Podcasts about thess

As the world continues its march toward globalism, and according to Scripture, this will include a coming world leader. Who is he, what do we know about him, and what will be his agenda? The Bible doesn't give us all of the answers, but it does provide a remarkable amount of information about this person. After Jesus Christ, he is the most prominent person in end times prophecy! Join us now in 2 Thess. 2 for this podcast message on the Antichrist.

Today, more than ever before, we live in a herd environment, a human herd.  Mass advertising in a great variety of media confronts us hour after hour, this creates a herd mentality. We reflected on this as we read Paul's words this morning.  He told the Thessalonians that we “give you in ourselves an example to imitate.” [2 Thess. 3 v.9]  What do we imitate? What or who do we take as our examples in life?  An equally important question – why do we see them as examples that we might feel inclined to imitate?  Bad examples surround us!   But there are other things that are in some aspects good, but are dangerous in other ways! In these cases we need to acknowledge the good but be conscious of the potential for danger, seeing the aspects that could be deceitful, as Paul did.      Do you remember what he wrote about sin in Romans ch. 7?  Verse 11 challenges our understanding.  Paul wrote, “For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me …” Yet, the next verse says, the “law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” What does he mean?  It appears to us that in studying the law and keeping them they became proud of their righteousness, that pride, deceived them! Now he was a follower of Christ, Paul sees life through Christ's eyes, he now has what we might call, a down to earth perspective. He  writes, “you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it … that we might not be a burden to you.” [v.7,8]  So we need to ask ourselves – are we pulling our weight, doing our share?  We live in a world (in the west in particular) where getting something for nothing is the aim of quite a percentage of the population.  Some have seen a career in ‘Christianity' as a means of making a living with very little hard work attached to it.  This is sometimes evident in India, especially if some overseas organisation is pouring in money. In this country the degree of ‘social welfare' encourages some to try to live ‘idle' lives, but the true believer must have an attitude that is the very opposite.  Soon we will be reading the letter to the Hebrews where it is stated, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.  Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” [13 v.7] They did not have the blessing of a Bible to read every day and we cannot help but think that, if they had, they would have read it every spare moment – and made as many such moments as possible.  Today with so many Bibles available, it is vital we ask ourselves what part does God's word take as we live each day?    One of the smallest “books” in the Bible is the 3rd letter of John. Let's take our final point from what he wrote at the end of his long life. “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good.  Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” [v.11]  What will you do today that you would call “good”? We should read the Bible with such dedication of mind that we “see” God.

2 Thess. 3:1-15. 5/17/26. An expositional sermon from the letter of 2 Thessalonians.

Series: Growing Up - Multiplying Mature DisciplesScripture: 1 Thess. 2:7-12Speaker: Pastor Ben MillerSermon Date: 05.17.2026

