childrens book of 1 Thessalonians 3 to 4

Childrens Book of 1 Thessalonians
Chapters 3 - 5

I have written this for children, based solely on the Word of God, but condensed for them... and used Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary for clarification of some words. My added comments are in italics, and there is usually a memory verse at the end..

Chapter 3

When we (Paul) thought it would be better to be left in Athens alone, we sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, to establish and comfort you in your faith, so that no one would be moved from their faith (because they were being persecuted) I wanted to know how you were withstanding your persecutions, or if by some way, the devil was able to move you from your faith.

But when Timothy came back to us, he brought good news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us, and that you very much want to see us, as we also desire to see you. Therefore brothers, we were comforted by your faith. For now we live, if you stand fast (in your faith) in the Lord. We are filled with joy before God for your sakes. Night and day we pray that we might see you face to face, and might bring to perfection (spiritual maturity) that which is lacking in your faith.

Now God our Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, bring us back to you. And the Lord make you to increase in love one to another, and toward all men, just as we do toward you. So that the Lord might establish your hearts so they are blameless in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints (those Christians who have died before.)

no memory verse for this chapter.

Chapter 4

Brothers we plead with you by the Lord Jesus, that you have been taught by us (Paul) how you should walk (according to the leading of the Spirit) to please God... Every one of you should know that you are not to live giving in to temptations as those that do not know God, for God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness. God has taught you to love one another..

Study to live a quiet life, and do your own business, and work with your own hands so that you might walk honestly, and you may lack nothing (God has promised to supply all your needs according to his promises).

Brothers, I want you to understand about those who are asleep (those who have died in Christ), that you are not filled with sorrow as others are that have no hope (hope of resurrection) If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, those that sleep in Jesus (Christians who have died) God will bring with Jesus (when he comes again).

For we say this to you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not rise before those who are asleep (those who are Christians who have died) For the Lord himself shall come down from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we who are alive and remain (until the coming of the Lord Jesus) shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Therefore, comfort one another with these words.

Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:17 "Then we who are alive and remain (until the coming of the Lord Jesus) shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

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Chapter 5

Brothers, you have no need for me to write to you about when this will happen. For you know that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. For when they say "Peace and safety" then sudden destruction comes upon them and they shall not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that the day will come as a thief.

You are all children of light (the light of the world is Jesus) we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Therefore let us watch (for the Saviour's return and also be on guard against temptations) and be sober (be serious about how we live our life in Christ)

Let us put on (the armor of God, Ephesians 6) the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not meant for us to have part in his wrath (upon the ungodly in this world) but to obtain salvation (the day of our resurrection to be always with the Lord Jesus). Who (Jesus) died for us so whether we wake or sleep, we shall live with him.

Comfort yourselves, and build each other up. Respect those who are your elders in the Lord, because they are worker's for the Lord. Be at peace among yourselves.

Rejoice all the time, pray all the time, give thanks for everything: this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Do not quench the Spirit (by giving in to temptations of the world).. Test all things, and hold to those that are good. Stay away from all appearance of eviil.

I pray to God that your spirit, soul and body will be blameless till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calls you (God) who will also do it. Pray for us.

Let this letter be read to all the holy brothers.. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.. Amen.

Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:24 "Faithful is he that calls you (God) who will also do it."

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V. Gross/Jan'07