Today we read the final chapters the Apostle Paul wrote, in which he said, “the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness …” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). His encouragement to… Read More Today’s thought “Equipped for every good work” (November 26)
This is what Paul declared in 2 Timothy (1:12). This is the final letter of Paul’s life and he writes with utter conviction. It becomes obvious as we read these four chapters that Paul is writing from his heart; this is both because of his special affection for Timothy and because he is aware from… Read More Today’s thought “For I know whom I have believed” (November 24)
Today we completed reading Paul’s first letter to Timothy who was his “true child in the faith” (1:2). There are so many lessons for us for our days in these two letters; they reveal the wonder of a genuine spiritual relationship. In today’s final chapter Paul details warnings to Timothy – “if anyone teaches a… Read More Today’s thought “Flee these things. Pursue …” (November 23)
Today’s thought “Speaking the truth in love” (October 6) How wonderful to know what is true – the Truth that the Bible alone reveals. Yet how often do we see examples in history of such knowledge causing people to be “puffed up” and pleased with themselves – an attitude which undermines their privilege in understanding… Read More Today’s thought “Speaking the truth in love” (October 6)
“Your blood be on your own heads” The Apostle Paul frequently encountered conflict as he travelled to different communities preaching the message of the cross. At each place he started by preaching to the Jews in their synagogues. We read today that “he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and… Read More Today’s thought “Your blood be on your own heads” (May 07)
The command through Paul, that a bishop, elder, or deacon must be “the husband of one wife” (1 Tim.iii. 2, 12) cannot possibly mean that no brother can be appointed an elder (or presiding brother, as known to us) who is not a married man, for Paul himself, who had “the care of all the… Read More Unmarried Elders
Today’s thought “If we endure” (May 26) 2 Timothy 2 We continue reading the very personal final letter of Paul to Timothy, his “beloved child” in the faith. He says to him (and can we imagine this being to us?) “my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you… Read More Today’s thought “If we endure” (May 26)
Today’s Thought “Flee these things” (May 24) The Apostle Paul concludes his first letter to “his son” (Philippians 2:22). Timothy with a survey of the problems and bad influences amongst some of the believers. He stresses the things he should teach adding, “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound… Read More Today’s Thought “Flee these things” (May 24)
Today’s thought “Godly and dignified” (May 22) We live in a world where those in authority are constantly being challenged. Where democracy is practised, elections become public confrontations. An earnest and committed Bible believer has feelings of dismay. What attitudes should they take? In the early days of our community, the pioneers were confronted in… Read More Today’s thought “Godly and dignified” (May 22)
Today’s thought “… God who tests our hearts” (May 17) Paul makes a very instructive point in his first letter to the Thessalonians that we started reading today. Paul was greatly encouraged by the believers there and had many positive things to say about them – rather a contrast to his letters to the Corinthians.… Read More Today’s thought “… God who tests our hearts” (May 17)
Today’s thought “When in need of encouragement” (May 18) Yesterday we could see in his letter to the Thessalonians that Paul could find encouragement by the believers there of which he had many positive things to say, rather in contrast to the Corinthians. Though it appeared that there were also those in Thessalonica who were… Read More Today’s thought “When in need of encouragement” (May 18)
Yesterday and today’s readings (2 Kings 7-8, Lamentations 3-4, 1 Corinthians 16– 2 Corinthians 1-2) bring to us very practical chapters demonstrating how God knows the future but also how He is willing to share His knowledge with us so that we can prepare ourselves for the hard times to come. In this week where… Read More Listening to the lessons of the Bible and looking for ways to please God
We are aware how true Paul’s prediction has been throughout history: that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go from bad to worse. But as for you (and us!) continue in what you have learned and firmly believed … how from… Read More Increase our zeal for the Holy scriptures
The Word of God tells us that the Son of man goes as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! Throughout history we have seen that many betrayed Christ Jesus and made him an other person to highlight their own thinking and to make… Read More Illuminating our minds and watching out
Typically of Biblestudents is that they do take the Word of God seriously. They also like to look at the Bible and place it in the light of what is going on today in this world. Watching what is going on many bible-students become convinced that the return of our Lord Jesus cannot be long… Read More Looking on what is going on and not being of it
Belgian Ecclesia Brussel - Leuven 