2 Thessalonians, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 53 - 2 Thessalonians 

2 Thessalonians provides a warning to Christians to keep active in their faith, despite the persecution they face.  The letter seems to be a response to the rumor -- or maybe even actual teaching -- that this suffering is part of the "birth pangs" that have been prophesied to accompany the return of Jesus and the coming Day of the Lord.  It is not.

And Christians need to be aware of the enormous stakes of understanding the truth about Jesus' return, which will bring about judgment on all who have not been faithful.  This will lead to eternal punishment and destruction for the unfaithful -- a complete and permanent separation from God.  Christians need to do whatever is necessary to prevent them from falling into the group who will receive eternal punishment.

This leads to almost paranoid fears of the ways that Christians could be lead astray -- by untrue teaching, by the leader of evil on earth (who in Revelation will be called the Antichrist), or even by other Christians who have picked up bad or dangerous habits.  The deeper reminder, though, is that faith means seeking, spreading, and living out the truth of Jesus Christ, not just waiting on Jesus to come back.

1 Thessalonians, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of 1 Thessalonians you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on 1 Thessalonians on Sunday at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

1 Thessalonians, Day 5 Readings

The Promise for Christians Who Have Died & Closing Encouragements         

Today's first reading is the only issue that Paul addresses directly in this letter.  It seems that some people in the Thessalonian church have died.  The other Christians, who are excited about the promise for people who are ready when Jesus returns to go to heaven, are worried that those who die before Jesus returns will miss out.

Paul reiterates his earlier teaching -- Christians do need to be ready for Jesus' return.  This will be a day of salvation for all faithful Christians.  In fact, Paul writes, the dead will be raised from their graves and will meet Jesus first -- midair, it seems -- and those who are living will then follow them to heaven.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading provides the conclusion to this letter, where Paul offers some closing encouragements to the Thessalonians.  On a certain level, Paul seems reluctant to end the letter, and he offers a string of brief reminders -- each of which deserve longer attention and description about how to live them out.  After these, Paul offers a final prayer and blessing for the Thessalonians.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:28 today.

1 Thessalonians, Day 4 Readings

The Simple Life of Faith        

Today's reading provides a brief description from Paul about how to be faithful.  Learn to control your own actions, so that you don't fall into the trap of sinning against God.  Keep loving each other, live simply and honorable, keep peace among your friends and neighbors.  If you do these things, you will be following the guidance of the Holy Spirit and you will please God.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 today.

1 Thessalonians, Day 3 Readings

Mutual Encouragement in the Face of Persecution        

Today's reading describes how Paul, who was worried that the Thessalonians might lose heart because of persecution, dispatched his associate Timothy to visit them.  Paul evidently believed that Timothy, who had endured suffering alongside Paul, would offer encouragement and advice on how to persevere.

Surprisingly, though, Timothy discovers that the Thessalonians are holding up to the pressure and have remained strong in their faith.  In fact, this news encourages Paul to keep going in the face of the persecution he faces.  And he recognizes that through their mutual love and prayers, the Thessalonians and Paul (and his associates) are encouraging and supporting each other in the face of this opposition.

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Thessalonians 3 today.

Sermon - "Raised with Christ" (Colossians)

Last Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached on the letter to the Colossians, which attempts to briefly explain the entire meaning of Christ for the church.  Essentially, Jesus represents the completion of God's creation -- the person who best represents God's hopes and expectations for how the created beings would live together.

This perspective allows Christians to recognize and distinguish the things around them which are part of the imperfect existence of this world and the things which are related to the fullness of God's intended creation.  In doing so, people of faith can live into their Christian identity by acting on a higher level like Jesus -- a metaphorical understanding of being raised up before the permanent resurrection.  The challenge, of course, is that many people -- and even our own impulses -- encourage us to behave in lesser ways.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and the closing benediction.

1 Thessalonians, Day 2 Readings

Paul Remembers His Ministry to the Thessalonians       

Today's reading provides a lengthy reminiscence by Paul of his time spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ among the Thessalonians.  Like a parent or teacher, Paul takes pride in the people he taught.  Recognizing the sincerity of Paul's personal sacrifices to preach and glimpsing the truth of his teaching, the Thessalonians became faithful Christians.  They even were able to keep their faith as outsiders pressured and persecuted them, trusting that they were somehow following God's teaching.  Paul is so moved by these memories that he confesses how much he has wanted to visit with the Thessalonians since he left.

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Thessalonians 2 today.

