As we consider this text we first look at the man. Paul was transformed by Jesus Christ.  He had opposed the gospel; he had persecuted the church. But when Christ met him on the road to Damascus he was changed and was surrendered to Christ, desiring above everything else to know Him better and serve Him diligently.

We then see the message. He was not bringing a message to make people feel good about themselves, but was preaching the gospel of Christ which brings hope to fallen sinners. Every doctrine which he taught and every practical admonition he gave was connected to the person of Jesus Christ.

And then we see the method. He was not depending on oratorical ability or philosophical explanation, he was depending on the power of the Spirit to use the message effectively.

Having seen in the opening verses of this epistle a gracious salutation and a prayer of thanksgiving, we now receive a word of assurance. The apostle is assured that these to whom he writes are of God’s elect because he sees the evidence of God’s work in them.

He declares that election is of God and so we know it is good, it is right, and it its ultimate end is God’s glory. The evidence of election that Paul was able to observe in them was that when he preached the gospel to them they received it. It came to them in power and in much assurance.

The working of God’s grace in them was further seen by the fact that they turned from idols to serve the living and true God. A significant change was made in their lives.

And so in the last part of the chapter we see a great example. Upon receiving the gospel this body of believers then “sounded out the word of the Lord.” It was a young church but it set an example for others to follow.

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Having seen in the opening verses of this epistle a gracious salutation and a prayer of thanksgiving, we now receive a word of assurance. The apostle is assured that these to whom he writes are of God’s elect because he sees the evidence of God’s work in them.

He declares that election is of God and so we know it is good, it is right, and it its ultimate end is God’s glory. The evidence of election that Paul was able to observe in them was that when he preached the gospel to them they received it. It came to them in power and in much assurance.

The working of God’s grace in them was further seen by the fact that they turned from idols to serve the living and true God. A significant change was made in their lives.

And so in the last part of the chapter we see a great example. Upon receiving the gospel this body of believers then “sounded out the word of the Lord.” It was a young church but it set an example for others to follow.

Call 1-800-473-4BBH to order this single message.

This is the first of a series of messages on the book of 1 Thessalonians, and we see that the epistle begins with a gracious salutation: “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Grace — every church needs it in every detail of service rendered to the Lord. Whether it is singing praise in the worship services, “sounding out” the gospel as did this church at Thessalonica, or ministering to the needs of others, grace is needed in all that is done.

And then the apostle speaks of peace.  What a blessing when there is peace and harmony within a body of believers, and what a blessing when an individual enjoys peace in his own heart through fellowship with God.

We then find a prayer of thanksgiving. Thanks is given to God for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. The work and labor was performed by these believers at Thessalonica, but Paul gives thanks to God because he believed it was accomplished through God’s grace working in them.

Call 1-800-473-4BBH to order this single message.

This is the first of a series of messages on the book of 1 Thessalonians, and we see that the epistle begins with a gracious salutation: “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Grace — every church needs it in every detail of service rendered to the Lord. Whether it is singing praise in the worship services, “sounding out” the gospel as did this church at Thessalonica, or ministering to the needs of others, grace is needed in all that is done.

And then the apostle speaks of peace.  What a blessing when there is peace and harmony within a body of believers, and what a blessing when an individual enjoys peace in his own heart through fellowship with God.

We then find a prayer of thanksgiving. Thanks is given to God for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. The work and labor was performed by these believers at Thessalonica, but Paul gives thanks to God because he believed it was accomplished through God’s grace working in them.

Call 1-800-473-4BBH to order this single message.

First we see here a contrast. Woe is pronounced upon the maker and worshiper of idols. The words of the prophet are clear: there is no benefit to be found in dumb idols. But our God, the true and living God, is in his holy temple.

Second, we see a declaration. God is sovereign; He reigns on high. How reassuring to know that no matter how chaotic things may appear to us, God is in control and rules according to His purpose!

