July 4 "God's Cosmic Plan"
Alternate Title: "Finding Life"

Bible Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11  (For the alternate title, read 1 Thessalonians 5:14)

What we shall learn from this lesson: Paul reminded the Thessalonians that God chose to save them through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Even though Christ ascended to heaven, He shall return to take those who are saved (whether dead or alive) to be with him for all eternity. He said when this happens, the believers will not be surprised because they already expect His return, though the exact day and time is unknown.

This series of events is God's plan for our salvation and how we will obtain eternal life.

The above link is for the King James Version. You may also wish to read the New Living Translation of
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 . When you get to the New Living Translation web site, scroll down the page a short distance to find the Scripture.

July 11 "Glory to Christ"
Alternate Title: "Finding Purpose in Life"

Bible Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 

What we shall learn from this lesson: When Paul wrote the second letter to the Thessalonians, the persecution of their church had intensified. In the second letter, Paul encouraged them to persevere and stay strong in their beliefs because, in the end the Lord will punish the persecutors and reward the believers for their vigilance. Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians was that Jesus give them the power to accomplish all the good things of which they seek for the ministry. Living such a purposeful life would honor the name of Lord Jesus and they would be honored along with Him.

By us living a godly life in the face of a steady stream of worldly temptation, we honor the name of our Lord and consequently, we will be honored along with Him.

The above link is for the King James Version. You may also wish to read the New Living Translation of
2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 . When you get to the New Living Translation web site, scroll down the page a short distance to find the Scripture.

July 18 "Chosen and Called"
Alternate Title: "Standing Firm"

Bible Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 

What we shall learn from this lesson: Paul was confident that God chose and called the Thessalonian Christians. He encouraged them to stand firm in their faith in the face of attacks and influences by misguided or satan-driven non-believers. This is a recurrent theme in his letters to the Thessalonians because Paul knew how vulnerable this new church was to forces of persecution and false teachings. He wanted to strengthen them through encouragement so they would not fall victim to fears and doubts and then lose the salvation that awaits all believers.

By us living a godly life in the face of a steady stream of worldly temptation, we honor the name of our Lord and, consequently, we will be honored along with Him and receive salvation through Jesus Christ.

The above link is for the King James Version. You may also wish to read the New Living Translation of
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 . When you get to the New Living Translation web site, scroll down the page a short distance to find the Scripture.

July 25 "God's Own Faithfulness"
Alternate Title: "Finding Strength"

Bible Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-15 

What we shall learn from this lesson: In this letter, Paul requests prayer and gives assurance that God loved the Thessalonian Christians and would remain faithful to them during times of trouble. Christians are expected to love as God loves and to practice patient endurance as Jesus endured. The Thessalonian church was told by Paul not to continue to take care of members that were too lazy to work for a living, but to continue to help those in genuine need. To emphasize this point, he reminded them of the example he and his companions had set while there: they worked for what was given them and did not ask for charity.

As we contemplate this lesson, let us be assured if we remain faithful to God, He will remain faithful. Christians should not be lazy in working for a living or working for God's kingdom on earth. What we do in church is voluntary, but we should not use that as an excuse for not giving of our time and talents ... we should find the strength to do what God wants of us with a grateful spirit.

The above link is for the King James Version. You may also wish to read the New Living Translation of
2 Thessalonians 3:1-15 . When you get to the New Living Translation web site, scroll down the page a short distance to find the Scripture.

August 1 "Sharing God's Grace"
Alternate Title: "Overcoming Obstacles"

Bible Lesson: Philippians 1:18b-29 

What we shall learn from this lesson: Philippians was written by Paul from prison (as was Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon). He wrote the letter to encourage the Philippian Christians to remain steadfast in the face of persecution, because it was an honor to suffer for Christ's sake. Paul explained how he was not afraid of death, because that would put him in the presence of Christ as he desired. But, he also wanted to live so he could continue to spead the Good News and bring more people to Christ. By explaining this as he did, it gave the Philippians the perspective they needed to endure suffering in order to share in God's grace after their life on earth.

There is a saying, "Keep your eyes on the prize!" Many of us don't like to paint the house, cut the yard, study in school, or even exercise but, by doing these things we are rewarded in the end. The house and yard will look very nice, we will get a degree from school and a better financial future, and by exercising, we will have better health and looks. One of the best ways for Christians to overcome obstacles (such as temptations and worldly pressures) is to totally focus on the spiritual reward of eternal life with our Lord and Savior. Thus we should remain faithful to Him on earth.

