Podcasts about thessalonian christians

2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 The Thessalonian Christians were suffering a persecution. To empower their perseverance, Paul assures them of the coming judgment and punishment. The Foundation Preacher Podcast is provided to you by WELS Congregational Services. The Foundation resources were created to help churches allow the gospel message heard in worship, to echo throughout the week. […]

Almost every believer will struggle with doubt at some point in their life. Very often, Satan uses moments of spiritual failure or weakness to sow the seeds of doubt. Because of the pressures of persecution and the confusion of false teaching, the Thessalonian Christians were struggling with doubt. They wondered and worried if they were truly saved. They wondered and worried if they were worthy of God's grace. They wondered and worried that if they experienced a moment of failure or weak faith, could this have forfeited the promises of the gospel?Having corrected the lies of the false prophets and teachers, Paul now turns his attention to assuring these saints of their salvation and encouraging them to stand firm in their faith. To stand firm in the faith is to remain steadfast and faithful to God and obedient to His word. To do this, Paul does not begin with a list of demands for the church to meet but rather with an affirmation of the true gospel that enables the saints to stand firm in their faith.Confident hope in the assurance of salvation empowers believers to stand firm in their faith and hold fast to the testimony of the gospel. Failure to stand firm is sometimes the result of being lured away by worldly novelties and distractions. Other times, the pressures, difficulties, and hardships of this world press down so hard that it seems impossible to endure in your strength.In response to the deceptions of false prophets and the hardships of persecution that the Thessalonian Christians were enduring, Paul encouraged the church in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 to stand firm in the faith in three ways.Stand firm in the faith by affirming the true gospel. (13-14)Stand firm in the faith through faithful confidence. (15)Stand firm in the faith by enjoying the comfort of peace. (16-17)Find Out More:Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.This sermon was originally preached on 6/8/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA.Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben's sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at www.BenSmithSr.org. For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

Study 16 - Luke 12:13 – 13:9 Priorities in life There are at least 12 different parables or sayings in this section. The theme is how we should set our goals and live our lives in view of the uncertainty of this life and the promise of the life to come. We read 12: 13 - 21. Question 1: Why exactly was the rich man such a fool? (You should get at least 4 different ways in which he was stupid.) Here is the story again. The 4 things I can see in this passage are: He assumed he would still be alive to enjoy the produce from his crops. He ignored the concerns of other people. He assumed that "eat, drink ... " would lead to joyful merriment. He ignored the claims of God on his life. Question 2: Isn't having big enough barns for your crops common sense? Isn't it what this world runs on? Yes! It is what this world runs on. It is all a question of motives - good or bad. The teaching of the parable is summarized in the final phrase: he worked for himself and was not rich towards God. It is not easy to be consistently rich towards God but that must be our life-long ambition. Next we read 12: 22 - 34. These verses are all about worry. A great deal of Western culture is driven by worry; if yours is not Western I have to leave it to you to work out how closely this conforms to your situation. We, in the West, are trained from an early age to think we must have the right toys, the right clothes, the right boy's toys, cars, etc. and to worry if we do not! We cannot completely opt out of our world. In the words of Jesus we need to be 'in the world' but not 'of the world' (Jn 17: 11, 14). Question 3: Some of the Lord's servants rely on 12: 31 but if we all did that who would be the givers through whom the Lord would supply us? How then should we understand this? We need to balance this saying with what Paul said to the Thessalonian Christians in 2 Thess 3: 10 - 'if a man will not work he shall not eat'. Somewhere between the two sayings is the right course for each one of us. We read 12: 35 - 48. This section includes no less than 4 different sayings about masters returning home or thieves breaking in. Most likely Luke has brought together things that Jesus said at different times simply linked by key words or ideas. The first homecoming is in v 35 - 38. The old Syriac and Arabic translations (culturally closer to those days) have the servants expecting the master who withdraws from the banquet (both equally possible translations) thus suggesting a pre-arranged plan for the master to bring food home from the banquet for his servants whom he then serves. Question 4: Assuming that is correct, what does this parable teach about the final great banquet (Is 25: 6; Lk 13: 29, 14: 15)? This is an astonishing picture of Jesus receiving us, his servants, and serving us the good things of the great feast. Question 5: In the third and fourth episodes of masters returning (12: 42 - 46 and 47, 48) the emphasis is quite different. What is it? These two parables, or sayings, with their emphasis on senior servants abusing their position over lesser servants, were probably chosen for inclusion by Luke to make some pointed comments to the church leaders of his day, some 40 years after Jesus said these things. They may well be strong rebukes to some church leaders in our day. Question 6: How do you understand the brutal bits (12: 42b, 46b, 47b) in these 2 episodes? Compare 1 Cor 3: 12 - 15. Is it better to shun responsibility in the work of the Kingdom and make sure we are not entrusted with too much? Why, or why not? These sayings are a warning to all those who work in the church: from preaching, to Sunday School teaching and looking after the crèche, to work hard at our tasks, not to take them lightly and not to forget that we need the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit in all that we do for the Lord. Paul said: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
 if we do that we shall not go far wrong. Read 12: 39 - 45. The sort of family division mentioned in 12: 49 - 53 is rather alarming. We must never be responsible for the destruction of the peace, except for the fact that we follow Jesus. We must do all we can, apart from denying him, to avoid division. We read 13: 1 - 5. One writer commenting on these verses says: Jesus' question and answer react to the popular notion that sin is the cause of calamity. If God is responsible for everything and God is a just God, the calamities must be the result of human sinfulness. The fallacy in that argument is the notion that God is the immediate cause of all events, which leaves no room for human freedom or freedom in the created order, and therefore for events that God does not control ...'. Question 7: Do you agree with that statement? This is a very doubtful argument, theologically. It leaves God as less than sovereign. The problem that led to the question to Jesus is basically the same as that faced by Job and, in the book bearing his name, the only answer given is that God is an unchanging rock for those who love him in spite of all apparent evidence to the contrary. Perhaps the phrase 'the ordinary chaos of life', accepting that God is sovereign but we can have no idea what he has determined, no window into his sovereignty, is a good and acceptable summary of these verses. Finally we read 13: 6 - 8. This little parable of the fig tree is based on Is 5: 1 - 7. Question 8: What does Jesus add to what that passage teaches? Here is the passage in Isaiah: He includes a time marker, a year; probably to be understood as a period of grace before Israel would be "cut down". (Which turned out to be nearly 40 years before the siege and destruction of Jerusalem in AD 69, 70.) Right mouse click or tap here to save/download this as a MP3 audio file

