's God. This message explores the greatness of God for the benefit of the Church.

Separated by time and distance, Paul reports his prayer wish to the Thessalonians. At the top of that list was the desire to return in person that he might minister to them. The purpose of that ministry was the spiritual increase of the Thessalonians. Three categories of increase mark out Paul's aim for the believer- faith, love, and holiness. This message explores the connection between the role of the ministry and the spiritual increase of the believer.

Out of the deepest concern for the Thessalonians and their afflictions, Paul sent Timothy to bolster them in faith. Paul knew that in seasons of distress, Satan works overtime to discourage the believer and lead them into temptation and he desperately wanted to counteract it. To keep the church abounding in Christ, Paul charged Timothy to strengthen and encourage in faith and to instruct in the nature of afflictions. This message explores the divinely appointed ministry for the afflicted.

Though separated from the Thessalonians, Paul overflowed with concern for them. Several attempts to return had been thwarted by Satanic hindrance. To reassure the church, Paul not only expressed his deep desire to see them, he reinforced it by telling them that his pastoral aim was nothing less than their spiritual preparation to stand before Christ at the last day. This message explores the relationship between pastoral affection and ministry objectives.

In giving thanks for the Thessalonians, Paul pointed to the specific example of the powerful operation of the word in their lives. What stood out in the Thessalonian experience was suffering- they endured intense tribulation on account of Christ. Instead of turning from the savior, they powered forward in service and they did so through the word working mightily in them by faith. This message explores the theme of the power of Scripture in strengthening the believer to endure intense hardship.