everal verses in the 2 chapters (3 & 4) of our 1 Thessalonians reading today are very meaningful for us as we struggle with influences that can undermine our faith.  In many ways it was a better atmosphere a few generations ago (in the western world), not only because moral standards were higher, but because the churches generally, although misunderstanding some of the foundation teaching of Jesus and the Apostles, nevertheless had a measure of influence for good and right living in the world.

It is not so today, therefore even greater effort is needed by us individually – it is even more vital to read and meditate on God’s word – at some point each day.  We read how Paul was anxious about the state of the faith in the hearts of the believers in Thessalonica and is comforted “now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love …[3 v.6] adding “in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.  For now we live if you are standing fast in the Lord/” [v.7,8].

Committed believers survived then by helping each other, Paul told the Galatians, “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” [6 v.2] Back in Thessalonians we read, “may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another … that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” [[v.12,13].   The end of ch. 4 gives us more details of his dramatic return.

As the troubles being experienced in our world grow greater we will need to “establish” this attitude more and more.  Notice, Paul does not say “establish” your minds in the sense of intellectual understanding, although that is important, but “establish your hearts.”     In Ch. 4 he emphasizes this this, saying “you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another … we urge you brothers, to do this more and more …” [v.9,10] Our chapters in Nehemiah show the tremendous teamwork he inspired among those rebuilding the gates and walls of Jerusalem. Ch. 3 lists 33 individuals and groups each working on the part of the wall nearest them.  There are enemies trying to stop them, but Nehemiah says, “Do not be afraid of them.  Remember the Lord who is great and awesome …” [4 v.14]

There is a comparison here with what Paul wrote in 2nd Cor, “…we are not waging war according to the flesh. … the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We … take every thought captive to obey Christ”   [10 v.3-5] – by that means we will “establish (our) hearts blameless.”

As Paul and his companions travelled to bring the message of Christ their reception was different in each place.  We have had the same experience ourselves. What is very pleasing is that in countries in which we did not expect to have much if any success in teaching the truth about the Bible, some progress has, most remarkably been made. We think of Nepal, then of Bangladesh, then Cambodia and now there is some response to our efforts to spread the truth of God’s word in Burma, time will tell, how much.

Today we are reading Paul’s letters to the believers in Thessalonica and noted his comments in the first chapter that “they received the word in much affliction” [v.6], also how they “became an example … for not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere” [v.7,8] No wonder Paul is so enthusiastic in what he writes!

In the 2nd chapter he recalls; “we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict … we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery … nor with a pretext for greed …” [v.2,4,5].  It is tragic that so often the motive in preaching has been wrong and those with the wrong motive God will judge.  Those with the right motive accept Paul’s call to “walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” [v.12] 

Finally, we noted the point he made at the end of the 1st chapter – that we “wait for his son from heaven … Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” This reminded us of what we read in Hosea today, the fate of those who have no time for God, ”they shall be like the morning mist or like the dew that goes early away… or like smoke from a window” [13 v.3] to become no more, not even to know they ever existed. 

   We must each ask ourselves, ‘What does God find when he tests my heart?’

Paul sees a need to write to the believers at Colossae about the need for orderly behaviour among members in their relationships with each other and makes a particular point about husbands and wives. First we note that he states, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” [3 v.16].  What Christ taught has to be alive in our minds.  God has controlled events so that these words written so long ago by so many different authors writing under the inspiration of his Spirit have been miraculously preserved and are now available in every language. It is different to any human book, its words must be absorbed into our thinking and as a result “dwell”, that is, ‘live’ in our minds and influence the way we speak and act every day.  Paul also wrote, “Let the peace of Christ, rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body” [v.15] The believers should aim to become “one body” as a result of Christ’s words being ‘alive’ in their minds so that “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus …” [v.17]

Paul next writes about husbands and wives showing that this indwelling “word” has to be reflected in home life. “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” [v.18,19]  This reminds us of his words to the Ephesians on this.  He wrote, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church … Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her …” [Ch.5 v.22,23,25]  Christ set the example for husbands to follow.

Let’s remember where we started – that the word has to “dwell in you richly.” It is evident that if this is not happening, the relationship between husband and wife will be far from the ideal and this will affect not only themselves but also the spiritual growth of their children. Indeed, the overall spirit is summed up by Paul when he writes, “Look carefully then how you walk (in Christ), not as unwise but as wise … because the days are evil.” [v.15,16] 

The fulfilment of these prophecies in Daniel according to the purpose of God, paves the way for confidence that the latter day predictions in Ezekiel of Russia’s invasion of Israel will also be fulfilled in God’s own time according to his will.

Study #1 – Summary: This presentation provides an in-depth analysis of the prophecies in the Book of Daniel, focusing on the historical fulfillment of these prophecies and their significance for understanding current events.

Study #2 – Summary: This presentation discusses current events and their relation to Bible prophecy, particularly focusing on the prophecies in the books of Daniel and Ezekiel. It explores the concept of the “King of the North” and the “King of the South,” the role of Russia and its allies, as well as the conflict involving Israel and its neighbours.

The presentation also examines the significance of the term “Armageddon” and its biblical context, and the potential involvement of European nations in the events leading up to the return of Christ.

