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Q2. (1 Thessalonians 4:14) How will Christ bring with him those believers who have previously died? According to Matthew 25:31, who will also will accompany Christ when he returns? Those who went to sleep in Christ will accompany Him in spirit and there bodies shall be resurrected from the graves to join their spirits. All the angels will accompany Christ upon His return!!

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Daniel 7:13-14) In what ways does Daniel’s prophecy of the Son of Man outline Christ’s return? In light of this prophecy, why did Jesus use the title “Son of Man” rather than “Christ” or “Son of God”? What Daniel saw and spoke was what Jesus Himself said in Mark 14:62. Jesus spoke of how He would return! Jesus was born of man even though He was indeed the Son of God. Jesus used this title because of the truth of the statement of His birth and it was written the same way by Daniel as Daniel recorded it when it came from the throne.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 4:6-8) Why do you think Paul mentions such severe punishments for sexual immorality? Are these punishments more severe than for other sins? What effect should these warnings have on Christians? Our bodies belong to the Lord. He is holy and the Father created sex to be within the boundaries of marriage only! Paul states that God Himself will punish those who disregard this order of holiness for marriage only and have unbridled sex outside of marriage. Sexual immorality affects your body and is a very serious sin. All sin is contrary to Gods nature and holiness. To live in sexual sin is rejecting God Himself. These warnings should awaken each Christian to exercise spiritual care to his own body with self discipline. Living a disciplined life in this respect is also a witness of our relationship with Christ to others as we strive to be the bride for Him that is without spot or wrinkle.

(1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) Are humans actually capable of controlling their sexual urges? If so, why are so many people seemingly out of control? Why is it important to control ourselves sexually within marriage? What happens when sexuality does not have any boundaries? What happens to marriages, to children, to our spirits, to our bodies? Yes we are capable of controlling our sexual urges, if we choose to do so. Many refuse the discipline of their flesh and want to fulfill the desires that are in their hearts that are not holy. They let their thoughts stimulate the body. In the boundaries of marriage real intimacy is found and its holiness. To entertain the thought and action of sexual immorality outside of marriage ruins the creation of a holy bonding between two people. Marriages, our children and spirits suffer unmeasureably when we forget fleshly discipline and holiness of our flesh. Our bodies loose its created purpose outside of the boundary of marriage. Our souls suffer and joy goes out of our countenance. We can no longer stand in the face of God without shame.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) What does it mean to be “sanctified”? In what sense are we “holy” now? In what sense are we in the process of becoming “holy”? What does holiness have to do with our sexuality? We became sanctified (holy) through Christ. We are holy now as we maintain this holiness by walking out the process. We are to keep our bodies holy and sanctified by following the direction of sexual intimacy. Walking in this as God has designed and directed us to do keeps our body holy. As we yield to the Holy Spirit we become as God made us through the sacrifice of Jesus for us.

(1 Thessalonians 4:1-2) What is the difference between (1) conducting our lives by rules and (2) conducting our lives trying to please our God? Living by rules requires discipline and moral ethics of personal behavior in any setting. Conducting our lives by love and pleasing God in what we do because that is the way He said it should be and is good for us, then it becomes a joy when we do this. It is easier to conduct ourselves by rules if it is done out of love for God. This is a great witness to others as well.

