Timex Christians

Scott Beyer
02/15/23 - Bulletin

“…but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.” (1 Thessalonians 2:2)

            One of the easiest ways to identify someone’s level of conviction is to see how well it holds up under opposition.  If the first mild obstacle leads to quitting, you know it was a preference, not a conviction.  Paul suffered in Philippi – his reaction – preach amid opposition in Thessalonica.  Paul is a Timex Christian.  He takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’.  (If you aren’t old enough to get the reference, then you are young enough to Google it.)

            Your faith has become a conviction when the difficult days bother you, but they don’t stop you.  Just because it is hard doesn’t mean you are doing it wrong.  It might just mean you are doing something right, and the devil took notice.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

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