Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.”  (Acts 17:2.3) 

The citizenship of this Thessalonica included a large population of devout Jews. Their prevalence would have greatly influenced the political and moral climate this city. The synagogue would provide a captive audience for Paul. His message would stir the people.

In Thessalonica Paul used three sabbaths to teach about Christ. The basis of his lessons were the Old Testament Scriptures. Following the pattern of the Lord (Luke 24:44-47), Paul most likely appealed to Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets to validate his conclusion.  This would have been passages of Scripture that the Jews were familiar with.

In a logical manner Paul "reasoned" with them about Christ from the Scriptures. This method of “reasoning” would include intelligent discourse and discussion. He was explaining and demonstrating that Jesus is the Christ. His method would have involved an unveiling of the great Old Testament prophecies, and logically connecting them to the life of Christ.

Old Testament prophets promised that it would be necessary for the Messiah to suffer. (Isaiah 53:1-12)  Isaiah and other prophets clearly predicted the coming of a suffering servant. However, this was a truth that the Jews resisted. Their concept of a national deliverance so possessed their minds, that they could not conceive of such. But the Christ needed to suffer to bear man's burden and redeem him from sin. (Hebrews 9:26-28)

The same prophets also predicted that it would be necessary for Christ to rise from the dead. A savior held by the grip of death could not deliver man from sin and death. The Old Testament prophets surely predicted such a victory. (Acts 2:25-31)

Men's hearts have been softened by the marvelous truths revealed in God's word. Such a powerful message can "turn the world upside down" in modern times just as it did in Thessalonica two-thousand years ago. Let us open God’s book and testify to the world that Jesus is the Christ.

By George Slover

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”  (1 Peter 3:3,4)

The message in this context is specifically addressing women; however, there are some principles that would apply to all disciples. True disciples give greater care to adorning the soul, than to the physical body.

Society has always placed a great emphasis on how we look on the outside. Much of the way men and women dress, whether too much or too few clothes, is driven by a desire to impress other humans. In the world, what is on the outside counts far more than what is on the inside.

Peter’s statement here is a common figure of speech known as a Hebraism. (See John 6:27 as another example) Peter is not forbidding the use a bodily adornment, but is asserting its utter worthlessness in comparison to what is on the inside.

God primarily looks at the heart. It is the hidden man of the heart that must be formed into the likeness of Christ. It is on the inside where the word of God does its work, transforming one into something very beautiful.

A truly transformed heart manifests itself by a meek and quiet spirit. Those of a gentle spirit are in control of their emotions. They do not quickly flash into anger. They remain calm and peaceful. They are not motivated by self assertion or constant fault-finding.

Peter says this gentle spirit is “precious”. The word used here is also found in Mark 14:3 of the precious ointment used by Mary to anoint the Lord. Paul also uses the same word  to discourage the use of costly clothing. (1 Timothy 2:9) But the proper adorning of the soul, is of great value in God’s eyes.

When most of our time in energy is devoted to outward adorning , the inward work of God stands still. Instead of growing more heavenly minded we become more earthly minded. If we intend to please God, we must be working on cultivating the spirit and purity of Christ.

By George Slover

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:37,38)

Both Joel (Joel 3:18) and Zechariah (Zechariah 14:8), spoke of a day when pure, fresh, living waters would flow out of Jerusalem, provided by Jesus Christ, the Savior. It was customary on the last day of the feast (vs. 2,37), for the priest to draw water from the pool of Siloam and bring it back with joy to the temple. It may have been this custom, that Jesus used as an object lesson to make this joyful promise.

There is a deep thirst in every human soul. The many wells of the world - wealth, wisdom, and pleasure - are powerless to fully quench this human longing.  Jesus boldly claims to be the one who fulfills that need.

There is in man a thirst for righteousness, reconciliation, peace, and hope. Christ alone possesses the ability to answer these human needs. He is the Rock in the wilderness out of which the water of salvation flows. (1 Corinthians 10:4) He invites all to come and to receive it.

Another look at the passage reveals that the promise of Jesus goes beyond the immediate blessing to the believer. Those who receive this life-giving water, also become life-giving fountains. The influence of Christ in their lives transforms them into a refreshing source of moral purity and goodness. Paul tells us that Jesus Christ “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14)

Finally, the reference to the giving of the Holy Spirit may be connected to the events recorded in Acts 2. After the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, there was a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Accompanying the outpouring of the Spirit was the glorious message of redemption. (Acts 2:21,36-38) Since then, multitudes have come to the Water of life, and have received the assurance that they are the sons of God. 

Jesus offers this spiritual drink freely to those who believe, who come, and who drink. Have you come to this marvelous fountain of life?

By George Slover

Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me. (Micah 7:7)

The preceding verses (vs. 1-6) depict the dark moral state of Israel. Violence and bloodshed were prevalent. There was no justice in the courts. There were few friends to trust. And, there were those who dishonored their own family. God would punish Israel for her wickedness. What will God‘s remnant do in such times of hopelessness and despair?

Homer Hailey (A Commentary on the Minor Prophets) believes Micah is speaking for the spiritual remnant in this time of hopelessness. They are looking and waiting on the Lord. God has spoken good things concerning Israel, and declared glorious things concerning Zion. Thus, in dark times his servants will wait for the fulfillment of these promises. To look to God and wait, implies hope and courage. God will surely make everything okay.

Trusting and waiting on God should produce thoughts of his marvelous attributes and ways. His name, Jehovah, speaks of his nature: the eternal, unchangeable, faithful covenant keeping God. Figures remind us of the treasures we have in him: “my rock”, “my high tower”, “my strong habitation”, ”my refuge”. Jehovah is worthy of our unlimited confidence. He will indeed answer our prayers and deliver.

God is the one from whom salvation comes. In similar dark times another prophet spoke in the same manner: “Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17:18) Ultimate deliverance will come from him, salvation shall come, and the thankful acknowledgement shall be :“Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” (Isaiah 25:9)

So, in dark times remember your God: look, wait, hope. 

By George Slover

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,”  (1 Thessalonians 1:3) Paul’s first letter was to the church of the Thessalonians. He expresses thanks to God for the fruit of the gospel in Thessalonica. He singles out three fundamental traits - faith, hope, and love. He was encouraged by their energetic operation among the saints there.  Faith is a firm persuasion, conviction, or trust in the unseen. Though one has never seen God, having examined the evidence they believe and trust in him. When one fully trusts God they respect his authority and willingly yield to his will. Thus, it is a work of faith. Love involves a high regard, goodwill, or benevolence toward others. It manifest itself in deeds of kindness toward others. In this context love is coupled with “labor” – a word which is best rendered as toil and pain. However, when coupled with love, such effort is no longer a burden, but a work of the highest motives. Hope is a confident expectation of the future. Jesus Christ and his appearing is the object of our hope. God‘s people eagerly await the Lord’s appearing with the eternal blessings he will offer. Because of this promise, God’s people are able to patiently endure the trials of life and fix their eyes on these rewards. These three – faith, hope, and love are inseparable graces. Faith must always work by love. (Galatians 5:6) Hope is connected to love “because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.“ (Romans 5:5) Faith is “the substance of things hoped for.” (Hebrews 11:1) Faith is the root from which hope and love spring forth and bear fruit. Later in the letter, Paul exhorts them to put “on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation”. (1 Thessalonians 5:13) Love must be guided by faith and hope. Hope is only a dream without faith and love. And love and faith can be motivated by hope. Paul is thankful that these three graces are actively operating among the saints of Macedonia.  What about you? By George Slover