A promise we don't often claim is that those who seek to live godly lives will suffer persecution. This was true of the Thessalonian Christians, and yet they stood firm in persecution for the gospel's sake. But that raises the question, why does the gospel arouse such opposition? As we will hear on today's broadcast, the gospel ignores all human achievement. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1425/29

Pastor Ben Smith preaches from 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5 on how to strengthen and exhort the church to stand firm against the attacks of Satan.The passion of God's servants must be to strengthen and exhort the church to stand firm against the attacks of Satan. Verses 17-20 of chapter 2 express Paul's lament that he was forced to leave the church shortly after they had come to faith and his great desire to return and be with them again. This is more than a recounting of events; it is likely a defense against those attempting to deceive the church by discrediting Paul and accusing him of abandoning them. Acts 17:1-10 describes how a hostile mob attacked the home of one of the first Thessalonian Christians named Jason, who believed that he was harboring Paul and the others in his house. Jason's life was spared only after he put up a financial surety bond that Paul and those with him would leave the city. In these final verses of chapter 2, Paul makes clear that he indeed loves the church (17) and has only stayed away because of Satan's opposition (18). Verses 19 and 20 encourage the church that Christ will return, and on that day, there will be great rejoicing in all who have received the gift of salvation. We are reminded that the chapter divisions are not part of the original text, with the division between chapters two and three. These first verses of chapter 3 are not a new idea but a continuation of the verses that precede it. Paul indicates that his desire to minister to the young Christians was so great that he sent Timothy to them even at great personal cost and suffering (3:1-2a). In chapter three, verse 2, we have the key verse for this passage. Timothy was sent to establish and exhort the church in their faith that they might stand firm against the temptation of Satan.The question that we consider with this passage is:What does the church need to stand firm against the attacks of Satan? This passage teaches two ministries that help the church stand firm in the faith.1. Work to establish and strengthen the church.2. Exhort the church to obedience.Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.Sermon preached 2/23/2025.Books and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben's sermon notes are available at http://bensmithsr.org/resources.For more information on Central Baptist Church, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