The above link is for the King James Version. You may also wish to read the New Living Translation of
Philippians 1:18b-29. When you get to the New Living Translation web site, scroll down the page a short distance to find the Scripture.

August 8 "Giving of Oneself"
Alternate Title: "Serving Others"

Bible Lesson: Philippians 2:1-13 

What we shall learn from this lesson: The main theme of this section of Scripture is humility and service. Paul wanted the Philippian Christians not to be selfish but to model their lives after Christ; it was He who gave up many divine privileges to live on earth as a man and allow Himself to be tortured and killed for the sins of mankind. This was the ultimate sacrifice to serve the needs of others, the ultimate example of giving of oneself, and ultimate humble obedience to the Father. As a result, He was given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).

To live as Christ did, we must not be selfish, but we should help each other with a willing and humble spirit.

The above link is for the King James Version. You may also wish to read the New Living Translation of
Philippians 2:1-13 . When you get to the New Living Translation web site, scroll down the page a short distance to find the Scripture.

August 15 "Living into the Future"
Alternate Title: "A Focus for Life"

Bible Lesson: Philippians 3:7-16 

What we shall learn from this lesson: Paul said, "...I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and to receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3:13-14 NLT. From this passage of Scripture, we can see the main influence on his life was his focus on the heavenly prize of eternal life that awaited him in the future.

Christianity is a continuing effort. We should never stop doing what Jesus wants us to and always expect to work in the future to accomplish more for Him. The "race" is never over until we breathe our last breath here on earth. Therefore "living into the future" for Christ is the Christian's "focus for life".

The above link is for the King James Version. You may also wish to read the New Living Translation of
Philippians 3:7-16 . When you get to the New Living Translation web site, scroll down the page a short distance to find the Scripture.

August 22 "Growing in Joy and Peace"
Alternate Title: "Finding Peace"

Bible Lesson: Philippians 4:2-14 

What we shall learn from this lesson: Paul's joy came from being thankful for the Good News of Jesus Christ, even in his times of persecution and difficulty. For it was because of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection that believers can be forgiven of their sins and receive eternal life with our Lord. Because of this Good News, Paul wanted the Philippian Christians to experience this same type of joy and peace by not worrying about anything and praying about everything. He called this "God's peace".

Christians can find peace regardless of their circumstances, if we focus on the goodness of the Lord and on godly ideals. By practicing this in our daily life, we can grow stronger in our faith and be more resilient during times of high stress or grief.

The above link is for the King James Version. You may also wish to read the New Living Translation of
Philippians 4:2-14 . When you get to the New Living Translation web site, scroll down the page a short distance to find the Scripture.

August 29 "Upheld by God"
Alternate Title: "Keeping Committments"

Bible Lesson: Acts 28:16-25, 28-31 

What we shall learn from this lesson: Paul continued to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ even though he got little support from many Jewish leaders. They did not believe Paul when he said the Messiah (as prophesied in the Bible) had already come in the person of Jesus. He was arrested by the Jews and held for prosecution even though he had broken no laws. Primarily to avoid an assassination plot, he had exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar in Rome. While there, he preached the gospel to those that would listen even though doing so was obviously dangerous for his wellbeing. This demonstrated commitment to his beliefs.

Sometimes, we must be true to our beliefs and not let those that express doubt and disbelief keep us from expressing what we know to be the truth or the best course of action. There will be those who will attempt to persuade us from doing what we know is godly and right but we must keep our committment to exercise Christian behavior.

The above link is for the King James Version. You may also wish to read the New Living Translation of
Acts 28:16-25, 28-31. When you get to the New Living Translation web site, scroll down the page a short distance to find the Scripture.

For access to all chapters of the King James Version Bible in audio and visual formats, visit
the Audio-Bible.com web site.

For other versions (NIV, New Living Translation, etc.) of the Bible in audio and visual formats, visit the
World Wide Study Bible page of Christian Classics Eternal Library site. Also visit the New Living Translation web site.

Some information on this page is referenced from the NLT Study Bible and the Ryrie Study Bible (NIV).