Columbus, OH
Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on 1Thessalonians 4:1,4,9,11-18 posted August 1, 2013 - Prayer Tents
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Let us:
- Be pleasing to God (v. 1)
- Live in holiness and honor (v. 4)
- Love one another (v. 9)
- Live a quiet life (and not be a cumberance to others) (v. 11)
- Work with your hands (be diligent) (v. 11)
- be respected by the way that we live, especially for those who do not believe in Jesus yet (v. 12)
- Live this way as we look forward to the perfect future. (v. 13-18)
These are the crux of the To One Another Ministries that we live to please God by seeking holiness, and out of the love that we receive from Him to be unto others. And thus, may our lives be attractive to all people.
Certainly some of us are attractive in our services, but truly, God is checking our hearts, which lead to how we live our lives outside the church. Let us ask the Lord to cleanse our hearts so that we may be pure in His sight, and may our hearts be unto others.
1Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. 4Then each of you will control his own body① and live in holiness and honor—/ ①Or will know how to take a wife for himself; or will learn to live with his own wife; Greek reads will know how to possess his own vessel 9But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another. 11Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. 13And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 15We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. 17Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18So encourage each other with these words.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
New York, NY
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New York, NY
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Scriptures Marked by Sang Sur
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Monday, September 8, 2025
Jesus appoints us the same, to be continually by His side, to preach and have authority to heal the sick and cast out demons.
Jesus appoints us the same, to be continually by His side, to preach and have authority to heal the sick and cast out demons.
Sunday, September 7, 2025
God had a special plan for Peter. All disciples vowed to not deny Jesus. It wasn't just Peter who was confronted with this question. But why was Peter singled out? Because he has a special mission, ... [see more]
God had a special plan for Peter. All disciples vowed to not deny Jesus. It wasn't just Peter who was confronted with this question. But why was Peter singled out? Because he has a special mission, ... [see more]
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Children do not pay taxes (or are heavily burdened). These verses share two truths regarding our eternal lives. Children (of God), those who have faith in Jesus, will 1. Are exempt from laboring to ... [see more]
Children do not pay taxes (or are heavily burdened). These verses share two truths regarding our eternal lives. Children (of God), those who have faith in Jesus, will 1. Are exempt from laboring to ... [see more]
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Enjoy our foolishness—that's power! How did Peter, James and John know it was Moses and Elijah? They never saw them from a thousand year ago. They felt it was them, and it was. They spoke foolishl... [see more]
Enjoy our foolishness—that's power! How did Peter, James and John know it was Moses and Elijah? They never saw them from a thousand year ago. They felt it was them, and it was. They spoke foolishl... [see more]
Sunday, August 24, 2025
God's provision. Mary and Joseph had no money to even find a place to give birth, but the angel tells them now to move to a foreign land. Where would they get the provision to do this? God sent the ... [see more]
God's provision. Mary and Joseph had no money to even find a place to give birth, but the angel tells them now to move to a foreign land. Where would they get the provision to do this? God sent the ... [see more]
Saturday, August 23, 2025
How can an eight year old kid know right from wrong, other than to follow the ways of his parents. Jehoiachin has a sad story with parents who believed they were God's followers, but were not. Now th... [see more]
How can an eight year old kid know right from wrong, other than to follow the ways of his parents. Jehoiachin has a sad story with parents who believed they were God's followers, but were not. Now th... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
As kings (leaders in the places where God has established us), people are awaiting the right decision. They want to act, but due to our inattention, they might just twiddle their thumbs hoping for tru... [see more]
As kings (leaders in the places where God has established us), people are awaiting the right decision. They want to act, but due to our inattention, they might just twiddle their thumbs hoping for tru... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
Let this be our cry, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Decide to trust God only, then act continually in accordance with that decision.
Let this be our cry, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Decide to trust God only, then act continually in accordance with that decision.
Friday, August 22, 2025
First steps as a king (or any position, venture). Take care of things broken that relate to our worship of God. Hezekiah, known as a good king in God's eyes, first repaired the temple his dad messed ... [see more]
First steps as a king (or any position, venture). Take care of things broken that relate to our worship of God. Hezekiah, known as a good king in God's eyes, first repaired the temple his dad messed ... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
When we are bullied (injured by others, led to uncertainty), we are to go to God. The opposite is pride and self-reliance. And it never works.
When we are bullied (injured by others, led to uncertainty), we are to go to God. The opposite is pride and self-reliance. And it never works.