Title: The Day of the Lord… Not Yet Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 FCF: We often struggle waiting for the events of the last days and trusting in what we've been taught. Prop: Because the Day of the Lord will bring comfort to God's people, we must hold fast and stand firm in what we have received. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard bible starting in verse 1. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Verses 1 and 2 of chapter 2 serve to close out a section talking about God's justice and the great hope we have when Christ is revealed from heaven. It also allows Paul to move to addressing another concern the Thessalonians have about the end times. There is no question that this is one of the primary reasons that Paul writes this letter. Of course, it is quite interesting to modern readers because what Paul talks about concerns the study of the End Times or Eschatology. But it might be easy for us to focus on the discussion of eschatology and miss the truths that are far more applicable to us today. I will do my best to guide us to these truths. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Awesome, Holy and Terrible God, You incite fear in the hearts of Your enemies. You are untamable. You cannot be muzzled. You cannot be resisted. You cannot be thwarted. You are just and will have justice. You are sinless and will have a sinless and perfect world one day. For Your people, these words are not fearful words. For we desire what You desire. You have changed our hearts to want what You want. A world ruled by You and governed by Your law where sin doesn't exist and we can worship You in Your presence. But for the wicked, for those who hold only a loose affiliation to Christianity, those who think themselves Christians but love the world and all its distractions, for these – such an eternity sounds terrible and boring. Help us today to see the Comfort and the Terror of the Day when you make all things right. May Your Spirit convict us, guide us, and conform us to You. Be with us and teach us today from Your word, we pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “He who loves the coming of the Lord is not he who affirms it is far off, nor is it he who says it is near. It is he who, whether it be far or near, awaits it with sincere faith, steadfast hope, and fervent love.” Augustine of Hippo “In the first advent God veiled His divinity to prove the faithful; in the second advent He will manifest His glory to reward their faith.” John Chrysostom [Slide 3] “As Christians we should not be exit-ists, looking for our going, but advent-ists, looking for His coming.” William Freel “The primitive church thought a great deal more about the coming of Christ than about death, and thought a great deal more about His coming than about heaven.” Alexander MacLaren “Many people will be surprised when Jesus comes again – but nobody will be mistaken.” John Blanchard Let these words concerning the Lord's return prepare our minds for the exposition of this text. I.) The Day of the Lord will bring comfort to God's people, so we must hold fast and stand firm. (1-2a) a. [Slide 4] 1 - Now we ask you, brothers, i. The word, “now” here suggests that what follows is really a result of all that Paul has said. ii. So, what has he said? iii. He has expressed his thankfulness to God for them because they are growing in faith and love and remaining steadfast against persecution. iv. He has reminded them that their growing faith and endurance amid persecution is evidence that God has counted them worthy of His Kingdom, and that God will eventually punish those harming them while rewarding them with glory when Christ returns v. He has even assured them that the justice of God is perfect and that it is His prayer that God will keep His promises to them and deliver them safely through to that day when they are all gathered together with Jesus. vi. As a result of this, Paul has a request. vii. It is not a command. But the primary reason this is so, is because of the relationship between Paul and the Thessalonians. viii. Because they are obedient, submissive, and desiring to grow in their faith and love – Paul doesn't need to bark orders to them. His kind requests are readily heard and joyfully observed. ix. So, what is his request concerning? b. [Slide 5] with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, i. Paul has been addressing the Thessalonians' concerns regarding the timing of the Day of the Lord, really since the beginning of the book. ii. He has talked about what will be when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven – and it really doesn't take a rocket scientist to conclude that what they are going through is not the Day of the Lord at all. iii. But Paul won't leave them uncertain any longer. He will bring clarity directly to their concern. iv. Is the persecution they are experiencing now a sign that The Day of the Lord has come? This is their concern. v. Paul will address it head on. c. [Slide 6] 2 - that you not be quickly shaken in your mind. i. We should note that this is the third question or concern they have expressed regarding the Day of the Lord. ii. The first, was whether or not those who had died in Christ had missed the revelation of the kingdom. Paul answered them comfortingly that those who had died in Christ would not miss the revelation of Christ nor the Kingdom He brings. iii. The second, was concerning the timing of the Day of the Lord. Specifically, its suddenness. Paul answered them again, comfortingly, informing them that although it would come unexpectedly to unbelievers, it should not take them unawares. But even if it does – it will not prevent them from joining Him in the air and living with Him in His Kingdom. iv. This third concern they face has yet to be truly unveiled although we have discussed it quite freely since it helps to make sense of much of what Paul says and why. v. But before we get to the specifics of their concern – we ought to dwell on the concern itself. vi. Since this is the third separate issue related to the Day of the Lord – Paul desires them to stop being so unstable on this issue. vii. In less than a year Paul has now had to deal with three different concerns regarding the Day of the Lord. viii. Furthermore, they went from concerned about the suddenness of its coming to thinking it had already come. ix. This really paints the picture of the words Paul uses here “quickly shaken” x. Shaken has the idea of tremors and vacillating back and forth. xi. They are quite unstable on this issue, quickly vacillating between concerns and opinions. xii. You can hardly blame them. The idea of a future eternal judgment beyond death was not common in the paganism they left. If anything, paganism saw things in cycles, so that even if there was some kind of judgment it only led to renewal. xiii. So, the idea of a future judgment with such stark contrasts of eternal destinies for the righteous and the wicked, really raises the stakes. xiv. Paul adds the prepositional phrase “in your mind” to sharpen the discussion of their vacillation. xv. By mind, Paul means – their understanding or discernment. It is their seat of reason. xvi. They are not being thoughtful, discerning, or reasonable about this issue. xvii. They are allowing the high stakes of this issue to overwhelm them and cloud their judgment. xviii. Paul's request is for them to stop allowing their discernment to be quickly moved. To take time to think and reason and consider what they have been taught before being overwhelmed with concern. xix. But what is the root of their instability? What else is Paul requesting them to stop doing? d. [Slide 7] or be alarmed i. Not only has Paul requested them not to continue to quickly shift their discernment on the teaching of the Day of the Lord, but he also requests that they not be alarmed. ii. To be alarmed is to be afraid – but not a growing nagging fear. Rather a startling fear. iii. Something they are caught by surprise and startled by. iv. This seems to be the cause of the quick changes in the discernment of the Thessalonians. v. They continue to be on unstable and shaky ground with the teaching regarding the Day of the Lord, because they are easily startled and alarmed. vi. Paul wants them to arrive at comfort and stability regarding the teaching of the Day of the Lord. vii. He wants them to hold fast to what he has taught them and stand firm and courageous against sudden fears. e. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: When Paul mentions that his next topic is concerning the Day of the Lord's return and His gathering together of… US… he leaves no room for uncertainty. He expresses to the Thessalonians that for the believer there is no fear concerning the Day of the Lord. In fact, the Day of the Lord is consistently taught by Paul in these two letters as an aspect of COMFORT to God's people. It will be the day when they experience true peace and meet with their Savior and never be separated from Him. So, Paul requests that they keep themselves from doing two things. Do not be quickly shaken in your mind or be alarmed. If we were to put these commands positively it would be, hold fast and stand firm. Be courageous and discerning. Transition: [Slide 9(blank)] But Paul isn't done addressing their vacillating discernment or their fear. He needs to assure them that no matter what caused them to fear – or what they have heard – they must believe what Paul has already taught them. II.) The Day of the Lord will bring comfort to God's people, so we must measure all teachings of the Day of the Lord by what we have already received. (2b) a. [Slide 10] whether by a spirit or a word or a letter as if from us, i. It becomes clear there is some sort of false teaching causing them to be suddenly startled and thus quickly vacillate in their discernment regarding the teaching they have received about the Day of the Lord. ii. Paul isn't sure what the source of this false teaching is but offers three different examples of places they might have received it. iii. A spirit. 1. Although I originally had a different idea of what this meant, every single commentator I consulted, unanimously interpreted this as people coming to them with a spirit of prophesy. This is one of those cases where I don't feel confident about my interpretation… certainly not confident enough to disagree with EVERYONE else. 2. So how did they arrive at this conclusion? 3. In 1 Thessalonians Paul cautioned them to not quench the Spirit and to not despise prophesies. But he also said to test everything taught and hold fast to what is good and abstain from everything evil. 4. What is clear is that they have obeyed the first part of Paul's previous exhortation and failed at the second part. 5. Probably people came to them who have said, “I have a word from the Lord” and demonstrated some level of charismatic gift to bring the new revelation to them. 6. Paul warns them to not be suddenly fearful but to exercise discernment, even if someone comes in signs and with a message, supposedly from God, that contradicts what they have already received. They must not quench the Spirit or despise prophesies… but they must also test everything. 7. Whatever is not of God, must be avoided. iv. A word or message would be the preaching of some teacher or prophet going about either intentionally or unintentionally sowing fear. 1. Paul no doubt was aware of traveling preachers going about, and perhaps some of them not adequately trained to understand the exact nature of the end times. 2. Perhaps they were false teachers or prophets peddling a new message concerning the end. 3. Perhaps they were not posing as Christians at all, but were simply pagans attempting to take the Christian teaching and adapt it to paganism. This wouldn't be the first time or the last that such a thing happened. 4. Paul warns them not to be startled and discard discernment just because someone comes preaching a message about the coming judgment from an angle that is new and foreboding. 5. Instead, they should rightly divide truth by the truth they have already received. v. A letter as if it is from us. In this Paul relays, perhaps, more than we might expect. 1. First, he gives us a third medium by which people can communicate startling news that may disrupt their discernment regarding the Day of the Lord. 2. The written word. 3. But over and above that, Paul adds, as if it is from us. Meaning what? 4. Paul either knows of or suspects that there are letters being circulated at this time pretending to be from himself, Silas, and/or Timothy. Letters that call into question some of the teachings they had already given to the Thessalonians regarding the Day of the Lord. 5. Paul warns them not to be alarmed by these letters nor to blindly believe them, but to use their discernment and hold fast to what they had already received. 6. In Galatians Paul said that even if he himself came with a different gospel – that he should be accursed and they should not listen. Paul doesn't quite go to that extreme here – but he does make plain that it doesn't matter who supposedly teaches these false teachings about the Day of the Lord. 7. If it contradicts what they had already been taught – then it must be avoided. vi. Well, we have hinted at it long enough… what is the nature of these false prophesies, these new messages and interpretations, or these letters, about the Day of the Lord, that has caused them to abandon discernment due to startling fear? b. [Slide 11] to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. i. Well, we didn't keep that secret very well – but such is the nature of studying a book of the bible rather than simply reading it. ii. Still, we see that the main reason that the Thessalonians keep vacillating, and abandoning reason, and becoming fearful – is because someone or perhaps many sources are telling them that the Day of the Lord has already come. iii. But Paul says that the Day of the Lord hasn't come yet – no matter what anyone told you. iv. But after arriving at this, we are left with the question, why? v. Why would the Thessalonians think that the Day of the Lord had come? What could have been taught to them to convince them that the Day of the Lord had arrived? vi. [Slide 12] I see two possibilities for what might have happened and both of them are found within the context of 2 Thessalonians. 1. Perhaps the persecution they are experiencing reminds them of what they were taught about the Day of the Lord including a time of difficulty and tribulation. a. When we discussed the Day of the Lord while studying Paul's previous letter, we observed that the Day of the Lord includes 4 categories of events. i. A terrible tribulation. Mankind will be afflicted including cosmic signs, wonders in heaven, terrible bloodshed, natural disasters, all spoken of as if they were world ending or crippling. ii. The revelation of Christ and the gathering together of His people with Him. Which may also include some kind of earthly kingdom ruled from Jerusalem. iii. A day of judgment which is the culmination of God's Justice where all sin will be paid and all sinners, both angelic and human, will be removed from the earth and cast into the Lake of Fire which is the second death. iv. Finally, there is a remaking of the universe. There will be a new heaven and earth. A new Jerusalem will descend, and we will enter into an eternal state. This could be a second earthly kingdom or the same one we already mentioned. b. Interestingly enough, Paul covers both the revelation of Christ and the eternal judgement of the wicked in both 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Seeming to indicate that these events occur at the same time. c. Which might suggest that the Thessalonians understood the other two events to occur before and after these. d. Perhaps they assumed that the persecution they were experiencing was the terrible tribulation. e. And so, a false teaching that may have arisen is to take what they had been taught about the cosmic signs and reinterpret them as metaphors to refer to less cataclysmic events. f. This would cause them to think that they were in the midst of the Day of the Lord and that the persecution they were experiencing was part of the terrible tribulation that preceded Christ's return. 