I recently heard a story of a young couple who began to feel that their well-funded, organized, all-American lifestyle was starting to feel empty and meaningless.  So, they decided to have children, which ultimately didn't work out, as they could not conceive.  The next step for them was taking care of foster children and then adopting a couple of their foster kids.  Along the way of working in the foster care system, though, they recognized an ongoing problem:  most of the young, single mothers who were losing their kids to foster care did not have the ability or resources to do anything for themselves and improve their lives.  They began to form a plan for how they might affect a change to this problem.             The couple came up with an idea: they would open their home to the foster system, but instead of just taking in a child with an at-risk mother, they would bring the mother, with her child, into their home for the long term!  They would nurture and care for the child and nurture, support, and train the young mother to care for her own child.  This was an intrusive, complicated, expensive, and life-changing decision on their part – and they were convinced this was what God was calling them to do!             Their experience with the young mother they 'adopted' and the mother's baby was heartwarming.  It was busy and expensive, of course, and interrupted their home life more than they could have imagined.   But the positive results were priceless.  They formed a forever bond with the young mother and her child and helped her navigate young motherhood.  Too, when the young mother began to respond to their nurture and instruction, she grew and matured and took on characteristics that would benefit her and her child for the rest of their lives.  Another thing:  the young couple performing this 'ministry' to a young family were growing in their faith due to how God worked through their efforts and prayers. As the mother said, she spoke of how she felt God's presence in her life, "I'm just loving him more and more each day."   What a lesson in real-life ministry!  When people give of themselves in ministry, they benefit those they serve and grow in their faith as they serve others, open their lives to those in need, and trust in God for strength and guidance. This is precisely what the Bible teaches!             In the book of I Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul speaks of how God had worked in these very ways.  The Christians in Philippi had given to his ministry, and when Paul worked in the distant city of Thessalonica, peoples' needs were met, they were nurtured in their faith, and those who worked the ministry were blessed.  Paul wrote this, first in Philippians 4: 15-16, "And you also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica, you sent a gift more than once for my needs."  Paul here commends the Philippian Christians for their giving to his missionary efforts in Thessalonica.  Later, in his letter to the new Christians, he wrote, "You also became imitators of us. . . so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia."  I Thessalonians I:6-7.  Paul commended the Philippian Christians for giving to the ministry in Thessalonica. He then commended the Thessalonian Christians, who had received generous gifts from the Philippians because they had grown in the faith and were great witnesses of the power of the Gospel!              When you give, others are healed; when you give, you are also healed.  This is just one of the reasons God wants us to give to others all our gifts and possessions!              Please give – that God might work in your lives and the lives of others – it is part of God's plan for his people.   Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.   Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/   To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. 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2024 Dec 1 SUN: FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Jer 33: 14-16/ Ps 25: 4-5. 8-9. 10. 14 (1b)/ 1 Thes 3: 12 -- 4: 2/ Lk 21: 25-28. 34-36 I have been thinking about how the events of our life present a variety of contrasts. Things we may desire, things we may not desire so much. Yesterday I have to say I was not happy to see the snow come, Although I know that many people like to see the snow. For me it's one more thing to get through and try to live with.  On the other hand, my nephew scored three touchdowns yesterday. So this is how we all experience life. It's a series of things. And I think especially the good things just take us by surprise. And we understand that we do not have to be the ones who die of fright, as Jesus says in the Gospel today. In fact all the Scriptures today are very encouraging. We have the promise from Jeremiah. This is really a promise and a prophecy related to Jesus. The last shoot shall come to establish justice.  And likewise St. Paul tells the Thessalonian Christians that they can look forward to what God is bringing. Again we think of what is coming as something to dread. We can look back two weeks. You never actually find in the Scriptures the term "the end of the world." But we have that popular notion. And of course most of the time when we hear the word "end" we think that something is over. It is not proceeding further. And in fact all these blessings that we find in the midst of our sufferings are hints. They are pointing to something far greater than ourselves. And really the season of Advent is about the good things that are coming to be. As we witness and recognize the fullness of God's Kingdom. We know that here and now we struggle. So that God's grace might be at work within us. So that we might not be working against ourselves. Allowing the very life of God to show its love and its general goodness in what we do. So as we enter upon this season we remember that even as we prepare to celebrate the humble coming of our Savior, we look ahead to His glorious coming and realize, "No, we don't have to die of fright." We can be the ones who welcome everything that our God intends to work for us and give to us.

Sermon Summary: As he reflects on the miraculous conversion and perseverance of the Thessalonian Christians, Paul highlights the Spirit's work through the ministry of the Word of God–the preaching of the gospel of Jesus. This text teaches us that the Word of God works to save sinners and strengthen saints.    Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters!   Preached on Sunday, December 1, 2024

Send us a textOne of the most powerful testimonies in the New Testament of the transforming power of the gospel among a  group of people is seen in the opening versus of 1 Thessalonians. There Paul thanked God for the clear and obvious evidence of his mighty saving work in the lives of the Thessalonian Christians. It happened then. It can happen now! Bible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

One of the most powerful testimonies in the New Testament of the transforming power of the gospel among a group of people is seen in the opening verses of 1 Thessalonians. There Paul thanked God for the clear and obvious evidence of his mighty saving work in the lives of the Thessalonian Christians. It happened then. It can happen now!

