1 2 Thessalonians Redesign

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica to encourage Christians to live in light of the gospel. In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, he addressed a number of topics, including the persecution they were enduring, the second coming of Christ, and how they were to live in difficult times. While the letters were written nearly two thousand years ago, pastor James H. Grant Jr. insists that Paul’s audience includes us as well as the Thessalonians. Grant applies Paul’s message to contemporary churches over the course of twenty-five chapters by leading readers systematically through the epistles—unpacking the gospel and its implications in light of Christ’s second coming. Part of the Preaching the Word commentary series.

Everyone experiences trials at some points in their lives. But the Bible is clear that Christians have nothing to fear in the long run in light of God’s sovereignty and love for his people. In this stirring exposition of 1 and 2 Peter and Jude, pastor David Helm explores these three New Testament letters in depth, reminding readers that suffering precedes future glories for anyone who claims Christ as Lord and Savior. An ideal resource for pastors and teachers looking to connect the Bible’s message to the everyday lives of Christians, this commentary touches on a number of important themes, such as finding encouragement in Christ, avoiding false teaching, what it means to contend for the faith, and how to finish life well. Part of the Preaching the Word commentary series.

The Old Testament book of 1 Samuel records the story of three important leaders in Israel's history: Samuel, Saul, and David. The lives of these flawed men showcase God's gracious response to ancient Israel's leadership crisis, offering valuable lessons related to why leaders fail, the impact this failure can have on God's people, and what it means to model godly leadership—even today. In this accessible commentary, John Woodhouse shows how 1 Samuel reveals the importance of true leadership and the character of the godly leader. More significantly, this volume points forward to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's promises to his people and the only perfect leader the world has ever known. Those who preach and teach God's Word will find this an invaluable resource as they seek to help others embrace 1 Samuel's timely message. Part of the Preaching the Word series.

The very existence of HGTV, the DIY movement, and Pinterest proves we love great design. We adore plans and perfectly staged rooms. But what happens when we discover we are living a life we did not design? When our dreams lie in tatters or when we experience loss of any kind? What happens when life feels like one big Pinterest fail? Where is God in the midst of what doesn't make sense? Does he care? Drawing from time-honored design principles such as movement, contrast, and pattern, former interior designer and Bible teacher Tracy Steel offers frustrated and discontented women the assurance that God is their ever-present, caring Designer. With a mix of wit and wisdom, Tracy proves through biblical examples and personal testimony that God remains true to his plans and purposes, accomplishing them in and through us in every season of life. She helps us recognize God's design principles, enabling us to embrace our sometimes messy lives, especially when they're ones we never would have designed for ourselves.

The book of Ecclesiastes is, above all else, unflinchingly honest. Whether wrestling with the tedium of work, the injustices of life, the ravages of age, or the inevitability of death, this enigmatic Old Testament book takes a hard look at the way the world really is. And yet, as Phil Ryken points out in this instructive commentary, Ecclesiastes wisely teaches people to trust God in the midst of such struggles. Written with pastors and Bible teachers in mind, this commentary will equip readers to better understand, explain, and apply the message of Ecclesiastes, highlighting the book’s enduring relevance as a testament to the ultimate duty of all people: fearing God and keeping his commandments. The Psalms is one of the most widely loved books of the Bible. A source of instruction for our prayers, inspiration for our songs, and consolation for our tears, these biblical poems resound with the whole spectrum of human emotion and teach us to hope in God each and every day. In the first volume of a three-part commentary on the Psalms, pastor James Johnston walks readers through chapters 1–44, offering exegetical and pastoral insights along the way. In an age that prizes authenticity, this resource will help anyone interested in studying, teaching, or preaching the Bible to truly engage with God in a life-changing and heart-shaping way. Part of the Preaching the Word series.

How do two brief letters to a church in first-century Macedonia speak to us today? John Stott demonstrates that Paul's letters to the Christians in Thessalonica offer three key messages to churches at the beginning of the twenty-first century: a model for ministry, as Paul's self-giving, prayerful love for the church challenges Christian leaders a vision for the local church, as the apostle touches on evangelism, pastoral care, ethical standards, fellowship, worship, obedience and future hope; an affirmation of our faith, as he repeatedly returns to the foundation facts that 'Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again.' Characterised by John Stott's customary clarity and perception, this exposition illuminates aspects of Christian life and service that are at the heart of God's purposes for this people today.

The Pauline Parallels has been redesigned and revised in order to provide an improved practical tool for students seeking to understand the Pauline corpus of letters. In his letters, Paul echoes the structure of the common letter, he employs rhetorical devices, and he often repeats themes and images. The Pauline Parallels provides a ready, efficient, comprehensive way to study the letters structurally, formally, and thematically by gathering relevant passages from all the letters onto the page or folio for immediate comparison. The Pauline Parallels is the analog for the Pauline letters of a gospel parallels.The Pauline Parallels is a sequential presentation of each of the ten chief letters attributed to Paul: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians and Philemon. Each letter is divided into sense units or paragraphs of discourse; these paragraphs, as they are designated, are numbered consecutively from the salutation of Romans to the closing remarks of Philemon. Paragraph numbers are then used as the basis of the presentation of the materials in the Pauline Parallels and function effectively in a system of cross-referencing.