In ancient times every city had walls to keep out the enemies; if you know where to look you will find remnants of them preserved in nearly every old city in England.  Now the Jews first task on returning from captivity had been to rebuild the Temple: this, after hindrances lasting some years, they achieved. But their vision of their responsibility as the people of the living God was limited; it had been focused simply on rebuilding of the Temple.  

Today, in completing reading the book of Ezra we learn that the lack of city walls had allowed easy access to another kind of enemy – and Ezra’s heart is broken when he realizes this after arriving.  He makes an impassioned prayer to God about the damage this enemy had done.  

   But it is not physical damage. “I rose from fasting” Ezra writes, “with my garment and cloak torn, and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God saying, O my God, I am ashamed and blush  to lift my face to you …” [9 v.5,6]

It is evident his actions are in public for “Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God and a very great assembly.” [10 v.1] The exiles that had returned had freely mixed with the idol worshipping people of the land and many marriages with them had recently taken place.  Their spiritual integrity was seriously compromised.  This final chapter gives details of a great effort to change this.

Now we do not have city walls, but we need the same spiritual awareness as Ezra.  We need spiritual walls and gates that can be shut.  God’s word provides the spiritual defences, but do we know how to use them?  A builder can have bricks and mortar, but they are no good unless they are put to use.  As we read Paul letter’s yesterday, we saw how we must discern the will of God for us. Ezra saw clearly what God’s will was for him! 

It is interesting in the letter the Persian king gave to Ezra [7 v,18] that the king had written, “Whatever seems good to you … you may do according to the will of your God.” Sadly the people had a narrow vision as to what that will was. This is a lesson for us, let us have a wide vision, as from a mountain top, a vision that is the result of really walking with Jesus; then there will be no risk that one day we will be “ashamed and blush”

Today we started to read Paul’s epistle to the Colossians.  Paul tells them that when Epaphras, “a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf … made known to us your love in the Spirit … we have not ceased to pray for you” [Ch. 1 v.7-9]

We particularly noticed what Paul was asking for the believers in Colossae. He prayed, “asking that you may be filled will the knowledge of His will”   How can we know God’s will?  Is this only a matter of reading the Bible and that will reveal to us the will of God; what he wills to happen on the earth? 

   We notice that the first verse says, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.”  When we come to Ch. 4 we will read that Epaphras not only sends his greetings but is “always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully matured in all the will of God.” [v.12]

So we conclude that Paul is not writing of “the will of God” in a general sense, rather in the specific sense of knowing God’s will towards them in their lives, as it had been toward Paul in bringing about his conversion. .

Next we notice that this “will” was not in the sense of a knowledge of facts about God’s plans – because Paul goes on to state that this awareness of God’s will was to be “in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”  This is not human knowledge and wisdom such when we go to school and do courses in an effort to gain sufficient knowledge so that we can work effectively and earn a living.

This awareness of God’s will was to see his desire for them (and us) “to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him.”[v.10].   True believers, Paul is saying, inevitably have a life changing experience; otherwise they are not true believers.  The result of being true believers is that they are “bearing fruit in every good work” – this “fruit” is their wages.  

Now note how the verse ends! “and increasing in the knowledge of God.”  Again, we meditate on the nature of that “knowledge” and remember Job’s encounter with God and how God “answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge” [Ch.38 v.1] 

   Job comes to realize and admit to God, “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.” [42 v.5]  What kind of “eye” is this?  This reminds us of Paul words about receiving, as the result of prayers, “the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your heart enlightened” [Eph. 1 v.17,18]   We must each ask ourselves, are the eyes of my heart enlightened so that I can see God’s will for me?

A @Christadelphians Video: Description:   The Lord Jesus understood that death is like sleep and that when believers die, they will sleep until the Lord awakens them at the final judgement.

### Summary
Jesus viewed death as a temporary sleep, offering hope through resurrection, contrasting with mainstream beliefs about the afterlife.

### Highlights
–  Jesus described death as sleep, signifying hope and awakening.
–  This understanding is rooted in the Old Testament, emphasizing continuity in biblical teachings.
–  Jesus’ miracle of Lazarus illustrates the power of resurrection and life.
–  Biblical language contrasts sleep with consciousness, indicating no awareness in death.
–  Resurrection is linked to Christ’s return, providing believers with hope.
–  Mainstream teachings diverge from the biblical view, presenting an immediate judgment.
–  Believers find comfort in the promise of reunion and eternal life through faith.

### Key Insights
–  **Death as Sleep**: Jesus’ metaphor of sleep portrays death as temporary, offering believers hope for resurrection and life beyond the grave.

–  **Old Testament Foundation**: The concept of death as sleep is deeply rooted in scripture, seen in verses from Deuteronomy and Psalms, reinforcing biblical consistency.

–  **Miracle of Lazarus**: Jesus’ act of raising Lazarus demonstrates His authority over death and foreshadows the ultimate resurrection for all believers.

–  **Consciousness in Death**: The Bible indicates the dead are unaware, contrasting with many beliefs about an immediate afterlife, emphasizing the peace in death.

–  **Hope in Resurrection**: The resurrection is a pivotal theme, highlighting the transition from death to eternal life for those who believe in Christ.

–  **Mainstream Divergence**: Traditional Christian beliefs often conflict with the biblical portrayal of death, which emphasizes unconsciousness rather than immediate judgment.

–  **Comfort in Community**: The promise of resurrection fosters hope among believers, encouraging meaningful relationships centered on faith and shared beliefs.