Sermon Summary: Though they may have been disdained and persecuted by their unbelieving neighbors, Paul was certain that the Thessalonian Christians were loved and chosen by God. But how could he be so sure? In this text, there are two proofs of God's electing love that will either be for you a line in the sand that exposes your actual standing with God or a tremendous encouragement and strength to your heart.   Series Summary: Called the "Cinderella Epistles of the New Testament" by some, 1-2 Thessalonians are an often overlooked treasure of gospel hope for those who follow Jesus. Despite intense persecution, the Church of the Thessalonians persevered in the faith, longing for the day that Jesus returns to deliver his people and judge the wicked. Exemplifying the unique and genuine bond that arises through a shared faith and struggle, the Apostle Paul wrote to remind the beleaguered Thessalonians of their hope in Christ and to instruct them on how to carry on until he comes. Join us as we study these divinely inspired letters!   Preached on Sunday, October 20, 2024

Daily Dose of Hope September 10, 2024 Day 3 of Week 24   Scripture:  Proverbs 22-23; Psalm 117; I Thessalonians 1   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  Let's get right into our Scripture for this morning.   Our first Old Testament passage is Proverbs 22-23.  I've mentioned that I struggle getting through the Proverbs.  To me, they seem a bit disjointed – so many different topics without any cohesive theme.  I wanted to share with you that I've been praying about it.  I'm hoping that God can teach me through these little wise sayings.    Today, something definitely caught my eye.  It was in chapter 22:17-19, Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.  So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you.  I want us to read these verses thinking less about the proverbs specifically and more about Scripture in general.  We don't want to just hear God's Word, but heed it and obey it.  It reminded me of Jesus' words in Matthew 7:24-25, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  The point of Scripture is not just to read and study it, but to figure out how to implement it in our lives.  What proverbs from today's reading stuck out to you?  What new bits of wisdom are you going to try to integrate into your life?   I do hope you took the time to read Psalm 117.  I think it's the shortest psalm of all the psalms.  But despite being just a few lines, it really summarizes our relationship with God or rather, what it should be.  We should be praising God.  All the nations should be praising God.  He is faithful, just, and worthy of praise.  How often do you envision all the nations praising the Lord?  What will it take for that to happen?   Our New Testament passage is I Thessalonians 1.  This book is a pastoral letter from Paul, Timothy, and Silas, to the church at Thessalonica.  The authors are together in Corinth when they get the news of how faithful the Thessalonians have been in spite of intense persecution.  This is a letter of encouragement.  It was normal in an ancient letter to include some kind of prayer for the recipient after the greeting.     We can see how, early in the letter, the authors state that they continually thank God for all the people in the church, and that they remember them before God because of their work produced through faith and love and their endurance inspired by hope in Jesus.  I am most intrigued by the line "endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."  Endurance is the ability to keep going, to persevere, in the face of difficulty and suffering.  We don't know exactly what kind of persecution the Thessalonian Christians were facing but it must have been pretty bad.  And Paul was worried about them.  They were new believers-how would they withstand these hardships?  Would their faith crumble or strengthen?  Apparently, they remained strong and steadfast, despite their limited experience in the faith.     This idea of endurance through hardship becomes a virtue in the early church.  Here is the important part: their endurance was not a result of some kind of internal emotional strength or resolve but was due to their hope in Jesus.  Their hope was rooted in the second coming of Jesus, which will become a theme throughout this letter.   Think about your own life. How would you rate your endurance in the face of hardship? While we don't face the same kind of persecution as the Thessalonian church, we still deal with other challenges.  How is your faith grounded in the hope of Christ?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Judgment of the Beast! Revelation 14:14 – 16:21 Introduction: 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10 The Thessalonian Christians apparently suffered greatly in the years following Paul's departure. In Paul's final letter to them he offered encouragement in a way that we might not have thought of, especially in today's culture.  Their faithfulness in the midst of severe trials […] The post Revelation 14:14–– 16:21 Judgment of the Beast appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, Paul addresses the Thessalonian Christians' concerns about the fate of those who have died before Christ's return. Paul reassures the Thessalonians that believers who have died will not miss out on Christ's return. Instead, when Jesus comes back, those who have died in Him will rise first, and then those who are alive will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord. This provides comfort and hope. Death cannot overpower Christ's shepherding care. In chapter 5, Paul shifts to discussing the timing of the Lord's return, emphasizing that it will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. Therefore, Christians should always be prepared, living lives of faith, love, and hope. So we are to live with an heavenly viewpoint, being alert and self-controlled in this life, confident in the resurrection power that Christ has secured for us, and supporting one another in the community of faith. We are a community who sojourns through this age in the Holy Spirit.

William Taylor - If we have not got a strategy for our death, we are woefully unprepared for life. In these verses Paul enables the Thessalonian Christians to encourage one another in the face of the certain reality of death.

