1 & 2 Thessalonians, Titus & Philemon

Paul's two letters to the Thessalonians are deeply personal. Although he was encouraged by their faith, hope, and love, Paul was still mindful of their vulnerability. So he wrote to build their spiritual muscles, helping them live faithfully while awaiting Christ's return. Full of encouragement and exhortation, their prophetic insights will keep you focused on what is truth as we look to Christ alone to be our faithful strength-no matter how difficult the future may appear. The book of Titus reminds us that right beliefs should impact every area of our lives-relationships, work, community-for right living always accompanies right doctrine. In today's culture, we need this prophetic reminder that the grace that saves us is the same grace that empowers us to live a life of good works! Finally, Philemon is a letter written with one purpose: to bring reconciliation between two brothers in Christ. We should be grateful to God for gifting us this letter because the dignity of every human being is brought forth powerfully in the story of Philemon and Onesimus-a story of forgiving love.What treasures are found in the pages of these letters! They will leave you richer in your spiritual life and empower you to persevere until the day Jesus returns in glory.

DR. BRIAN SIMMONS is a passionate lover of God. After a dramatic conversion to Christ, Brian knew that God was calling him to go to the unreached people of the world and present the gospel of God's grace to all who would listen. With his wife, Candice, and their three children, he spent eight years in the tropical rain forest of the Darien Province of Panama as a church planter, translator, and consultant. Having been trained in linguistics and Bible translation principles, Brian assisted in the Paya-Kuna New Testament translation project. After his ministry overseas, Brian was instrumental in planting a thriving church in New England (U.S.) and currently travels full time as a speaker and Bible teacher. He is the lead translator of The Passion Translation®.