2. Another option is for us to look ahead in this context and see that Paul had already taught them about the man of lawlessness and the coming apostasy. So, perhaps they have been convinced that their present condition fit that description and they were already seeing the apostasy and the man of lawlessness. vii. In either case we are left with the same question… what about these teachings would lead them to sudden fear? Why might they be afraid of the Day of the Lord when they were clearly taught in both letters that the Day of the Lord is a day of victory for God's people and should give us comfort and peace? viii. [Slide 13] For myself it only makes sense in one way. That they assumed that the events of the Day of the Lord would happen in quick succession. They assumed that once the tribulation or apostacy and man of lawlessness stepped on the scene, that Christ would return and gather them together. ix. Why would that be fear inducing to hear people say – The Day of the Lord is here? x. Because they haven't been gathered together to be with Christ. xi. So that leaves them with a few questions and all of them have terrible answers. xii. Did we not make the cut? xiii. Is this the best it gets? xiv. Has God's justice somehow been served already? xv. If we break down Paul's statements in chapter 1 and 2 into its most basic message, it is, essentially, that the Day of the Lord is a sequence of events that occur over a period of time. Paul does not say how long until it begins or how long it would take to get through it. But He does indicate that there is a sequence that must be followed. We'll get to more of that later. xvi. I mention it now only to prove why they were suddenly fearful. xvii. They thought they missed it. And that this was their life from now on. Or worse… that they were to be judged with those who afflicted them because they were NOT counted worthy of God's call after all. xviii. This is why Paul spends so much time expounding God's perfect justice. This is why Paul prays that God continue to count them worthy of His calling and continue to give them power to walk worthy of their calling. xix. He wants them to understand that this will all happen over a course of time. And that that time has not yet begun. But when it does… it will be good for them and for all God's people. c. [Slide 14] Summary of the Point: Paul did it in the last letter and he will continue to do so in this one. He will continue to point back to what he and his companions have taught them already. He taught them that the Day of the Lord is a great comfort to God's true people. And if they hear another teaching that causes them to fear or their discernment to be shaken, because it tells them the Day of the Lord has already come – even if that teaching came from someone who was a prophet, a preacher, or even posing as Paul himself – they should not believe it. They should measure every message they hear by what they have already received. And if what is new doesn't match up – they should avoid it. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today that refines our beliefs and shapes our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 15] In his first letter and so far in his second, Paul has always spoken of the Day of the Lord as a comfort to those who believe on Jesus. The scriptures as a whole speak of the Day of the Lord as a Terrible day, but a Great day for those who are God's children. Since this is true, a true believer should not be shaken or startled by any teaching regarding the Day of the Lord. No matter the source of the teaching, we should use discernment and compare it to what we have already received regarding the nature of the Day of the Lord and avoid any teaching that does not fit. But how does this apply to us today? Are there any that say the Day of the Lord has already come? 1.) [Slide 16] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that the Day of the Lord has come. a. If you have spent any time conversing with me, you know that there are some teachings that I am very passionate about. Even some debated teachings that I have taken a strong stand upon and unless the Spirit of God moves me – I do not intend to budge. b. You also know that eschatology… is not one of those. c. I am VERY VERY VERY uncommitted to any eschatological system. I tend to see the merits in most of them and am ready to admit when a passage favors one view over the others. d. But there is one vein of eschatological teaching upon which I can and will be quite strong. It is eschatological teachings that we must… REJECT! e. There are indeed some folks who have concluded that everything predicted in the bible has come about. f. They are called preterists. From the Latin word praeter, meaning past or gone beyond. g. Preterism is divided broadly into two groups. Partial preterists and full preterists. h. Partial preterists would see some predictions in the scriptures as fulfilled. i. Some would conclude that the Roman Catholic church is the apostasy spoken of in 2 Thess chapter 2 and that the Pope is the Man of Lawlessness. j. Therefore, they would conclude that the next thing we are waiting for is for Christ to be revealed from heaven. k. The key here is that they still say that Christ's revelation from heaven is still in the future. l. This then is the distinguishing mark between a partial and a full preterist. m. A partial preterist… in my estimation… could still very well be a solid brother and close Christian friend. n. But not so for the full preterist. o. A full preterist would say Christ has… in some way… already returned. They would say that this has already occurred in the events of AD 70 and that we are currently living in the New Heaven and the New Earth today. p. My friends, you cannot be a full preterist and be an orthodox Christian. Why? q. Because the earliest creeds confess that Christ will come (future tense) to judge the living and the dead. r. Full preterism is… a heresy. And must be denied. s. The Day of the Lord – has not come. At least not the whole of it. And on this I will firmly stand. And you must too. t. Another end-times conclusion I believe we must draw from this text, is that there is a necessary sequence of events to the Day of the Lord. 2.) [Slide 17] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the Day of the Lord will not happen all at once but must follow a sequence of events. a. It is not an event that any believer could conceivably have missed. b. Now I think we can go overboard here when we get out our timelines and mark days and months and years to every event. c. I've pointed it out several times now, that every single timeline of these is wrong because there are 7 thunders in Revelation that we know nothing about because God told John to seal up the scroll and not write down what the 7 thunders said. d. Again, pointing out safely what all acceptable positions of the end times do, is that the Day of the Lord is a period of time that covers several kinds of events. They happen in sequence. Now where we are in that sequence, how long they last, and how long until the next one, is all up for debate. e. But we should not be looking for all of it to happen at once. f. Another thing I can say with confidence about the Day of the Lord… 3.) [Slide 18] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” The Day of the Lord is only spoken of in the scriptures as a comfort to believers. a. Any teaching that causes a genuine believer to fear the coming of the Day of the Lord should be rejected without distinction. b. And any Christian who allows mortal fears to overwhelm their heavenly comfort with regard to the Day of the Lord – should be rebuked. c. Some teachings of the end times tell us that we will avoid the Great Tribulation because the Lord Jesus will rapture us out beforehand. d. Possibly. But my friends – you should expect to experience everything the church has continued to experience in the church age as a normal amount of trouble and suffering. Even if you believe we will be raptured before the cataclysmic events of the tribulation- do not think for a moment that you won't be abused, beaten, burned, flayed, raped, pillaged, and murdered for your faith. Because that has happened to Christians for the last 2000 years and guess what – it is happening today in other parts of the world. e. Nevertheless, the Day of the Lord should bring comfort to us. f. Friends, even if God permits us to go through the whole tribulation. Even if the tribulation lasts 7000 years instead of just 7. The Day of the Lord… is still a comfort to God's people. Why? g. Because the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven, and we will all be gathered together to Him and we will never be apart from Him again! h. That single teaching… makes the Day of the Lord a great comfort to His people. i. It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus. j. So, since it is a comfort to us… 4.) [Slide 19] De-Exhortation: “What actions should we stop doing” or “What behaviors do we naturally practice that this passage tells us to stop doing?” We must not fear the Day of the Lord. a. What is there to fear? b. What if the stars fall on me? c. What if the plague takes me? d. What if I am a victim of the wars and rumors of wars? e. What if the demons from the abyss sting me with their tails? f. What if all this happens to you… but you still see Jesus in the air face to face? g. What can be taken from you that the Lord has not promised to restore? h. Some may be truly concerned about the man of lawlessness and the strong delusion… i. Do not fear either my friends. We'll get to that in due time and I will show you conclusively that Paul actually goes out of his way to assure genuine believers that such a delusion will not come upon them and that they will be preserved through the lies of the man of lawlessness. j. But Paul's words in this text are sufficient. k. There is no reason to be startled or alarmed about anything regarding the Day of the Lord if you are a true believer. l. Well, how do we not allow teachings about the Day of the Lord to cause us to fear? 5.) [Slide 20] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must filter everything we are taught about the Day of the Lord through what the Scriptures have revealed to us. a. Friends, many pastors like to speak long about all of this. They really want to make many things certain that I don't think we have any business making certain. b. But there are a few things about the Day of the Lord that are certain. c. The reason I say they are certain is because no matter what eschatological view you hold to – they all agree on these things. i. There will be a time of tribulation and trouble. ii. Christ will return and take His bride to Himself. iii. There will be an eternal kingdom set up with God living among His people with a New Heaven and a New Earth. iv. And all will be judged, the living and the dead, and Christ will separate the sheep from the goats. v. These things are certain. d. And any teaching that contradicts these – is false. e. Do not listen to those who claim to know when the Lord will return. Do not listen to those who have calculated when things will be. f. Do not believe those who say that all will go to heaven eventually or exist in that New Kingdom with God and His Son's bride in peace. g. Do not believe the scientists that say this world will burn up in a billion years by colliding into the sun. h. Rather than spending a bunch of time and energy speculating on what is unclear – we should hold fast and stand firm in what is clear. i. And there is one more thing that is abundantly clear that we need to talk about this morning… 6.) [Slide 21] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” The Day of the Lord is only spoken of in the scriptures as a terrifying day of judgment to the unbeliever. a. As much as I have taken great pains to convince everyone who is a believer here today that the Day of the Lord is only a comfort to us, I must now take great pains to convince you, if you are not a believer, a Christian in name only, or a Christian who is living in unrepentant sin, that the Day of the Lord is not a comfort to you… at all. b. In fact, the Day of the Lord is a horrifying, cataclysmic, sudden, and terrible day of judgment and death. c. All the enemies of God, all who have not truly believed on His Son, all who have not bowed the knee and submitted to His Lordship, will suffer the eternal wrath of God both in body and in soul forever. d. Not only will the tribulation be a time of great pain and anguish, but it will culminate in the utter defeat of Satan and his children, and finally end in the eternal death of him and his children as they are separated from the merciful and saving presence of a holy God. e. [Slide 22] There are several lies many prominent people have probably told you, that must be exposed. i. Only God can judge me. 1. Indeed. And He will. And only those found in His Son will inherit His Kingdom 2. All others will be separated from His presence to spend eternity in anguish in His wrath. ii. I'm not as bad as other people. 1. All men are wicked. All men are unrighteous. All men miss the mark of perfection which God has set for all who would enter into His Kingdom. 2. Whether you are as bad as Hitler or only told a single lie in your entire life – if you depend on your good deeds to save you – you will be damned. Indeed, as Jesus said, you are damned already. 3. Revelation 19 tells us that the books which record your deeds will be opened. And they will be examined on the day of judgment. But here is the thing. Everyone who is judged by the books containing their deeds – will be cast into the lake of fire. 4. The only people spared from that fate are judged by a different book. A book that doesn't record their works… only their name. A name chosen and written before the foundations of the earth were created. A name who has believed on Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and served Him with their lives. 5. Not being as bad as others won't matter. You must be as perfect as Christ. iii. I'll see the signs and remember what you said and I'll submit to Christ then. 1. My friends, Paul in 1 Thessalonians, told them that the Day of the Lord would come like a thief in the night. And it would be sudden and take people unawares. 2. Jesus said that people would be going about their normal lives, continuing to make plans for marriage and acting like tomorrow would come just like today did… when all things would come to an end. 3. And Paul is about to say in this book that those who are unbelievers will 100% believe and follow the man of lawlessness and God will send a delusion upon them to make sure they do not believe. 4. The truth is, that when the Day of the Lord begins… you will never know it… and by the time you do… it will be too late. f. [Slide 23] The fact of the matter is, that no man or woman is assured another day on this earth. Insurance agents make millions of dollars every year by relaying this one powerful truth. Life is uncertain and the days we have on this earth are not in our hands. g. So, I implore you… I beg you… will you not turn from your sin? Reject your claim on your life and submit your plans, your destiny, your lifestyles, your beliefs to Christ as Savior and Lord. Confess He is Lord and believe He is Savior. Serve Him for the rest of your days. h. And then you will know the comfort of the Day of the Lord. i. If you need to do this today, don't leave without talking to myself, another Elder, or someone you know is a Christian. [Slide 24 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the church father Augustine of Hippo Lord God, as we turn to you in purity of heart, we give you our highest and most abundant thanks, as best we are able to in our frailty. Our whole mind prays for your unmatched goodness, that by your power you would drive out the enemy from our thoughts and deeds. Father Almighty, enlarge our faith, direct our minds, and help us to focus our thoughts on your kingdom. And in the end, bring us safe to your place of endless blessings, through your Son Jesus Christ, Amen. Benediction: May the Lord your God, our help in ages past, And our hope for years to come, Be your guard while troubles last, And lead you to His eternal throne. Until we meet again, grace and peace to you.