William Taylor - If we have not got a strategy for our death, we are woefully unprepared for life. In these verses Paul enables the Thessalonian Christians to encourage one another in the face of the certain reality of death.

The focus is on the book of First Thessalonians, highlighting the responsibilities of believers. Paul appreciates Thessalonian Christians for their faithfulness and impact. The significance of gospel sharing and its influence on others is stressed. The endurance of Thessalonian believers in suffering is praised. The believers in Macedonia and Aiaa are lauded for their gospel sharing. The need to handle personal suffering without complaint and the importance of assessing leaders against God's word are discussed.

Part 2 in the Sermon Series Somehow Love Will Find a Way Love is Our Hope The sermon is also inspired by Paul's letter to the church in Thessalonica. He is very impressed by the Thessalonian Christians and their "work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in Jesus." Those three words, faith, hope, and love, are also found in Paul's other letters, most notably in 1 Corinthians 13. This letter is dated around 51 CE, making it the earliest Christian writing. Before Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John wrote their gospels, this document was circulated in the Mediterranean. As you can see from the quote above, faith, hope, and love were critical elements in the beginning days of the church.

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-5) It is not uncommon these days to hear people predict the end of time.  Things just feel so bad—it must be near, right?  From pastor to pew sitter to non-Christian, people are sure that some sort of end must be imminent.   Not so fast though.  Jesus also speaks—like Paul does here—of the day of the Lord coming in a totally unexpected moment, like a thief.  Jesus says it even more explicitly: “about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mt. 24:36).   On the one hand Jesus, like Paul, uses the “unknown” of the day of the Lord as an invitation to be ever watchful and ready, ever obedient and faithful.  On the other hand, it is also used to give comfort, and this is more in keeping with what Paul is dong here: lowering the anxiety level.   Paul gives a picture of judgement here though too, and that might trouble us a bit.  It's important to keep the context in mind.  The Roman society that was persecuting the Thessalonian church was a society in which everything looked good.  The economy was humming along and under the law and protection of the Romans, peace and safety was enjoyed by all.  That is, unless you were Christians who did not participate in the pagan practices of that society—then you experienced fearsome insecurity.  Paul's point is that despite all this—it is actually the Christians who ultimately have the claim to peace and safety, because they rest secure under the Lordship of Christ as children of the light and of the day.  The promise of the Roman empire is false—against the judgement of God, Rome cannot offer shelter.  It is they of the pagan Roman society who have no hope, or at least who have placed their hopes in gods and emperors who are not gods—they who will be surprised and caught unaware by this thief-like day of the Lord's judgement.  On that day, the faith of the Thessalonian Christians will be vindicated, even as the injustices and suffering they have endured are set right. The point for them and for us is this: in Jesus Christ we rest in peace and safety.  For no matter when he comes and no matter what we suffer until then—we may trust that body and soul, in life and in death, we belong to him.    Yes, things are bad in our present moment even as they were bad for the Thessalonians back then—but hang in there.  Stand firm.  Don't be deceived or alarmed.  Jesus knows who are his, and you are his.  There's no way you'll miss him or he you—you are children of the light and the day.  So do not be afraid.  No matter how bad things get or how fearsome the moment feels, stay calm.  You belong to Jesus. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it! The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you! (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24,28 The Message).  

You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,  and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. (1 Thessalonians 1:6-10)  From the Spirit-fired work of God among the Thessalonians, a beautiful thing began to happen.  Like yeast through the dough, their Christian witness began to spread everywhere! Believing the Gospel is one thing, but in order to live it in our daily lives, we all need some model to follow.  We have to see a Christian life in action so that we can practice the rhythms and habits of grace ourselves.  Jesus coming in the flesh initiated this means of transmitting the good news as he invited his disciples to watch, listen, and learn from his life, teaching, and eventual death and resurrection.  They in turn preached and lived this gospel message out among others.  And so it was, in pastor Michael's phrase from yesterday that “the church begat the church.”   Now perhaps the Thessalonians were sufficiently unassuming in their living of the faith under severe suffering that they had not noticed the impact their Spirit-fired faith was having on the world around them.  So Paul tells them—they are putting Paul and his fellow missionaries out of a job!  Paul and the gang don't need to tell anyone about Jesus, because people everywhere have already heard the story of the faith of the Thessalonian Christians!   A good story of a Christian life lived preaches louder than any lecture or Sunday sermon.  The story of the Thessalonian Christians, like any good story, had a beginning, middle, and end.  The beginning was their past: they—residents of a Greek city in view of Mt. Olympus—had turned away from the mountain of the gods to the living and true God.  This no doubt has something to do with the “suffering” the Thessalonians now faced, but probably also something to do with the power of the message springing from their lives.  If they, people in the direct line of sight of Zeus and Herra, could thwart the claims of Mt. Olympus in favour of a higher power, even at great personal cost inflicted by neighbours—there must be something to this new God! The middle of the story shows the Thessalonians not just turning away from idols—not merely deconstructing an old faith, but also reconstructing a new one.  They have turned to serve the living and true God.  They have begun to mold their lives around new works of faith, labours of love, all grounded in a new hope.  And that is finally where the story ends: a people waiting steadfastly and actively for Jesus, their Lord, to come again.   Whose stories of faith do you model your faith on?  What idols in your life (and faith) need deconstructing and what new practices of faith, love, and hope is God reconstructing in their place?  It may seem like a tough slog in the present moment, but you never know how far afield your own life and story of faith might be preaching!  So hang in there!  Stay steadfast, and keep your hope fixed in Christ. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it! The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you! (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24,28 The Message).  