1 Thessalonians, Day 1 Readings

Grateful Appreciation       

Today's reading is the beginning of the first letter to the Thessalonians preserved in the New Testament.  As he usually done, Paul begins with thanksgiving, praising the Thessalonians for their openness to the Holy Spirit and their faith.

In fact, much of this letter features Paul offering words of appreciation from afar.  This is the result of two things: first, Paul's deep affection for the Thessalonians -- he truly misses being with them; and second, Paul's worries about the persecution that these new Christians may face due to their faith.  Paul wants his words to encourage them to keep their faith, despite outside pressures.  This is a simple reminder -- sometimes we don't need deep theology to be faithful; we simply need love and encouragement.

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Thessalonians 1 today.

1 Thessalonians, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 52 - 1 Thessalonians 

1 Thessalonians is probably the oldest letter in the New Testament.  In it, the apostle Paul offers encouragement to the young congregation in the Greek city of Thessalonica.  In general, he is worried that they are facing persecution from city leaders and Roman officials.

Unlike other letters from Paul, there does not seem to be an explicit agenda.  He is not correcting bad teaching or bad habits.  Instead, he is simply following up on the time he spent establishing and nurturing the Thessalonian congregation, reminiscing and offering encouragement.  In fact, much of the letter is devoted to praise and thanksgiving for the Thessalonians and their faith.

The only issue that Paul addresses directly relates to what happens to Christians after they die.  Some Thessalonians were worried that the Christians who had already died would miss out on God's salvation when Jesus returns.  Paul says that the opposite is true -- the dead are raised from their graves and lead the faithful into heaven.  Until then, the Christians on earth simply need to keep the faith and look forward the Jesus' return.

Colossians, Day 5

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Colossians you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Colossians on Sunday at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Colossians, Day 4 Readings

Keeping Up the Good Fight         

Today's reading is the conclusion of the letter to the Colossians.  Like many letters, it ends with a couple of final encouragements and some personal greetings.  Interestingly, though, these final thoughts share a general guiding message.  While we know that we have a new life through Christ, we still face hard struggles in this world trying to convince other people that they can have this new Christian life too.  So, like the great traveling evangelists, keep spreading the message of Jesus Christ.

Read Colossians 4:2-18  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Colossians 4:2-18 today.

Colossians, Day 3 Readings

Earthly Sins vs. Spiritual Practices        

Today's reading is offers some practical ways that Christians can turn from an earthly perspective to a spiritual one.  If people have become a part of Christ, they have been joined into his being in the universe, and they should begin to also exhibit the gifts of God that he perfectly and completely shares.

Spoiler alert: the description in this section is not unique.  It is listed in other New Testament letters, sometimes in almost identical words.  Christians should refrain from certain sins and they should instead offer, what Paul calls elsewhere, the fruits of the Spirit.  And they should live equally in the Christian community, whether man or woman, old or young, slave or free.

Read Colossians 3:1-4:1  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Colossians 3:1-4:1 today.

Sermon - "Jesus' Recipe for Success"

Last Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached on Paul's letter to the Philippians, where the apostle sent encouragement to the congregation at Philippi while he was in prison.  Drawing upon his own experience, Paul suggested that his own faithful life was doubly blessed, despite his own suffering -- on earth he could help others learn about Christ; after death he would go to heaven to be with Christ.

In fact, Paul said that this was how Jesus himself lived on earth.  Instead of worrying about how he deserved to be treated as God, Jesus instead worried only about how to help others around him, in whatever way they would allow him.  The best that Christians can do, in whatever circumstances and challenges they find themselves in, is to follow his example and do the same, humbly.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation.

Colossians, Day 2 Readings

Turn Away from Human Rules       

Today's reading is develops the vision of proper faith in Colossians rooted in the understanding that Christ exemplifies God's perfect creation.  Christians need to be reconciled through Christ to God -- an act which should transform their perspective on life from a limited earthly view to a spiritual view.

A primary way to live out a transformed worldview is to recognize human laws for what they are -- instructions drawn from incorrect philosophy and limited human knowledge.  Instead of worrying about the "dos and don'ts" of these human traditions -- and, implicitly, even of Jewish law -- focus on God's way of thinking revealed through Christ.

Read Colossians 2:8-23  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Colossians 2:8-23 today.

Colossians, Day 1 Readings

Jesus Christ Represents the Fullness of God      

Today's reading is the beginning of the letter to the church in Colossae.  It offers a brief unifying vision of theology through Jesus Christ.  After celebrating the faith and hope of redemption for these specific Christians, the purpose of the letter shifts to appreciating how Jesus represents the perfect completion of God's creation.