Friday, August 22, 2025
God's grace gives us the ability to turn and repent. When we think about the hardening of the hearts of people in the past (Pharaoh, Israelites, etc.), we can't imagine a winning army turning from th... [see more]
God's grace gives us the ability to turn and repent. When we think about the hardening of the hearts of people in the past (Pharaoh, Israelites, etc.), we can't imagine a winning army turning from th... [see more]
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Not internalizing what we hear. Joash heard "sermons" all his life. Yet, he didn't internalize them and took them lightly. Perhaps he is a picture of a modern day church-goer who attends faithfully ... [see more]
Not internalizing what we hear. Joash heard "sermons" all his life. Yet, he didn't internalize them and took them lightly. Perhaps he is a picture of a modern day church-goer who attends faithfully ... [see more]
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Joash never grew up. At seven, he had a great mentor Jehoiada who directed him in God's ways. Things went well when Joash followed. Yet, his growth should have led to making those wise decisions hi... [see more]
Joash never grew up. At seven, he had a great mentor Jehoiada who directed him in God's ways. Things went well when Joash followed. Yet, his growth should have led to making those wise decisions hi... [see more]
Monday, August 18, 2025
When God responds, the actions of a king, and actions of the priests. When God speaks (prophets): Kings kneel before Him submitting to God and causing everyone else to follow suit. Priests rise up ... [see more]
When God responds, the actions of a king, and actions of the priests. When God speaks (prophets): Kings kneel before Him submitting to God and causing everyone else to follow suit. Priests rise up ... [see more]
Monday, August 18, 2025
A way to defend, pray. When a battle comes our way, our immediate stance can be to take action, prepare for war, or do anything to minimize the blow or overcome the attack. Yet, there is a more impo... [see more]
A way to defend, pray. When a battle comes our way, our immediate stance can be to take action, prepare for war, or do anything to minimize the blow or overcome the attack. Yet, there is a more impo... [see more]
Sunday, August 17, 2025
How to gain respect. Let God grant that for you. Jehoshaphat didn't do much beyond setting up defenses, which is expected for a king. Yet, there was a strange glow of respect for him throughout the l... [see more]
How to gain respect. Let God grant that for you. Jehoshaphat didn't do much beyond setting up defenses, which is expected for a king. Yet, there was a strange glow of respect for him throughout the l... [see more]
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Asking God for help might be harder than we think, and we should always get into this position of seeking His help! When we are down and don't have the resources and understanding, we have no choice ... [see more]
Asking God for help might be harder than we think, and we should always get into this position of seeking His help! When we are down and don't have the resources and understanding, we have no choice ... [see more]
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Every battle against us, or ones we initiate as God directs is always about God. That's why the priests blow the trumpets to initiate them, not the warriors of battle. The trumpet declares that "you... [see more]
Every battle against us, or ones we initiate as God directs is always about God. That's why the priests blow the trumpets to initiate them, not the warriors of battle. The trumpet declares that "you... [see more]
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Makings of a bad king—God is not important to him. His heart neither cares for or seeks God.
Makings of a bad king—God is not important to him. His heart neither cares for or seeks God.
Friday, August 15, 2025
Giving something valuable. Cattles and sheep were valuable things. That is why it was an offering, giving up something meaningful because we recognize God deserves them and He can always provide us w... [see more]
Giving something valuable. Cattles and sheep were valuable things. That is why it was an offering, giving up something meaningful because we recognize God deserves them and He can always provide us w... [see more]
Friday, August 15, 2025
How did Solomon know the future of Israel? Many of us would like to believe we will always remain faithful, and God (who is good!) will take care of us and keep us in our "blessings." Solomon knew t... [see more]
How did Solomon know the future of Israel? Many of us would like to believe we will always remain faithful, and God (who is good!) will take care of us and keep us in our "blessings." Solomon knew t... [see more]
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Blessings and praise of God, even from a foreign pagan king! All because Solomon sought to do what pleased God, God was honored. It is not hard to evangelize or make Him known. Just seek His kingdom... [see more]
Blessings and praise of God, even from a foreign pagan king! All because Solomon sought to do what pleased God, God was honored. It is not hard to evangelize or make Him known. Just seek His kingdom... [see more]
Thursday, August 14, 2025
A center of worship where people would go. It is Biblical to have a place of worship, and to go physically for that purpose. Reliance on online activities will detract from our surrender and worship ... [see more]
A center of worship where people would go. It is Biblical to have a place of worship, and to go physically for that purpose. Reliance on online activities will detract from our surrender and worship ... [see more]
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Chronicles was written after the events. In hindsight, Solomon did well and God was with him and gave him much help. How awesome it would be to say that about our lives after we die. We can! Like S... [see more]
Chronicles was written after the events. In hindsight, Solomon did well and God was with him and gave him much help. How awesome it would be to say that about our lives after we die. We can! Like S... [see more]
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
One mistake that affects others. Leaders are held at a high standard. Others can suffer because of a leader's lack of holiness.
One mistake that affects others. Leaders are held at a high standard. Others can suffer because of a leader's lack of holiness.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Confidence that comes from trusting God. David was not the only one confident in what God can do through him. With David's faith, others in his leadership held the same crazy faith and confidence to... [see more]
Confidence that comes from trusting God. David was not the only one confident in what God can do through him. With David's faith, others in his leadership held the same crazy faith and confidence to... [see more]
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
How awesome when God is for us (and we are in His heart's plans). God fights for us, and we win.
How awesome when God is for us (and we are in His heart's plans). God fights for us, and we win.
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Commanders of thousands bow before God. (So does the king who command the commanders of thousands). Those who are in the battlefield day in, day out, in battle the previous day, or in continual train... [see more]
Commanders of thousands bow before God. (So does the king who command the commanders of thousands). Those who are in the battlefield day in, day out, in battle the previous day, or in continual train... [see more]
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