Does oral sex count as sex? Can you slap a guy if he gropes you? Why didn't Jesus ever get married?In this episode, we answer some of the most awkward, controversial, and honestly fascinating questions Christians secretly wonder about when it comes to sex, relationships, faith, cheating, gaslighting, and marriage.Nothing is off limits.Some of these questions made us laugh. Some got very serious very quickly. And some are the kinds of questions most Christians think about but are too nervous to ask out loud.We'll talk about:What is actually happening when you “get the ick”Whether oral sex counts as sex and what the Bible says about sexual boundariesWhat grace really means and why it is not permission to keep sinningHow to recognize and respond to gaslightingHow to love someone who believes God hates them because they are gayWhether God chooses your spouse and how much weight to give prophetic wordsWhether it is okay to physically defend yourself if someone crosses a boundaryWhy Jesus never got married even though God said it's not good for man to be aloneHow to know when cheating should lead to divorce versus reconciliationWhether you have to take your husband's last nameThis episode is honest, biblical, practical, and definitely not surface level.If you've ever had a question you felt too embarrassed to ask at church, this conversation is for you.Let's talk about it

Sermon Audio

Topic: Testing the Spirits: Biblical Discernment in an Age of Media Lies, Tribal Echo Chambers, and “Christian” Extremes   Whiskey Review: New Riff Bottle in Bond Connect: Instagram: @manhoodneat X: Manhood Neat (@ManhoodNeat) / X Youtube: Manhood, Neat Podcast - YouTube  email: manhood.neat@gmail.com Show Notes: Zionism- “Zionism is the belief that the Jewish people have a rightful claim to a national homeland in the land of Israel, historically and politically.” Reformed Bro- “Reformed Theology is a stream of Protestant Christianity that emphasizes God's sovereignty, the authority of Scripture, and salvation by grace alone.” -But the Bro's take it to the extreme - Reformed Reformed Reformed Dispensational- “Dispensationalism is a theological system that teaches God works through distinct periods (‘dispensations') and maintains a clear distinction between Israel and the Church.” - 2 roads to one God “We've watched brothers and generations swing from naive Zionism to reactionary antisemitism. Both fail the test.” I'm reformed, I'm evangelical, I'm catholic, I am Baptist, I am a Calvinist…why not Christian Reminds me - I am of Paul; I am of Apollos.  1 Corinthians 3:4-9:  4For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? 5What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. Fellow Christians (regardless of denomination) - Let us come reason together Unity of the Body of Christ for His work The enemy loves to divide. “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity” - Rupertus Meldenius Key Text: 1 John 4  Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood. God's Love and Ours.7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. How do Christian men discern truth without becoming tools of deception or hatred? God demands we test the spirits (v.1) Confess Christ rightly (v.2-3 Listen to apostolic truth (v.6) Love as evidence of knowing God (v.7-21). Confronting the two ditches History (Brief Overview) Early Church: Mixed – some respect for Jewish roots, but supersessionism/replacement theology grew No longer Jew nor Gentile, but the Church and the world  Justin Martyr, later hardened replacement theology Led to disdain, pogroms (violent, mob-driven attacks—typically riots involving looting, assault, rape, murder, and destruction of property—targeted at a specific ethnic or religious groups.)  Martin Luther's later writings (On the Jews and Their Lies) exemplify tragic failure of love. Reformation/ Puritans: Varied; some future hope for Jewish people (pre-Darby).  John Nelson Darby (1800s, Plymouth Brethren) systematized dispensationalism:  distinct Israel/Church track  pre-trib rapture  literal futurist readings  Popularized via Scofield Reference Bible (1909). Fueled 20th-century evangelical support for Israel. Zionist movement: Jewish political nationalism (Theodor Herzl, late 1800s) responded to European antisemitism. Christian Zionism often overlapped but with eschatological motives. Scofield influence: Shaped views of unconditional land promises. Post-Holocaust: Shifts toward Philo-Semitism (the admiration, respect, or obsession with Jewish people, culture, or history, often by non-Jews) in reaction to Church failures, but some swung to uncritical political allegiance. Modern swing: Newly Reformed / postmillennial / reconstructionist circles reacting against shallow dispensationalism by over-correcting into ethnic suspicion or outright antisemitism.  Examples:  Holocaust minimization “Zionist Occupied Government" echoes Treating all Jewish influence as cabal-like.  This is not discernment – it's another false spirit. Practical tests for Discerning information from 1 John 4 (This is the point): Does the source confess Christ preeminent - Love the Lord your God with everything  or push fear/hate/nationalism as gospel? Does it promote love for neighbors?  Prayer for enemies? Cross-reference history, primary sources, multiple views – not echo chambers. To "Reformed" Bros: Opposition to dispensational errors is fine; becoming ethnic scoffers is apostasy from apostolic love. To Zionists: Israel's existence isn't carte blanche; critique policies Biblically. This is one area - lots of other ditches  Women's role / value Poet and Warrior Both: Media profits from division. Web algorithms radicalize.  (1 Thess 5:21). but test everything; hold fast what is good.