God's intentions for the holy order of the universe are revealed through the example of Jesus (both in his teaching and through his death and resurrection).  Through faith and their participation in the church, Christians have the opportunity to take part in this holy way of life.  In short, this is the promise of the gospel.

Read Colossians 1:1-2:7  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Colossians 1:1-2:7 today.

Colossians, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 51 - Colossians 

Colossians is a letter that offers a compact vision of the true nature of the church.  Jesus Christ is understood as the embodiment of completion for God's creation -- he is not simply a perfect human being, but represents the unity of all creation.

Understanding that the church is a part of the body of Christ (or, if you prefer, part of the being of Christ), then Christians have a role in living out this unity and fullness of God's creation.  To do so, they need to abandon the human ways of this world and adopt the spiritual ways of living embodied by Jesus -- in other words, they need to refrain from committing human sins and instead demonstrate and share spiritual gifts.

If this sounds similar to the message of other New Testament epistles, it is.  In fact, almost all of the verses in the third chapter of Colossians can also be found elsewhere.  This repetition, though, demonstrates how important it was to the church to understand the difference between a Christian way of life and every other way of life.

Bonus Reading, Matthew

Opposition to John the Baptist and Jesus              

Today's reading tells how the Jewish officials responded to John the Baptist and Jesus in similar ways, despite the fact that their approaches and messages were different.  Partially this was due to the fact that John the Baptist and Jesus publicly recognized each other's ministries, with Jesus praising John the Baptist as Elijah reborn.

Despite this, most people refused to hear the basic call to repentance from John the Baptist and Jesus' promise that God's new kingdom was at hand.  In frustration, Jesus even pronounces a curse on the most unbelieving cities, even as he admits in prayer that God's true intentions have been hidden from the wise and powerful.

Read Matthew 11:1-30  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Matthew

The Challenges and Rewards of Discipleship              

Today's reading tells how Jesus began to entrust his ministry with his disciples.  Knowing that he could not be everywhere at once, he commissioned his twelve disciples to teach and heal in his name.  However, Jesus warned the disciples that they would sometimes face significant opposition, including some from people powerful enough to threaten their freedom and their lives.  Tellingly, Jesus says that his followers are no better than him -- meaning that if he will suffer and die, certainly some of his followers will suffer as well.

Still, Jesus' message is not all gloom and doom, despite the warning of serious obstacles ahead.  For those disciples who pick up the charge to serve in Jesus' name, God will see that those who cause them trouble will be punished.  Even more, those who welcome and respect Jesus' disciples will receive God's favor in this world and the next.

Read Matthew 9:35-10:42  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Matthew

Creating Problems with Jewish Officials             

Today's reading describes some more of Jesus' miracles and ministry.  However, these incidents suggest the foundation of the opposition to Jesus that arose among Jewish leaders.  He heals a paralyzed man by saying that his sins are forgiven -- though no human has authority to forgive sins.  He converts and dines with tax collectors and other sinners, he teaches his followers not to fast, he heals women and girls -- all of these are problematic actions for a man according to Jewish law.

So when he heals two blind men and a man possessed by a demon that rendered him mute, the Pharisees began to whisper among themselves that these were not the actions of a faithful man of God, but of an unfaithful heretic.

Read Matthew 9:1-34  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Matthew

The Many Miracles of Jesus            

Today's reading describes several instances of Jesus' miracles.  He heals a number of people, including a leper.  He calms a storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee.  And he exorcises a host of demons from two possessed individuals.  As in the Gospel of Mark, one question that these stories are meant to inspire is: "Who is this Jesus?"

Read Matthew 8:1-34  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Matthew

Jesus' Temptation & Early Ministry            

Today's reading describes the beginning of Jesus' public ministry in the Gospel of Matthew.  After his baptism, Jesus withdrew to the wilderness, where his motives were tempted by Satan.  However, Jesus resists the desires for wealth or power, which means that his teaching is meant only to help people develop an open relationship with God.  This motivation is clear from his earliest interactions with other people, where Jesus teaches all who will listen and heals anyone who asks for healing.

Read Matthew 4:1-25  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Rest Stop

Godsway 66 is on a one-week break.  The overview for the next book, Colossians, will be posted next Sunday, February 14.

This week, there are some extra readings from the Gospel of Matthew.  They describe the beginning of Jesus' ministry, his relationship to John the Baptist, the opposition to his ministry from Jewish leadership, and the threats to disciples who preached and healed in his name.