(1 Thessalonians 3:10-11; Romans 1:11) What is the value of visits of special speakers to a congregation? What can they impart that your regular pastor can’t? Why is a ministry of itinerant preaching so difficult – and important Special speakers bring their gifts and anointings to the congregation. Not all are pastors or prophets or gifted with healing. We need the 5 fold ministry of Jesus in operation and this is what special speakers can bring to us. They bring unity and fill in the gaps where there are needs. This can be hard for the speaker for many reasons especially if there are those who see a pastor only ministry. Resistence in the spirit is felt and sometimes this hampers the flow of the spirit as desired by God to meet the needs of the congregation.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 3:3-5) In what ways does persecution discourage Christians from active, open service? In what ways does it mature them? In what ways does it reveal our underlying motives? Why do you think God allows the tempter the ability to tempt us? Why hasn’t he done away with Satan already? Persecution discourages Christians in many ways from the young to mature people in Christ. It holds the promises of nothing good to come personally to you. In small ways it is accusations of who you were all the way to imprisionment, physical and mental torture and/or execution. Wherever you live and preach his Word or begin to llive in a new life transformation apparent to others you will bring persercution to yourself. We all face it and we grow when we face our fears and why the fears are rooted in us. What are we afraid of or what do we fear loosing? This shows us the things in our hearts that are not given over to Christ yet for His healing and empowerment in our lives. Satan is used to grow us by attacking our weaknesses. In this we can face ourselves and repent so that real Godly change can come. God does not do away with what he creates and in Satan God still uses him for His heavenly purposes.

Q2. (2 Thessalonians 3:2-3) Why is Timothy’s role to be a strengthener and encourager so important? In what ways was this a sensitive role. How did it help Timothy to be sent on this assignment? How does delegating ministry help the overall enterprise of the Kingdom? Paul was concerned that the Thessalonians were affected by persecution and as new believers that is hard to endure and come through. Timothy was sent to strengthen and encourage them so their faith would not weaken or if it had Timothy would help them get through their trials while the Word of God was still working in them. This assignment was also a strengthening for Timothy to be sent alone to do this work. He was a man of low profile at the time and could accomplish the assignment. He was trusted to go alone and do it. Trust from another is a great encouragement in our mission for Christ. Delegating ministry spreads the Gospel faster and in many more areas!

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20) How can we justify a desire for rewards for our labor in light of God’s free gift of salvation and our love for him? What does Christ reward? What doesn’t he reward? Why should showing accountability to our Master bring us pleasure? How does it motivate us? It is true that we have free grace and salvation but that shouldn't be taken so lightly when ministering and teaching the word to others. We are to be responsible and not sinful in our endevours to fulfill the commission given to us. Rewards are earned, grace and salvation were given. I want to hear well done from my Lord and not be guilty of quick and sloopy works for His Kingdom on earth. Our mission to people with the Word is serious and the salvation of their souls is of upmost importance. Christ will not reward works done for self glory or gain. Works are rewarded that are done in pure love for another. I pray to be able to stand accountable and not be ashamed of my work for the Lord on earth. To see His pleasure in what I accomplished for Him will give me great joy. I need nothing more than that. My love for Jesus motivates me.

Q5. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) What is the role of the Word of God in molding disciples’ lives? Does it have a power of its own? How does that seem to operate? What are the implications for disciplers of this powerful action of the Word? The role of the Word of God in molding? Thessalonians 2:13 says once the Word is RECEIVED and BELIEVED it begins to work in us. That is power of and in itself to transform and mold a person. For the disciplers of the Word it is joy unspeakable to see the Word of the Lord in action in those who have received it and believed it. It is our commission to spread this to all and give it as Jesus did.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12) Why are “fatherly” roles so important to making disciples? How effectively do you think women can adopt these traits? Fatherly roles are important because fathers lead their families in a specific direction. They are role models, good or bad. Women can adopt these traits, especially when a male figure is absent. They then combine their love and nurturing traits with a fathers role of leading specifically in a direction that has purpose and encouraging those she leads to stay on that path. She is a good discipler.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 2:6b-8) Why are “motherly” nurturing qualities so important to growing disciples? How effectively can male disciplers adopt some of these traits? We all need to be loved and cared for. We learn from this and what is passed on to us we then pass on to others. What was good for us in our lives we pass it on as we received it as we did from our mothers who poured themselves out daily for us through all situations. Mothers who lifted us up and gave us courage when we didn't understand what was happening in life. Mothers who loved us without condition or need for return of the same. Steadfastness in love and nurturing makes for a spiritually healthy disciple. Male disciplers can do the same because they lead by the example that discipled them.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6) Which of the character flaws mentioned in these verses is the greatest problem in the church? Why do you say that? How can you prevent one of these character flaws from overtaking you? Which is the greatest problem? ALL OF THEM!! Some churches have a few problems and others are just getting by with pleasing the congregation to keep it together so they can have a building called church. The people need an Awakening that will cause them to be the church whether they are inside of a tent or preaching the word under a bridge. The old revivals, not revival services, had power in them because the truth was told. We need that now. If we maintain the truth we will stand as Paul and move forward with pure motives.