Babylon = Iran area?; Towers = bloodlines?; Nimrod's (mighty provider's) protection; The WAY of Babylon - not the WAY of Moses or Christ; Human resources; Error of Balaam = Deeds of the Nicolaitans; Melchizedek; Tithing; Sons of Jacob; Corban; Government of God; PreparingYou.com; Sin to go to the government for benefits; Bondage of Egypt; Cities of blood; Tens, hundreds and thousands; Aristobulus vs Hyrcanus; Libera res Publica; The Market; Giving of yourself; Doctrine; Providing for parents; Psalms 69:22; Welfare snares; The solution; Same message repeated through the bible; Obligations; Deut 23:4; Rom 11:8-10; Mystery Babylon; Your escape from bondage; Prov 23:1; Repentance; Prov 12:11; Freewill offerings alone; Evidence in works; Seed of Abraham; Ex 23:32; Prov 6:2; Your comforter; "Leaven"; 1 Tim 6:9; Loving your enemy; Walking in forgiveness; Rome v U.S.; Guidance from Holy Spirit; Redemption?; Josea 13:14; 1 Cor 16:9; 2 Cor 1:6; Faith; Eph 2:2; Children of disobedience; Just weights and measures; Eph 4:16; Love = Charity; Christ's WAY; Philemon 1:6; 1 Thess 2:13; Receiving the word of God; Doing the will of the Father; Lk 6:46; Join the Living Network.

This powerful exploration of Romans 13:8-14 challenges us to understand that love is not merely an emotion but the complete fulfillment of God's law. When we truly love God and love others, we naturally avoid murder, theft, adultery, and covetousness—not out of obligation, but because love transforms our desires. The message draws a beautiful parallel to a mother's sacrificial love, which mirrors God's relentless pursuit of us. We're reminded that just as mothers carry their children's DNA at a cellular level, believers carry the spiritual DNA of our Heavenly Father when we're born again. The urgency of the times becomes clear as we examine biblical timelines and prophetic fulfillments—from Israel's restoration in 1948 to the reality of nuclear weapons to recent revelations about unexplained phenomena. The call is unmistakable: wake up from spiritual slumber. We cannot afford to be Sunday-only Christians while the world around us descends into darkness. The parable of the wedding feast reveals a sobering truth—many are invited to God's banquet, but we must intentionally put on the garment of righteousness that Christ provides. We cannot climb in through our own efforts or good works. The challenge before us is daily and deliberate: take off the old garments of anger, malice, and selfish ambition, and clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, and above all, love. This isn't passive spirituality—it's an active, conscious choice to walk worthy of our calling in increasingly dark times.**SERMON NOTES – Romans 13:8–14****1. Love Fulfills the Law (Rom 13:8–10)**- “Owe no one anything, except to love each other.”- Love is the one debt we always owe and never finish paying.- If we truly love God and people, we will naturally keep the commandments: - No other gods / no taking His name in vain – because we love Him. - Honor parents – because we love them. - No murder, adultery, stealing, lying, coveting – because we love our neighbor.- 1 Cor 13: Love is patient, kind, not envious, boastful, rude, self-seeking, or resentful; it bears, believes, hopes, endures all things; love never ends.- A loving church is “felt” more than explained—like dew in Psalm 133—unity and joy are tangible.**2. A Mother's Love as a Picture of God's Love**- Moms often embody sacrificial, protective, “mama bear” love.- They give their bodies, time, and hearts; they keep taking kids back in grace.- God's love is even greater: He goes after the one and leaves the 99; His “DNA” (new birth) changes us.**3. The Urgency of the Hour (Rom 13:11–12)**- “The hour has come for you to wake from sleep… the day is at hand.”- We are closer to Christ's return than any generation before.- Signs of the times: - Israel back in the land (1948). - Global ability to destroy ourselves (nuclear weapons). - Moral confusion: evil called good, good called evil.- Scripture repeatedly commands: Wake up, stay awake, be sober (Matt 24–25; 1 Thess 5).**4. Cast Off Darkness, Put On Light (Rom 13:12–14)**- “Cast off works of darkness… not in orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, sensuality, quarreling, jealousy.”- “Make no provision for the flesh”: stop planning to sin; stop building a “supply line” for temptation.- Daily choice: take off old clothes (sin) and put on Christ.**5. Put On Christ and His Armor (Eph 6; Col 3; Matt 22)**- Wedding parable: king provides free wedding garments; one man refuses to wear it and is cast out. - Point: we must put on the garment Christ provides; not come on our own terms.- Col 3: - Put off: sexual immorality, impurity, evil desire, covetousness, anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk, lying. - Put on: compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and “above all… love.”- Armor of God (Eph 6): belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit (Word of God). - Half of the armor is directly tied to Scripture—showing how vital the Word is.---**PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS**1. **Daily Clothing Prayer**    Each morning, consciously “put off/put on”: confess specific sins, then ask God to clothe you with compassion, patience, self-control, and love.2. **Cut Off Provision for Sin**    Identify where you “plan” to sin (websites, apps, contacts, places, times) and practically remove or limit access.3. **Immerse in Truth**    Build a simple, steady Bible rhythm (e.g., one chapter a day in Romans or Ephesians). Treat Scripture as armor, not a hobby.4. **Practice Love in Community**    At church and home, choose patient, kind responses—especially when irritated. Look for one person each week to intentionally encourage.5. **Live Awake**    Evaluate your schedule, media, and habits: are you spiritually alert or numbed? Adjust to prioritize what sharpens your walk with Christ.---**DISCUSSION QUESTIONS**1. Where do you most clearly see that love “fulfills the law” in your own relationships?2. Which phrase from 1 Corinthians 13 most exposes a weakness in your love right now? Why?3. In what ways might you be “asleep” spiritually? What would waking up look like this week?4. What are some “provisions for the flesh” you've quietly allowed? How can you practically cut them off?5. Which part of the armor of God do you neglect most, and how can you intentionally “put it on” this week?6. How can our group/church better embody the welcoming, sacrificial love described in this sermon?

Don LeClere, Interim Pastor “When I was a kid, I remember watching my dad very close and tried to imitate him. We have children and friends who are watching us closely and imitating us right now. As people watch our lives, we are called to model the saving Gospel at work in our lives. How can we do that? This will be our focus this Sunday from 1 Thess. 1:6-10. Pray with great expectation to see what God's Word and Holy Spirit will do at Grace this Sunday. Come join us! You are dearly loved, Pastor Don”

Color: Purple Old Testament: Genesis 32:22–32 Psalm: Psalm 121; antiphon: vv. 1–2 Epistle: Romans 5:1–5 Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:1–7 Gospel: Matthew 15:21–28 Introit: Psalm 25:1–2a, 7–8, 11; antiphon: vv. 6, 2b, 22 Gradual: Psalm 25:17–18 Tract: Psalm 106:1–4 Holding God to His Word   Jacob wrestled with God; he would not let Him go until he received a blessing from Him (Gen. 32:22–32). So it was with the Canaanite woman. Though Jesus seemed to ignore and reject her, she continued to call upon His name and look to Him for help (Mt. 15:21–28). Even when the Lord called her a little dog, she held on to Him in faith and would not let Him wriggle out of His words: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” This Gentile woman shows herself to be a true Israelite, who struggles with God and man in Christ and prevails. “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire” (Mt. 15:27–28). This is the sanctifying will of God (1 Thess. 4:1–7)—to test your faith in order that it may be refined and strengthened. For tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope in Christ does not disappoint (Rom. 5:1–5). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Pastor Chris shares from 1 Thess that the God who calls us is the same God who completes us.  

Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:7-15 In the middle ages, the Italian theologian and poet, Dante Alighieri, wrote his famous Inferno.  In this lengthy poem he described the horrors of hell.  The sign above the gateway to Dante's hell read:  ABANDON HOPE, ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE.  It is a fitting statement.  There is no hope in hell, no community, no joy or peace or love. John's phrase for the place of eternal punishment for sins is 'the lake of fire,' which is found five times in Revelation 19-21.  The description in Revelation is that this place "burns with fire" (Rev 19:20; 21:8) and that it is a place of "torment" (Rev 20:10). From Jesus' own words we see the reality and horror of hell.  It is a real place of darkness, weeping, and the angry gnashing of teeth (Mt 8:12; 22:13; 25:30).  It is an existence of loneliness, apart from God (2 Thess 1:9) and torment (Rev 20:10).  And these horrors will be unending (Mt 3:12; Mk 9:47,48; Jude 12,13; Rev 20:10,15).  Let us never speak of hell with glibness, but with shuddering, broken hearts.   The notion that the punishment in hell must be everlasting rises out of the fact that God is an infinite being.  When someone wrongs the infinite God, in order to satisfy an infinite justice and holiness, there must be an infinite punishment.  The punishment fits the crime because the crime was committed against an infinitely holy God.  Hell is utterly indescribable in its horrors, but it is also utterly unnecessary if someone will but humbly hope in Christ.  The justice of God causes the heart to tremble in dreadfulness … but the mercy of God, rightly considered, causes the heart to rejoice in hope. 

Hvordan forholder vi os til fortabelsens alvor?

What if your daily “vice” actually drew you closer to God?In this episode, Stevens shares a heartfelt and practical call to make prayer a constant, life-giving habit—not a last resort. Through personal updates and biblical truth, he challenges believers to stay connected to God in every moment, turning prayer into a daily rhythm that fuels faith, strengthens devotion, and anchors the soul in every season.

Die Energiewende funktioniert nur mit teuren fossilen Back-Up-Kraftwerken. Da dieser Umstand nicht zum Image der “Freiheitsenergien” passt und außerdem nicht zur erwünschten Klimaneutralität führt, sollen Speicher das Problem der unbeständigen Stromerzeugung durch erneuerbare Energien lösen. Batterien gelten dabei vielen Beobachtern als wichtiger Baustein, andere setzen auf Wasserstoff – der zuvor in Zeiten von Wind-und-Sonnen-Überschuss erzeugt wurde. Doch funktioniert ein solches System technisch? Ist es wirtschaftlich tragfähig und vor allem, führt es – wie versprochen – zu tieferen, wettbewerbsfähigen Stromkosten?Die Achillesferse der Energiewende hat Daniel Stelter bereits im Juni 2023 mit Dr. André D. Thess, Professor für Energiespeicherung an der Universität Stuttgart, diskutiert. Nach dem Experteninterview in Episode 195 sind Zweifel angebracht. Vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen Energiepolitik ist es Zeit für ein bto REFRESH. Hinweis – ABSTURZ – So retten wir Deutschland, das neue Buch von Daniel Stelter. Jetzt überall, wo es Bücher gibt. Auch bestellbar bei Thalia, Amazon, geniallokal.HörerserviceBuch Sieben Energiewendemärchen? — Eine Vorlesungsreihe für Unzufriedene von Prof. Dr. André D. Thess: https://is.gd/LiFhOZ Gastbeitrag Schluss mit der Selbsttäuschung in der Energiepolitik von Bundeswirtschaftsministerin Katherina Reiche in der Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung (7.4.2026): https://is.gd/rPpnY0Buch Kniefall vor der Unvernunft von Ulrich Gräber: https://is.gd/MAbGRY bto-Podcast-Episoden zum Thema: #144: Energiewende durch Laufzeitverlängerung (mit Dr. Staffan Qvist) — siehe auch Refresh #380-R#383: Die Wurzel der Deindus­triali­sierung Deutschlands (mit Ulrich Gräber, 26.4.2026)beyond the obvious – Neue Analysen, Kommentare und Einschätzungen zur Wirtschafts- und Finanzlage finden Sie unter think-bto.com.Newsletter – Den monatlichen bto-Newsletter abonnieren Sie hier.Redaktionskontakt – Wir freuen uns über Ihre Meinungen, Anregungen und Kritik unter podcast@think-bto.com.Handelsblatt – Ein exklusives Angebot für alle bto-Hörer*innen: Testen Sie Handelsblatt Premium 4 Wochen für 1 Euro. Mehr unter: handelsblatt.com/mehrperspektivenWerbepartner – Informationen zu den Angeboten unserer aktuellen Werbepartner finden Sie hier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

v.16-18 - The inner life of a Christian.v.19-22 - The importance of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture Reading: John 3:1-8, 16-21 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16) The most beloved and memorized verse in the Bible is John 3:16.  In this wondrous sentence we have a summary of God's glorious plan for securing a people for Himself for all eternity.  Considering who God is and who we are, the actions of the Almighty on our behalf in this verse are staggering to see. First, there is a warning in this verse.  For those who do not hope in Jesus Christ, there is a perishing.  This perishing is not just to die and leave this world.  This perishing is more than physical death.  It is an eternal, conscious penalty away from the presence of God (2 Thess 1:9).  Second, there is a plan revealed in this verse.  God the Father, because of His infinite love for us, sent His only Son to die on our behalf. Nothing God could have given would have been more precious than His Son.  It shouts to us of the depth of His love. Third, there is a plea in this verse.  Believe!  Whoever believes in Christ has life.  This belief is not just agreement with the facts about Jesus, but a wholehearted trust in Him alone.  Fourth, there is a promise in this verse.  For those who hope in Jesus Christ, they have eternal life.  Their hearts are changed and they are never again separated from God.  To know God is eternal life (1 Jn 5:20).  Immortality is a reality in Jesus Christ.  He is the answer to the soul's longing for life, because He is life.

How to view leadership in the church.Individual interactions in the church.

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 04/13/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: info@carm.org, Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: Were The Nephilim Destroyed in Noah's Flood?/A Discussion on The Human Soul/ Why is The Book of Enoch Not in The Bible?/ 1 Thess. 4:15-18—When We Die, Do We Wait?/ Is it a Privilege to be Able to Pray to God?/ When Does The Soul Become Part of The Human Body?/ Matt Recounts Officiating at a Recent Wedding and The Theological Significance/ Is Remarriage a Sin?/ April 13, 2026

Two of the shortest verses in the Bible are 1 Thess. 5:16 and 17: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing" (NRSV). Dr. Jeff Peterson argues that that these verses are directed to leaders of the Thessalonian church, along with all of vv. 14-22, and he zeroes in on the Greek adverb translated "without ceasing." Concretely, what was Paul asking the recipients of his letter to do? Dr. Jeff Peterson is Professor of New Testament at Harding School of Theology, Harding University. His publications include (co-editor), Marcan Priority Without Q: Explorations in the Farrer Hypothesis. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3NUCXJ0  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4diWywK 

Rev. John Bothof - Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; Gen. 1:26-31; 2:24-25; 1 Cor. 7:1-5; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Text: 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; Gen. 1:26-31; 2:24-25; 1 Cor. 7:1-5; 1 Thess. 4:1-8;

"Are We Living in the End Times?" It's a question you may have asked yourself. There is a ton of information out there about the subject, but what does the Bible say? In this 5-week sermon series Pastor Brad will lead you through some of the most asked questions and help you understand where we are in the last days prophecies.

