We have recently added a new blog section. It's called Chicken Scratchings (click on "Chicken Scratchings" on the top menu). That's seems like a crazy title, doesn't it. Well, we learn a lot about God from these girls. These are weekly posts by my wife, Conie, a retired High School English...
1 Thessalonians 5:27 – Read God’s Letters
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brothers. Truth to Learn Reading God’s Word is essential for all Christians. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “charge” is horkidzō, which is based on horkos, meaning “a solemn oath.” The verb horkidzō...
1 Thessalonians 5:28 – Our Lord and Master
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Truth to Learn Jesus Christ is our gracious Lord and Master. He owns us. Behind the Words “Grace” is translated from the Greek noun charis, which is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, we see that...
1 Thessalonians 5:26 – A Holy Kiss?
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. Truth to Learn The early church employed a kiss as a customary greeting. Behind the Words “Greet” is from aspadzomai, meaning “to enfold in the arms” or as we would say, “to hug.” But, it can also mean “to salute,” “to...
1 Thessalonians 5:25 – Humble Prayer Request
Brothers, pray for us. Truth to Learn We all need prayer so that we can bring glory to God. Behind the Words The word “brothers” is translated from adelphos, which is made up of a connective particle, a and a form of the noun delphus, meaning “the womb.” Thus,...
1 Thessalonians 5:24 – The Promise Keeper
He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. Truth to Learn God will keep His promise regarding your salvation. Behind the Words “He who calls” is translated from ho kalōn. The word ho is the third person singular personal pronoun (he) and kalōn is the present...
1 Thessalonians 5:23 – Sanctification and Preservation
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Truth to Learn God is the one who makes us holy and keeps us to the end. Behind the Words...
1 Thessalonians 5:22 – Avoid All Evil
Abstain from every form of evil. Truth to Learn Live life in God’s presence and in obedience to Him. Behind the Words “Abstain” is translated from the Greek verb apechomai, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of echō, meaning “to have”...
1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Find Good and Hold On
Test all things; hold fast what is good. Truth to Learn We are to look for good and hold on to it when we find it. Behind the Words Dokimadzō is the Greek verb translated “test” in today’s verse. This Greek word means “to test something to determine its...
1 Thessalonians 5:20 – Foretelling or Forth-telling?
Do not despise prophecies. Truth to Learn Christians should only believe a preacher or teacher if their message is completely supported by what the Bible says. Behind the Words The word “despise” is translated from the Greek verb exoutheneō. It is made up of ek, used as an intensifier...