Scripture: 1 Timothy, We begin our journey through 1st Timothy with Paul reminding us that he is an apostle sent by God. He is given the utmost authority with these words, as he warns us all to beware of those who would teach any different doctrine. While some may contend that the early church was a loosely knit organization, Paul is laying out a clear model of what is to be taught, and how the bishops are to rule in the various stations of life. There are those who would crave "celebrity" desiring to be teachers of the law, and yet not understanding what they are saying. This is dangerous for all believers. Our charge continues to "have love that issues from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith."

Scripture: Luke 15:11-16:9

Scripture: Luke, Lutheran Bible Study

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:5-3:18, Don't think the Day of the Lord has come, even though some false teachers have told you so. Rebellion and the man of lawlessness must be revealed and he must take a seat in the Church. The man of lawlessness departs from or subverts from righteousness (i.e. Christ). This is an office with origin in Satan. Christians are being deceived and don't even know it. Christians are to stand firm through God's grace with prayer, repentance and not being idle.

Scripture: Luke 14:1-33

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:20, Paul has only positive things to say about the Thessalonian church.They turned to God from idols and are waiting on Jesus to return from heaven to deliver us from the wrath to come. Jesus conquers death and delivers us from death. We need to remember this. Today is the day of salvation. There is an urgency. God has provided you a way to escape through His Son. We are all answerable to God. God tests us in a way that we will get stronger -- producing character, endurance and hope.Paul exhorted them to walk in a manner worthy of God.

Scripture: Luke 13:20-35 Luke 14:1-6 John 10:9, Jesus answers the question they ask: "Will the number of those saved be few?" In a surprising way, He redirects back to the questioner saying to them: "You strive to enter through the narrow door". Jesus is the narrow door and will not give them a way to judge the Almighty God. Jesus expresses sorrow for Jerusalem and heals a man with dropsy on the Sabbath.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5:11, Paul communicates his joy in learning that the Thessalonians are well-grounded in their faith and love toward others. He urges them to walk and please God more and more, as their sanctification is the will of God. They are to aspire to live quietly, to mind their own affairs and to work with their hand as they increase in abounding love for one another. Also included is a discussion on the coming of the Lord, the meaning of the Rapture and the Day of the Lord. They are to encourage one another and build one another with these truths.

Scripture: Luke 12:49-13:21, Jesus explains that the baptism He gives, and will go through, will not cause peace -- it will cause division. His death on the cross will result in fire poured out on Him (i.e. the wrath of God) and is a baptism "by fire" done for believers. In these days, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness and judgment. It is as if we are living in the days of Noah. Judgement is coming for sure and the only safe place on the Last Day will be the "fire break" (burned out area) in the shadow of the Cross. God saves those who seek refuge in His Son. The Lord's Supper is the cross of Jesus made present while we wait for Jesus to return on the Last Day. This is just one of the teachings in this lesson.