This teaching centers on the Christian hope found in the rapture and the Day of the Lord, drawing primarily from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11, where Paul comforts believers about those who have “fallen asleep” in Christ and explains that Jesus will personally return, the dead in Christ will rise first, and living believers will be transformed and caught up to be with the Lord forever; this hope is grounded in Christ's resurrection as taught in 1 Corinthians 15:20, 1 Corinthians 15:23, and 1 Corinthians 15:51–52, affirmed by Jesus' promise in John 14:3, and illustrated by Christ's victory over death in Ephesians 4:8–10; believers are reminded that Christ's coming will be sudden and unmistakable, like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:36, Matthew 24:30–31), bringing judgment on the unprepared as described in Ezekiel 30:3–4, Joel 2:11, and 2 Peter 3:10, while delivering salvation to those who live as children of light (1 Peter 2:9); therefore, Christians are exhorted to remain alert, holy, and self-controlled, clothed in faith, love, and the hope of salvation (Ephesians 6:14–17), purifying themselves in anticipation of Christ's return (1 John 3:3) and abiding in Him so they will not shrink back in shame at His appearing (1 John 2:28) You can connect with Moriel in more locations than just YouTube! Check out all our official links on the About page: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorielTVministries/about.

Is it true that a number of people got up out of their graves and talked to others when Jesus resurrected?  In today's episode, Pastor Derek and Pastor Jackie talk through a listener question around the account in Matthew 27 of what feels like a bunch of random resurrections. We look at other historical writings and their accounts of this event, as well as why none of the other gospel writers mentioned this event. Our hope is that as you listen, you receive encouragement from the reason that we believe God raised all of these people from the dead in a rare and bizarre, yet really cool story.The 17:17 podcast is a ministry of Roseville Baptist Church (MN) that seeks to tackle cultural issues and societal questions from a biblical worldview so that listeners discover what the Bible has to say about the key issues they face on a daily basis. The 17:17 podcast seeks to teach the truth of God's Word in a way that is glorifying to God and easy to understand with the hope of furthering God's kingdom in Spirit and in Truth. Scriptures: Matt. 27:50-56; Mark 15:37-39; Luke 23:46-49; John 19:30; 1 Cor. 15:20-23; Col. 1:18; John 5:25-29; 1 Thess. 4:15-17.If you'd like access to our show notes, please visit www.rosevillebaptist.com/1717podcast to see them in Google Drive!Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review the podcast so that we can reach to larger audiences and share the truth of God's Word with them!Write in your own questions to be answered on the show at 1717pod@gmail.com.  God bless!

Where is your hope found when faced with death? Biblical hope is not wishful thinking. It is a certain expectation grounded in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The Lord has given us this text not only to give us hope in the face of death, but to equip us to give that hope to others. This message was preached by Pastor Erick Cobb on March 29, 2026.

David Gilliland teaches what the Bible says about the future antichrist who will be Satan's man in the tribulation. His number is 666 and his short rule will end with him being cast alive into the lake of fire. Readings: 2 Thess 2:1-12, 1 John 2:18-22, Rev 13:1-9, 16.18. (Recorded in Northern Ireland) The post The Coming World Superman | David Gilliland first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.

BreathalyzerElder in Training Alex Mahon1 Peter 5:8, 1 Thess. 5:6, & 2 Corin. 13:5March 22, 2026Today, we continue our current sermon series, 'Breathe'. Listen to Elder in Training Alex Mahon speak about how we need to be sober. #churchofphila #churchofphiladelphia #buildinglivesthroughlove #loveinaction #2026sermon #onlinechurchTo support this ministry and help us continue to build God's kingdom click here: http://www.churchofphila.comIf you've just made a decision for Christ, please respond HERE: http://www.churchofphila.comOur vision is to provide a place where people of all colors, creeds, and nationalities can come together and worship the Living Savior who is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.Connect with Us Website: http://www.churchofphila.comTwitter & Instagram: Charlotte, NC: @churchofphilacha Asbury Park, NJ: @churchofphilaap Lakeland, Florida: @churchofphilalkldFacebook: Charlotte, NC: www.facebook.com/churchofphila Asbury Park, NJ: www.facebook.com/churchofphilaap Lakeland, Florida: www.facebook.com/churchofphilalkld

March 22, 2026 | Galatians 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; James 5:19-20; 1 Timothy 5:20; Luke 17:3; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 3:13; Jude 22-23; Matthew 7:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:2 | Correcting without Judgmentalism | Sticks and Stones | Dale Williams

Guest speaker Henry Stewart shares a message from several New Testament passages regarding the Hope that believers can have relating to the Rapture of the Church. This sermon was delivered on March 15, 2026.

In this episode of YMU, Rebecca, Josh, Isaiah, and Danny consider Rooted's pillar of relational discipleship and how it inspires us to connect with teenagers in our churches. The hosts share insight about when the youth minister needs to connect with students personally and how to engage ministry volunteers in this important work. They offer some effective ways to connect with teenagers relationally. “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thess. 2:8). Rooted Webinar: Creating a Culture of Gospel Welcome in Youth Ministry What Does Relational Discipleship Actually Look Like? Watch Rooted's Past Training Videos and Webinars   Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 1, lesson 12 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Uniting Heaven and Earth. Christ in Philippians and Colossians”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Living with Each Other”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Col. 3:18–4:6; Eph. 5:22–25, 33; Prov. 22:6, 15; 1 Pet. 2:16; 1 Thess. 5:17. Memory Text: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6, NKJV). (March 14 - March 20)  Sunday (Ryan Johnson) - “Husbands and Wives”Monday (John Dinzey) - “Parents and Children” Tuesday (Jill Morikone) - “Work Relations”Wednesday (Risë Rafferty) - “Praying for One Another”Thursday (James Rafferty) - “Walking in Wisdom” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/  Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

A Question of Identity - 1 Thess 2_13 - Colm Doyle - 8th Mar 2026 by The King's Way Christian Fellowship - Glen Waverley

PRESUMING ON CHRIST'S MERCY And the best of us all might offend Christ's merciful disposition if we do not carefully watch that liberty which our fleshly nature is ready to make use of. Thus we reason, "If Christ will not quench the smoking flax, why should we fear that any neglect on our part will bring us into a comfortless condition? If Christ will not do it, what can?" You know the apostle's prohibition, "Do not quench the Spirit" (1 Thess. 5:19). Such cautions of not quenching are used by the Spirit as a means of not quenching him.

Lust is sexual desire that can only be satisfied outside of God's good design. Instead of honoring others, lust objectifies and uses them. The gospel sets us free from this enslaving vice and empowers us to pursue God's vision of life and love. 

Send us a messageScripture reveals to us that the “One World Religion” of the Antichrist will play a vital role in his global reign, and will actually ride the Beast as a Harlot, assisting him in the deception and control he will wield in the global governmental and economic systems as well.In this series, we will follow the Holy Spirit's leading into all Truth as He pulls back the curtain of deception in revelation of the Luciferian plans that are preparing the world for the religious, governmental, and economic control he will wield over every man and woman left behind after the Rapture of God's True Church.It is a timely message; for Jesus Comes Quickly! And His Love is calling out with urgency to believe, receive, and repent while there is still time to do so. The one who will put their full trust in the Blood Atonement Sacrifice the Savior offered up on Calvary's Cross, on their behalf will never die – but will live forever in Heaven's Glory with the Father and the Son, sealed by the Holy Spirit. (John 11:25-26)However, the one who refuses the Love of the Truth so as to be Saved (2 Thess. 2:10-12) will spend eternally in the fires of Hell with the father of lies, and apart from the God of Love Who gave His everything so that they would not perish.Today is the Day of Salvation – today is the day to decide. Life and death are putbefore you – please choose Life!Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/

"God made it, so it's fine", wrestling with God- literally, recent bible studies, and OpenClaw Second Sunday in Lent (Reminiscere) Gen. 32:22–32, 1 Thess. 4:1–7, Matt. 15:21–28

...by Fr. David Nix on 1 Thess. 4:1-7 and Matt 17:1-9. -Donate at https://www.padreperegrino.org/donate/

Michael Penfold gives an outline of the main events that are ahead for the world in biblical prophecy, from the rapture to the eternal state. The chart accompanying this sermon is available below. Readings: Isa 9:6-7, Dan 9:24-27, Eph 3:3-6, 1 Thess 4:13-18, 2 Thess 2:1-12. (Recorded in Straffordville Gospel Hall, ON, Canada, on 8th Jan 2026) Click here for the chart in PDF Or see below for the chart in JPG: Complete series: Countercultural Christianity Courtship and Dating The The post What Is Ahead for Our World? | Michael Penfold first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.