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 2:2) Why is personal courage such an important character trait for a disciple – and for a discipler? How does lack of courage prevent evangelism? How does lack of courage prevent a congregation from being healthy? What is God calling you to do that will require courage on your part? Personal courage is an important trait for a disciple if they are following in the footsteps of Christ and are to be an example of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Paul set a great example of this for the Thessalonians. Even after enduring some hardships and animosity for the truth he shared he then spoke of all this as an accomplished endevour for the gospel. He stood the test as he discipled others to do the same as he did. Paul was a great discipler of many and a disciple of the living Christ. Paul shows the example, stands the test and moves on to continue spreading the gospel no matter what the cost. Had Paul been any different or backed off from threats then he would have failed to evangelize the people. This causes a spiritual void or sickness in the people. It brings insecurity and fear. I believe I am called no differenty than Paul and that is to stand with courage and continue on spreading the good news and its empowerment of the Holy Spirit in these last days. This is when heaven moves on earth in the sight of others to set a distinction between God's true disciples and the others.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 1:10) What does verse 10 teach us about the Christian faith? Which of these elements are most important? Which are less important? Which are underemphasized by the church in our day? It teaches all the foundational truths! Which is most important? All are important!! Least important? NONE!! What is underempahasized by the church in our day has been the wrath of God. Most refuse to believe there is a penalty for sin in our lives. There is a penalty for the sins of a country that has fallen away and denied the Lord. His anger and wrath is sure to come when iniquity is on the increase and the cup becomes full!

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6a) How important is imitation in the formation of a new Christian’s spiritual life? What kinds of ministry are most conducive to imitation? Why is the character of the mentor or leader so important to the health of the church? How well do people grow in Christ who aren’t part of a Christian community? In what way is your character important to your family and spiritual children? Imitation is very important in a new Christian's life. It is the imprinting of Christ in our lives through Pastors and leaders in the body of Christ. The charactor of a mentor or leader will help bring the spiritual health and well being to the church that home faith alone cannot bring. We all need good mentors to keep our minds and hearts renewed. My character and actions are important to my family and spiritual children by whether or not my life emulates the risen Christ.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5) Why is the Holy Spirit’s working so necessary to effective ministry? What happens when the main power behind our ministry is will-power? What is the role of miracles in Paul’s evangelism? What would happen if we saw miracles in evangelism in our day? What is hindering this? We cannot accomplish the works of Jesus on our own or without the help and leading of the Holy Spirit. When we use our own wills to accomplish a Godly work it becomes empty and fruitless. Signs and wonders follow God's people. It is a sign from God for the unbelievers and believers as well. The role of miracles in Paul's evangelism was a sure sign to those who saw and listened to Him. A sign that the living Christ is indeed real and empowers His people. This won people to Christ! Today this same evangeism is hindered because many believe it was for the early church and not now. Some pastors or those with recognized ministries and preaching abilities fail to nuture or see the need to nurture those that flow in gifts other than their own. Many have received gifts of healing and miracles but stay dormant in the pews!