Habakkuk had at first made the incorrect assumption that because wickedness was rampant in his day that God was doing nothing. When he learned that actually God was raising up the Chaldeans to invade the land and punish Judah, he was even more perplexed and found it difficult to believe that God would use a wicked nation to accomplish His purposes.

But when he bowed to God’s sovereignty he found hope. No doubt there are many things that are difficult to understand in our day, but to believe that God in his wisdom is always working that which is for his glory and the good of his people gives great comfort.

Third, we see a response: “Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” There is no place for complaining, doubting, or even demanding an explanation; just bow in humble silence before our sovereign God. This view of God on the throne will make a difference in your life, providing peace and hope in times of affliction and trial.

Purchase the series from which this message comes: From Fear to Faith, Volume 2 (see also Volume 1) or call 1-800-473-4BBH to order this single message.

First we see here a contrast. Woe is pronounced upon the maker and worshiper of idols. The words of the prophet are clear: there is no benefit to be found in dumb idols. But our God, the true and living God, is in his holy temple.

Second, we see a declaration. God is sovereign; He reigns on high. How reassuring to know that no matter how chaotic things may appear to us, God is in control and rules according to His purpose!

Habakkuk had at first made the incorrect assumption that because wickedness was rampant in his day that God was doing nothing. When he learned that actually God was raising up the Chaldeans to invade the land and punish Judah, he was even more perplexed and found it difficult to believe that God would use a wicked nation to accomplish His purposes.

But when he bowed to God’s sovereignty he found hope. No doubt there are many things that are difficult to understand in our day, but to believe that God in his wisdom is always working that which is for his glory and the good of his people gives great comfort.

Third, we see a response: “Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” There is no place for complaining, doubting, or even demanding an explanation; just bow in humble silence before our sovereign God. This view of God on the throne will make a difference in your life, providing peace and hope in times of affliction and trial.

Purchase the series from which this message comes: From Fear to Faith, Volume 2 (see also Volume 1) or call 1-800-473-4BBH to order this single message.

The psalmist often acknowledges that there is a tendency to wander. He says, “My soul cleaves to the dust,” and prays, “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity.” He admits, “Before I was afflicted, I went astray.”

Since there is that weakness in human nature, there is a need for help. So David prays, “Seek thy servant.” He desires to have God pursue him and draw him back. He turns to the right source for help; to his God, the only one who can really help.

And how good to know; there is a Shepherd who cares for his sheep. He does seek them out and bring them to the fold.

Call 1-800-473-4BBH to order this single message.

The psalmist often acknowledges that there is a tendency to wander. He says, “My soul cleaves to the dust,” and prays, “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity.” He admits, “Before I was afflicted, I went astray.”

Since there is that weakness in human nature, there is a need for help. So David prays, “Seek thy servant.” He desires to have God pursue him and draw him back. He turns to the right source for help; to his God, the only one who can really help.

And how good to know; there is a Shepherd who cares for his sheep. He does seek them out and bring them to the fold.

Call 1-800-473-4BBH to order this single message.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Although we live in world full of darkness, God has provided us with the guidance we need.  There is spiritual ignorance, moral confusion and vain philosophy on every hand. But with God’s Word we have a lamp to direct us in the way of truth and righteousness. As the culture in which we live moves farther away from God, it is vital that we have our minds continually renewed by His Word.

The psalmist therefore makes a commitment: “I will keep thy righteous judgments” (106). And yet he recognizes his need of God’s help.  In this psalm he prays “teach me, guide me, turn my eyes, and incline my heart.” Though he desires to live to God’s glory, he knows he must have God’s grace to enable him.

We also note that afflictions are endured and praise is rendered.  He describes the praise as the “freewill offerings of my mouth” (108).

May we all be stirred to praise God for His abundant mercies and particularly for the blessing of His Word, which is our guide.

Purchase the series from which this message comes: Sermons from the Psalms, Volume 5 (see also Volumes 1, 2, 3, and 4) or call 1-800-473-4BBH to order this single message.

Bible Reference: Psalm 119:105-112