He was born sometime in the mid-fourth century on an island in the Aegean. For a time he lived successfully in the world, receiving a good education in Constantinople, then serving for a time for the Prefect of the Praetorium. But, becoming aware of the vanity of worldly things, he answered Christ's call, gave away all his goods to the poor and entered a monastery in Syria. After four years in obedience, he came to feel that the security of monastic life was inconsistent with the Gospel command to take no thought for the morrow; so he withdrew to the desert, taking with him only his garment and the Book of the Gospel. There he lived alone for seven years.   At the end of this period he set out on an apostolic mission to Mesopotamia, where he brought many to Christ: the city prefect Rabbula was converted after Alexander brought down fire from heaven, and a band of brigands who accosted the Saint on the road were transformed into a monastic community. He finally fled the city when the Christians there rose up demanding that he be made bishop. He once again took up a solitary life in the desert beyond the Euphrates, spending the day in prayer and part of the night sheltered in a barrel. There he remained for forty years. His holiness gradually attracted more than four hundred disciples, whom Alexander organized into a monastic community. Each disciple owned only one tunic, and was required to give away anything that they did not need for that day. Despite this threadbare life, the monastery was able to set up and run a hospice for the poor!   Alexander was perplexed as to how the admonition Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17) could be fulfilled by frail human flesh, but after three years of fasting and prayer, God showed him a method. He organized his monks into four groups according to whether their native language was Greek, Latin, Syriac or Coptic, and the groups prayed in shifts throughout the day and night. Twenty-four divine services were appointed each day, and the monks would chant from the Psalter between services. The community henceforth came to be known as the Akoimetoi, the Unsleeping Ones. (Similar communities later sprang up in the West, practicing what was there called Laus Perennis; St Columban founded many of these.)   Always desiring to spread the holy Gospel, Saint Alexander sent companies of missionaries to the pagans of southern Egypt. He and a company of 150 disciples set out as a kind of traveling monastery, living entirely on the charity of the villages they visited. Eventually they settled in some abandoned baths in Antioch, setting up a there a monastery dedicated to the unceasing praise of God; but a jealous bishop drove them from the city. Making his way to Constantinople, he settled there with four monks. In a few days, more than four hundred monks had left their monasteries to join his community. The Saint organized them into three companies — Greeks, Latins and Syrians — and restored the program of unsleeping prayer that his community had practiced in Mesopotamia. Not surprisingly, his success aroused the envy and anger of the abbots whose monasteries had been nearly emptied; they managed to have him condemned as a Messalian at a council held in 426. (The Messalians were an over-spiritualizing sect who believed that the Christian life consisted exclusively of prayer.) Alexander was sent back to Syria, and most of his monks were imprisoned; but as soon as they were released, most fled the city to join him again. The Saint spent his last years traveling from place to place, founding monasteries, often persecuted, until he reposed in 430, 'to join the Angelic choirs which he had so well imitated on earth.' (Synaxarion)   The practice of unceasing praise, established by St Alexander, spread throughout the Empire. The Monastery of the Akoimetoi, founded by a St Marcellus, a successor of Alexander, was established in Constantinople and became a beacon to the Christian world. 'Even though it has not been retained in today's practice, the unceasing praise established by Saint Alexander was influential in the formation of the daily cycle of liturgical offices in the East and even more so in the West.' (Synaxarion)

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 4:17. Some people talk a good game. Timothy lived one. Paul had a big problem in Corinth—a proud, divided church drifting from the way of Christ. So he doesn't just write another paragraph. He doesn't send a rebuke. He sends a person. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. — 1 Corinthians 4:17 Timothy wasn't a random choice. He was the right man, in the right moment, with the right life. History of Timothy: Paul met him in Lystra as a young man known for sincere faith (Acts 16:1–2). He was raised by a godly mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5). Paul invited him into ministry early (Acts 16:1–3). Timothy proved faithful through suffering, travel, pressure, and conflict (Phil. 2:19–22). Paul trusted him so deeply that he sent him to tough churches—Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus… and now Corinth (1 Thess. 3:1–2). So why send him? Because Timothy didn't just know Paul's teaching—he knew Paul's ways. He lived the gospel Paul preached. Timothy is who Paul would be if Paul were standing in the room. The Corinthians didn't need more clarity. They needed more example. A humble one. A faithful one. A consistent one. A fellow worth following. We all need examples like Timothy… and we're all called to become examples like Timothy. Not perfect. Just faithful. Steady. Growing. Becoming the kind of person who makes it easier for others to follow Jesus. Be a fellow worth following. And here's the truth: You can be. Not by being impressive. Not by being flawless. But by walking closely with Christ until your life naturally points others toward Him. God can shape you into the kind of person others look to for strength, courage, and clarity. The kind of person who lifts prayer burdens, speaks truth gently, and carries the presence of Christ into every space. You don't need a platform. You don't need a title. You just need a faithful life. Let God form you into a fellow worth following. DO THIS: Choose one area of your life where you want to grow into someone "worth following." Invite God to shape you—and someone you trust to sharpen you. ASK THIS: Why did Paul trust Timothy so deeply? What qualities in Timothy do I need to grow in? Does my life help others follow Christ more clearly? PRAY THIS: Lord, form in me the kind of life others can follow. Make me faithful, steady, humble, and true—like Timothy. Shape me into a fellow worth following. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Lead Me to the Cross"

I hosted a 20-minute interview with Boris, who has taken about 1500 Russian-speaking people through the full course on Hearing God's Voice. Here is our exciting conversation!Original blog with video available here.A suggested way you could share the four keys to hearing Gods voice - Weekly meeting design for a 1 hour or 2-hour meeting Greeting – fun chatting as people arriveLesson review 15 min – key points from the assigned video(s) they watched (Can choose to watch 1 or 2 videos per week). Or you can share your Zoom screen and watch a 1 hour video together). It would be best for people to have obtained the books 4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice and LEARN 4 Keys workbook). Journaling for 8 min (Quiet journaling time where they complete the assigned journaling questions – assumption being that even though these were assigned to be done before class, people will not have them done) Breakout rooms - 3 people in each room (10 min/person to read their journaling and be affirmed). This creates a trusting family atmosphere, and people gain confidence that they are hearing God's voice.Main room – people come back to the main group and share testimonies, ask questions, and close with prayer Close the meeting by informing them of the next video lesson and homework.Currently, Boris is running 3 simultaneous 4-key groups.Journaling applicationHearing God's voice is as simple as: 1) quieting down (Ps. 62:1-5), 2) beholding Jesus at my right hand (Ps. 16:8; Acts 2:25), 3) asking for His revelation and tuning to flowing thoughts and flowing pictures (Jn. 7:37-39; Jer. 2:13; 10 pictures), and 4) recording this flow (Hab. 2:1,2; Rev. 1:9-11). I then test it, ensuring it lines up with Scripture (Ps. 1:2; Jn. 10:35; 1 Thess. 5:2) and is affirmed in the hearts of my three spiritual advisors (2 Cor. 13:1; Prov. 11:14). See this link.Lord, how would you have me share the 4 keys to hearing Your voice with those whom I touch?Support the show

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In this Catholic Answers Live episode, we address the Catholic appeal to oral tradition beyond Scripture. The discussion examines historical evidence that apostolic oral traditions persisted in the early Church, explains St. Paul's teaching in 2 Thessalonians 3:6 on holding fast to received tradition, and responds to objections from Mark 7 regarding “traditions of men.” The episode concludes by addressing the problem of a fallible authority being required to identify the infallible canon of Scripture, offering a coherent Catholic defense of Sacred Tradition and biblical authority. Questions Covered: 00:30 – The Catholic's Appeal to Oral Traditions Beyond Scripture 18:23 – Do we have any evidence that some oral traditions persisted? 29:35 – The Catholic's Use of 2 Thess. 3:6—“stay away from brother who does not walk in accord with the tradition received” 44:25 – The Catholic's Counter to Mark 7 and the “traditions of men” Argument 47:45 – The Catholic's Counter to a Fallible List of Infallible Books