Philippians, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Philippians you might have missed.
 Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Philippians tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Philippians, Day 5 Readings

The Good Life, Even in Hard Times      

Today's reading provides the fitting conclusion of Paul's letter to the Philippians.  Having praised their faithfulness, Paul simply encourages them to continue living out their faith as they have been.  They need to take care of each other, focus on the good things they can do for each other, and have joy in their purpose for God, even when times are tough.  If they do these things, exemplified through their consistent and selfless financial support of Paul's ministry, they will receive God's blessings -- some in this world and many more in the next.

Read Philippians 4:2-23  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Philippians 4:2-23 today.

Philippians, Day 4 Readings

The Goal of Faith      

Today's reading provides a concise description of Paul's vision of a faithful life.  Many have become confused about the gospel, teaching that true Christians must follow Jewish law to be completely faithful.  However, this is a total misunderstanding of the gospel.  The example and meaning of Jesus are far greater than Torah, and ultimately teach that righteousness is a gift from God, not a human action.

The life of faith encourages people to stop worrying about what they can or cannot do and instead focus on what God can do through them.  When people let God work through them, their lives continue to be transformed for the better.  This is what Paul still strives to do, even in prison, and what he hopes all Christians will do every day -- empty their own ambition and be open to God's ambitions for their lives on earth.

Read Philippians 3:1-4:1  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Philippians 3:1-4:1 today.

Philippians, Day 3 Readings

Following Good Teaching      

Today's reading offers Paul's appreciation for the Philippians never being swayed by other Christian teachers -- like the so called "super-apostles" who beguiled the Corinthians and the Galatians.  This example of the Philippians faith in God has been a source of pride for Paul, encouraging him even in challenging times, and it means that God's transforming work in the Philippians continues.

Paul wants to do something to reward the faithfulness of the Philippians, but his imprisonment prevents his own travel.  Instead, Paul promises to send Timothy, his right-hand man, and Epaphroditus, one of the Philippians own members who had been working alongside Paul until a serious illness threatened his life.  Implicitly, Paul expects that the Philippians will accept the teaching of these co-workers as completely as they would from Paul himself.

Read Philippians 2:12-30  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Philippians 2:12-30 today.

Philippians, Day 2 Readings

Christian Humility     

Today's reading continues Paul's encouragement to the Philippians, based on realizations from his imprisonment.  In this brief section, he suggests a practical way to build and strengthen the Christian community: be humble towards others in the way that Jesus himself was humble.  While Jesus was God, he decided to become human -- he worried less about being equal to God and instead about being an equal to other people.  This humble action was not about degrading himself, but rather about being able to help others in need.  For Jesus, this action would lead to his death on the cross.  For Christians, humility means focusing on the needs and desires of others, instead of selfishly worrying about ourselves.  In essences, this is the type of life that Paul has led since he became a Christian, and which he encourages others to live as well.

Read Philippians 1:27-2:11  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Philippians 1:27-2:11 today.

Sermon - "Citizens of the New World" (Ephesians)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached on Paul's letter to the Ephesians, where the apostle describes how Christians begin to experience heaven on earth.  In contrast to a world that consistently divides people into groups where some are "in" and some are "out," though Christ God has created a single group for all of the faithful. The main demonstration of this is the end of the division between Jew and non-Jew, but it extends to other groups and identities as well.  If people want to be faithful Christians, they need to seeing beyond the barriers and divisions that humans say exist between them -- because such divisions will not exist in heaven.

That said, Christians still need to find ways to live on earth, which means that they must cope with these very divisions and their challenges.  In many ways, Christians need to claim their heavenly identity -- their citizenship in God's new world -- while still living on earth.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation.

Philippians, Day 1 Readings

Torn Between Two Worlds     

Today's reading is the beginning of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi, which was written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome.  Imprisonment was only the most recent way in which Paul had suffered while preaching the gospel.  Writing this letter, he reflected on the many hardships he had faced and determined that it was all for God's glory -- through his perseverance, Paul was able to continue to teach new people about Jesus.

From this experience, Paul believes that he has come to appreciate the best way for Christians to approach suffering, which he is trying to exemplify to the Philippians.  On the one hand, Paul holds on to the promise of a heavenly life with Christ beyond this world; on the other, he understands that his continued preaching is helping more people to become -- or remain -- faithful Christians.  Both are very good things, and Paul finds satisfaction and even joy about his life on earth, despite the obstacles he has faced,and the promise of eternal life with God.

Read Philippians 1:1-26  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Philippians 1:1-26 today.