Q1 (Acts 17:1-10) Why was there so much strong oppostion to Pauls ministry in Thessalonica? The Thessalonians Jews were threatened by Paul and Silas with the teaching they brought about Jesus. They were Jews who stood by old traditions and teachings and had missed the foretold coming of Christ as many will miss the signs of His second coming. They saw that some people were listening to their teachings and turning from them so they looked for a way to destroy this threat. Why does Paul keep preaching even with the violent reaction from the jews? Paul was saved himself in a very dramatic way by our Lord. His encounter empowered his heart with great conviction to carry the gospel to everywhere he could go regardless of the risk to himself. Should we stop if we experience a violent encounter? By NO means!!! We are commissioned to spread the gospel and do the same as our Saviour. We are to take the truth to whom ever will receive it!

Q1. (Acts 17:1:10) Why was there so much opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica? They brought truth and it was not heard by the Thessalonian Jews. They were in the ways of their tradition and missed the coming of Jesus the first as many will miss the signs of the times in the second coming. They were jealous of anything that threatened their beliefs and teachings. The people were turning to listen to Paul and Silas and some converting to the truth of the death and resurrection of the Messiah. Why does Paul keep preaching the gospel, even though there is often a vilonet reation against him? Once having met Jesus and especially the way it happened on the road to Damascus we can understand Paul's devotion and determination to let nothing stop him from spreading the truth about Jesus to all who would listen and accept Him. The love and will of God is that no one perish. Paul moved as one who was going to totally fulfill his commission at any cost. Does a violent reaction to our ministry mean we should stop? NO! By no means should we stop. We should keep moving to each and every place and person our Lord takes us. Salvation is for everyone and we are the vehicles to provide the truth of this!!

God can receive more glory in my local congregation by the way I live, act and express His great gifting in His infilling daily in my life. I will speak of the fullness in His glory in myself, my life and encourage others in this same way as I pray for them to have the eyes of understanding opened in their hearts to receive this.

In verse 3:20 its stimulates my faith and expectation of God doing so much more than what I can even imagine to ask for in prayer for myself and others. The power that is within me is full of gifts and healing and direction and HIS LOVE. When I try to comprehend this I limit God to working within my own understanding. My understanding lacks much information. I can get past this by just letting go and believing God. I am filled with a fullness and reenergized everyday to know and expect all good things beyond my expectations are happening. He works beyond what I can even dream of.

I don't believe I have ever prayed for a fellow believer that he or she might be "filled with all the fullness of God." I am coming into understanding of this now and now I can begin to pray for this for myself and others. I would be praying for believers to be filled with the knowledge and power of God with the understanding of how limitless this is and that it is beyond all human comprehension. This would relate to Eph 5:27 in that being filled with the fullness of God will leave a person radiant with His presence and holy before God. In respect to Col 1:28 we are proclaiming and teaching and praying the fullness of God to and in the believer so they made stand holy in His presence.

Q6. (3:17-19) Why does Paul pray that the believers grasp the fullest extent of Christ's love for them? How does comprehending this love change a person's spiritual life? Is there any end to Christ's love for a person? Paul wants believers to know that there is no end to this love. You will never find the end of it! It is beyond human comprehesion and he wants believers to grasp this. He wants them to know that if they search it out they will find more and more to take them through the trials of life here and carry them through eternity. Gods love is so beautiful and without anyones measures. The beginning of understanding this love puts a steadfastness in a believers heart and walk. This gives the believer confidence now. The believer now has a relationship that is not known like any other on earth. THERE IS NO END TO CHRIST'S LOVE FOR A PERSON! NO END IN THIS WORLD OR THE NEXT!!

Paul prays for strengthening of the inner man so that you can better experience God, understand Him and start to realize the greatness of His Love! I would pray as Paul did. I would pray for myself for this enlightening so that I could pass the same on to others. God is a real wealth of what we need that is limitless. To pray for this empowering to be stronger will open the eyes of our hearts to what is now and before us. We need this strengthening. Paul prays for Christ to dwell in believers hearts. This happens when we accept Him as Lord but the empowering is the Holy Spirit. We need both actions in our lives. Paul knew this and passed it on.