When he wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian Christians, Paul included a passage that serves as an excellent discipleship model. As we share the gospel, we must also share ourselves in authentic spirituality with the goal of real-life change. | Download Worksheet ★ Support this podcast ★

A central article of faith of Christianity is that Jesus will return visibly and powerfully to end this era and bring in a world of eternal life and glory. - SERMON TRANSCRIPT - Turn in your Bibles to Mark 13 as we consider the Second Coming of Christ. And as I do this morning, my mind goes back 29 years, my wife and I were missionaries in Japan. I went regularly on Saturdays to a different city, taking a train from Tokushima to Takamatsu. In that city I would teach English and the Bible. On one particular day, a Saturday, I was walking through the streets of Takamatsu, and praying about the ministry I was about to have. I looked overhead, and there was a spectacular cloud formation. You know what I'm talking about, one of those clouds that just heap up like a pile, like a mountain up to the sky. Very, very dramatic. It was especially dramatic in that there was a small peephole of sunlight coming through and there were rays that were streaming down. I was just overwhelmed. I began singing the hymn we're going to close with today, It Is Well With My Soul, because I really felt that it was well with my soul. I was especially thinking about the fourth stanza which says, "And Lord haste the day when our faith will be sight, the clouds be rolled back like a scroll. The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend. Even so, it is well with my soul." Think about that when we sing at the end. But I was thinking about that myself, and how dramatic and how awesome that day was going to be. As I was contemplating this sermon, I was thinking about that day, the day that is yet to come, and our understanding of all that will happen on that day. I would say easily the most dramatic moment in the history of sin-cursed humanity. I can't actually imagine a more spectacular and dramatic day than that, and we are going to understand it and effectively see it today by faith. My prayer has been that the eyes of your heart would be enlightened, that you would be able to see the invisible, the future. And that you would see the glories of the greatness and the majesty and the power and the terror, indeed the terror, of that day in which everything on earth will come to an end. To see it by faith and understand it by faith, that's my desire. How different is the circumstance of Jesus' Second Coming from that of his First Coming. Think of the Christmas hymn, A Little Town of Bethlehem, “how silently the wondrous gift is given.” We know that an army of angels came and appeared, but just to a very small number of shepherds on the hills outside Bethlehem, no one else got to see that. It was just a pregnant couple, a pregnant woman, no room in the inn, and then Jesus born in the natural way. Very quiet. But the Second Coming of Christ will not be so. and we need to understand it. We need to understand it biblically. We need to understand the reasons for it. This morning, as I was thinking about that, the reasons for the Second Coming, I listed out a series of them. Why is Christ coming back to Earth? First and foremost, for the glory of God, for the open, clear, plain, visible display of the greatness and majesty of almighty God. Secondly, to be praised and marveled at by the saints, stimulating us in worship such as we have never experienced before, and that, even for all eternity. Third, to rescue His persecuted people from imminent deadly danger. Fourthly, to bring about justice for them as they are crying out for justice day and night. To bring about justice and, indeed, vindication for His people. Fifth, to punish evildoers, idolaters, blasphemers and wicked people who have not fled to Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. Sixth, to end the open reign of Satan and antichrist and that final government which we have described recently. Seventh, to establish the kingdom of God in righteousness and purity in answer to the prayers that have been prayed in every generation, "May your kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." To usher in the new heaven and the new earth, the perfect world free from all death, mourning, and crying, and pain. To be with His people forever and to end the reign of sin and death for all eternity. These are the reasons and many others. I. The Absolute Certainty of the Second Coming It's beneficial for us today to walk through this biblically, to understand it, to understand what Mark reveals about it. I begin with the absolute certainty of the Second Coming of Christ. The Second Coming of Christ is taught many, many times throughout the Scriptures. This is one of the central articles of the Christian faith, that Jesus Christ will return visibly and powerfully to end this era of human history and bring in a world of eternal life and radiant glory. We believe this as Christians. Now, Paul speaks of the purpose of Jesus's first coming like this in Galatians 1:3 and 4, "The Lord Jesus Christ gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age." To rescue us from this present evil age. What is this present evil age, and what world of eternal blessedness did Christ come to usher in? No text captures it better than Revelation 21:4, "He'll wipe every tear from their eyes. There'll be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain for the old order of things has passed away." This present evil age in Galatians 1 and the old order of things that is passing away are the same, they're just different ways of talking about the same thing. The present evil age is characterized by the reign of sin, sin reigning in death, and mourning and crying and pain. That's this present evil age from which Jesus has come to rescue us. The new heavens and the new earth that Jesus will bring in at His Second Coming will be forever free from those enemies, forever free from