Issues In Perspective

We complete our study of 2 Thessalonians, with Paul's encouragement to believers to live holy & productive lives.

Paul reminds us that God loves His people & we are in the process of being sanctified. We are reminded to hold fast to His teachings, and encourage others to consider to the Gospel of the Lord.

In 2nd Thessalonians 2, we have a brief summary of the End times, including discussion of events that must occur before the judgments of the Day of the Lord.

Paul reminds the Thessalonian people of his teachings on end times & discusses 'The Man of Lawlessness'. We are reminded to set aside fears & wonders of this coming time, and to focus the promise that Jesus will return for His people.

2 Thessalonians 1:8 states "He will punish those who do not know God." Dr Eckman takes us to Romans 1, 2, & 3 to discuss this verse & give understanding on 'being accountable to the Light received."

Paul's 2nd letter to the Thessalonians begins with comfort & understanding for the people of this Church enduring much suffering. Paul encourages them that their faith & love grows during such times, and that such difficulties are evidence of their righteous judgement.

Paul concludes his 1st letter to the Thessalonian people, reminding us to hold fast to what is good, turn from sin, and to live our lives according to the promises & hope that our Lord Jesus Christ offers.

We discuss Paul's practical instructions for supporting church leaders & interacting with others, plus gives 3 commands for personal holiness.

Paul reminds the Thessalonians about the coming "Day of The Lord," and explains how this can be a time of blessing & salvation, or that of judgement & wrath. To be "prepared" is the simple act of accepting the gospel of Christ.

Paul describes how Christ will fulfill His promise to come back for His people. Dr. Eckman discusses Biblical truth for this coming event, including details for the resurrection of the dead.

Paul gives instructions on Sanctification - conforming one's life to the image of Christ. It is God's will for our lives to be sanctified, and we are encouraged to develop a strategy for avoiding sin & being Holy.

Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonians, and Timothy brought back word of the persecution they were undergoing, and of their steadfastness in the midst of it. We are encouraged in our lives today to grow in our dependence & trust in God, and live holy lives pleasing to Him.

Dr. Eckman discusses Paul's teachings on the differences of hearing, receiving, and accepting the Word of God, and learning to see others & the world around us through God's perspective.

Dr. Eckman leads this discussion involving Paul's defense of his motive & his ministry to the Thessalonians. These passages encourage us to examine our lifestyle & behaviors, to be sure they are honoring to God.

Paul gives thanks to the Thessalonian people for their faith, as they had become good models to other believers in the region. We are encouraged to be the same models of Christ in modern times.

Dr. Eckman begins a new study of the book of 1 Thessalonians. We discuss cultural & geographical factors of the time, and a breakdown of Paul's opening statement of Thanksgiving.

Paul concludes his letter to the Philippians, encouraging us to be content with everything & every situation God puts before us.

What we think about is important to God: Paul continues his call for Peace with a directive & thorough description of 'the right thoughts' for Peace in one's mind.

Paul makes a Call for Peace: Peace in the Church and Peace in one's inner self, encouraging believers to have gratitude, be gentle with others, and to not be anxious.

"Future promises determine present behavior" - Paul reminds the church at Philippi that because one has accepted Christ as a Savior, our thoughts & actions will be shaped & molded by Him.