In our study today, we will see Paul answered numerous vicious accusations by reminding the believers of both his character and theirs. And we will be reminded that - Our character either supports or undermines the gospel message.

For the Apostle Paul, there were many concerns on his heart and mind as he waited to hear the report card that Timothy was bringing him from the young church in Thessalonica. Paul had been run out of town by those who opposed the gospel and he was anxious to hear if the opposition had been successful with the fledgling believers, or if they had overcome the persecution and were remaining faithful.

The book of Acts records for us how the Good News of Jesus the Messiah spread from city to city across the world. In our study today, we will begin a series on the letters to the church in Thessalonica, but before we dive head first into 1 Thessalonians, it is important for us to look at the background and context of these incredible letters.

WHEN GOD FORGIVES A BELIEVER: He releases the believer from having to personally bear the punishment for his sins on the basis that JESUS has already suffered the punishment for all his sins. He accepts the substitutionary death (the blood sacrifice) of JESUS as the full and sufficient payment for the entirety of the believer's sin debt.

FORGIVENESS is only possible because GOD punishes all violations of His Law. WHEN GOD FORGIVES A BELIEVER: He releases the believer from having to personally bear the punishment for his sins on the basis that JESUS has already suffered the punishment for his sins.

In this world we need more, not less, forgiveness. But seeking and granting forgiveness are not well understood and poorly practiced. One Christian counselor teaches that apologizing is the world's substitute for forgiving. He points out that there is not a single reference in the Bible to apologizing. It is an unbiblical concept. It allows the wrongdoer to tell you how he feels ("I'm sorry") without acknowledging his sin and it does not ask the one sinned against to grant forgiveness.

What cancer is to the body; bitterness is to the soul. It eats us up from the inside out. Like a root, bitterness puts off poison fruit like slander, lying, malice, hatred, anxiety, and division.

Christmas Eve Service. The Christmas Story

The rebuilding of the Temple was not a cure all, however, and the nation of Israel needed to be rebuilt, for they had a serious lack of spiritual maturity and leadership. Into this void of leadership stepped Ezra. He was the Godly leader who YAHWEH would use to bring His people out of idolatry and back into obedience.

Two weeks ago, we discovered the name "Israel" means "he struggles with God". The Jews have a long history of struggling with Yahweh. But a day is coming when the name "Israel" will no longer fit. A day is coming when Yahweh will give His people a new nature and a new name.