sin, and Satan, and death, mourning, crying, and pain. Therefore, the Second Coming of Christ is a central aspect of the Christian hope. We are looking forward to it. We're longing for it. We're yearning for it to come. We're seeking to speed its coming by service to God and by the proclamation of the gospel. The Second Coming is therefore taught in many places in Scripture. First, historically, by a man named Enoch, seventh from Adam. We learned this in the book of Jude. Enoch, seventh from Adam, that's a long, long, long, long, long time ago, said these words, prophesied about these wicked men, "Behold the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones, angels, to judge everyone and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." Enoch said that. How in the world did Enoch know about the Lord coming with thousands of angels the same way we do? The Lord revealed it to him prophetically. "The Second Coming of Christ is a central aspect of the Christian hope. We are looking forward to it. We're longing for it. We're yearning for it to come. We're seeking to speed its coming by service to God and by the proclamation of the gospel." It started with Enoch, then many other places. I zero in into my mind to Daniel 7, the vision that Daniel the prophet had at night, a night vision. The centerpiece of it was a vision of the Son of Man, Daniel 7: 13 and 14, "In my vision at night, I looked and there before me was one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. And He approached the ancient of days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power. All people's nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." It's taught there in Daniel 7. It's taught in Matthew 24 and 25, and here also in Mark 13, and we'll walk through it carefully today, but there are many other passages on the Second Coming. Jesus, for example, in John 14, spoke to his apostles the night before He was crucified, saying, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my father's house or many rooms. If it were not so I would've told you, for I'm going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you," listen now, "I will come back and take you to be with me so you also may be where I am." It's a clear prediction of the Second Coming of Christ. Then that very night after Jesus was arrested, and early the next morning when He was on trial, He quoted Daniel 7, and I'm not going to read it now because I'll read it later in the sermon, but He referred to the Second Coming at that point. It got Him killed. It got Him condemned by the Jewish authorities. Then after His death on the cross, and after His physical resurrection from the dead, and after He had spent forty days instructing His disciples and giving many convincing proofs that He was alive, after all of that training was over, He gave them His final word, "You'll receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you'll be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria to the ends of the earth.” [Acts 1:9-11] "After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently into the sky as He was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven will come back in the same way you've seen Him go into heaven.'" It’s a clear prediction of the Second Coming of Christ. The Apostle Paul, wrote of it often. He spoke of the Parousia, the coming of Christ. He spoke of it many times, most dramatically in 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18, "The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with a voice of the archangel, with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." That's the rapture. Caught up midair, mid-heaven to meet the Lord as He descends from heaven to earth, to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage one another with these words. I hope you're encouraged with these words. This is the future. This is what Paul taught in 1 Thessalonians 4, and in 2 Thessalonians 2, "Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ [the Parousia] and our being gathered to Him, we ask you brothers not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, reporter, or letter supposed to have come from us saying the day of the Lord has already come. You didn't miss it.” That ship has not sailed," et cetera. But he talked about the Parousia, the coming of the Lord. The Apostle Peter talked about it in 2 Peter 3: 3-4, "First of all, you must understand that in the last day, scoffers will come scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is this coming he promised?” What coming? That's the Second Coming of Christ. “Where is it? We don't see it. Where is this coming He promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” Peter goes on to talk about how the generation of Noah before the flood were saying the same thing, Jesus made that same connection. They were saying, "There's no flood. We don't see any flood," until that flood came. Then later in 2 Peter 3 : 10 he said, "The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar. The elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare." Also the Second Coming of Christ is taught many times in the Book of Revelation, such as Revelation 1:7, "Behold He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced him, and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him, so shall it be on men." We'll return to that passage a number of times. Then of course in Revelation 19, it openly depicts and describes the Second Coming of Christ with an angelic army, and Jesus coming with a sword coming out of His mouth with which He will slay the wicked. Then in the final chapter, Revelation 22:7, Jesus said, "Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book." Again, Revelation 22:12 and 13, "Behold, I am coming soon. My reward is with me, and I'll give to each person according to what he has done. I am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." We believe in linear history. We believe in an unfolding history. We don't believe in reincarnation and cyclical history that goes around. No, we believe in a