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The traditions and history of the Advent Season, the beginning of the Christian year.
Paul's heart was fixed on the spiritual growth of the Thessalonians, as well as their accuracy in Christian doctrine. So in a brief letter, he took the time to clarify that indeed the Lord's Day had not come yet, and that there were events, or signs, which had to occur before that day.
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish virgins teaches Christians the need to stay awake and watchful spiritually. Be ready for anything.
In the parable of The Faithful Steward, the steward and the servant are one and the same, working for the master. Their job is well-defined, and their responsibility is great. If they get lazy and apathetic about their duties, and fail to do what they were called to do, there are consequences.
Peter's desire as an apostle and follower of Jesus Christ was to not only strengthen the faith of the believers, but to warn them of the sheep in wolves' clothing that were coming in to destroy the flock.
The disciples were to play a key role in bringing this hope of salvation to the world. Without them, the sacrifice of Jesus would have availed nothing.
The parable of the Impoprtunate Widow teaches that persistence pays. People can be so impatient that they give up and quit right before their answer comes. At the end of this parable, Jesus discusses the concept of persistent faith.
For political and military reasons, January 1, 153 B.C. became the beginning of the new year. The Roman calendar was widely used throughout western Europe, until revised by Aloysius Lilius, an Italian doctor, astronomer, philosopher and chronologist. Pope Gregory XIII commanded Christians to use this new and improved calendar in 1582, and named it after himself. It is still the most widely used calendar in the world.
Like 1 Chronicles, this book is made up of two distinct sections. The first covers the reign of Solomon, and the second covers the rise and fall of the remaining kings of Judah. Altogether, 2 Chronicles reveals God's heart toward His people: though they were a rebellious nation who continually rejected Him as their King, He still continued to watch over them, and fulfill His plan of redemption through them.
The Parable of the Unprofitable Servant teaches that it is more honorable to invest your talent than to keep it safe. This means that God expects Christians to use their God-given talents to preach the gospel.