beginning, a middle, and an end. We believe in an alpha and omega, and Jesus is that letter and that letter and every letter in between. We believe in a purpose to history, and we believe it's going to end, this phase, this present evil age will end with the Second Coming of Christ. Then again, Revelation 22:20, the second to last verse of the Bible, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.'" That's three times in Revelation 22 He says, "I'm coming soon." Then John replies, "Amen. Come Lord Jesus." It seems then that looking forward to the Second Coming, yearning for the Second Coming, crying out for it as John does, is essential to our healthy lives in this present evil age. This is a major theme taught many times in the Bible. II. The Heavenly Bodies Darkened, Shaken, and Removed What aspects does Jesus give here in Mark 13, that's our purpose now, as we look through Mark 13:24-27. It begins with the heavenly bodies darkened, shaken, and removed. Look at verse 24 and 25, "But in those days, following that distress, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. The stars will fall from the sky and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” The context here, as we remember, is in those days following that distress. We're right in the middle now of Mark 13. The last sermon was entitled, as you remember, “Run For Your Lives.” Look at verses 14-19, "When you see the abomination that causes desolation standing where it does not belong, let the reader understand, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers? Pray that this will not take place in winter because those will be days of distress unequal from the beginning when God created the world until now, and never to be equaled again." The Abomination of Desolation, we walked through that, devoting a whole sermon to that. The Abomination of Desolation is the defiling of a sacred space by a blasphemous Gentile power. Concerning the destruction of the temple, Jesus talked about the Gentile army surrounding the city ready to destroy it. But the Abomination of Desolation, per se, is the antichrist finally setting himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. Jesus clearly warned his church that would be living in that geographical region, both at the destruction of the temple, but then as it foretold the final events. When you see that, when you see these things spoken of by the prophet Daniel, run for your lives, get away as fast as you can. This is what the Bible calls the Great Tribulation. The Book of Revelation gives many more details about what life on earth will be like at that time, and how terrifying and terrible it will be. Seven seals broken, seven trumpets sounded, seven bulls poured out. Those seven, seven, sevens give heaven's response to the wickedness and sinfulness of man on earth, and they will ravage the surface of the earth. Ecological disaster such as has never been seen before, a clear link between human sin and the ecology as we saw from the beginning when Adam sinned and the earth was cursed, and it produced only thorns and thistles for him. We learned in Romans 8 that the whole world has been cursed with the bondage of decay; there's a link between human sin and the ecology. The ecological disasters described specifically in Revelation 8, have never, however, been seen before. A burning up of green grass, a burning up of a third of the trees on earth, a turning of a third of the ocean waters to blood, a killing of a third of the living creatures in the sea. What effect would that have on human commerce and life itself? Then even worse, a third of the drinking water is fouled, made undrinkable. But what effect will that have on national boundaries when some parts of the world have drinking water and other parts don't? You can't live longer than a certain number of days without water, a terrifying, terrible rending of the planet because of the judgments of God. It's not an accident, but it's something God is pouring out. The unleashing of plagues on mankind resulting in painful sores and an agony so great that the people, the inhabitants of the earth, will long for death, but they will not find it. An unleashing of demonic powers billowing up from the deepest resources of the pit and coming to bring agonies and torments on people, [Revelation 9]. It's a terrifying time. Then the coming of the beast from the sea, the antichrist, the one-world government, the one-world religion, all of those things that culminate in the Abomination of Desolation. Those are terrible days. Mark 13:19-20, "Those will be days of distress unequal from the beginning when God created the world until now, and never to be equaled again. If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive," think about that, "but for the sake of the elect, those days will be shortened." Immediately after the distress of those days, the Second Coming happens, and it's described here as the shaking and rending and destruction of the cosmos. Look up into the night sky. Look up into the sky and see the lights that God put there. Verse 24 and 25, "In those days following that distress, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. The stars will fall from the sky and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” The heavens will be rent, similar to Isaiah's prayer concerning the wickedness of man. He said in Isaiah 64:1-2, "Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you as when fire sets twigs, ablaze and causes water to boil. Come down and make your name known to your enemies. Cause the nations to quake before you." Isaiah 64, “Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down." It's interesting, this idea of rending the heavens, it creates a sense of a membrane or barrier between us and the heavenly realms. A rending is a tear and a rip, and out of it, Isaiah wants God almighty to come and bring judgment. What's interesting is, this is the language used at Jesus' baptism. When Jesus was baptized, the heavens were torn, but out came a dove, a symbol of peace, a symbol of reconciliation with God. That's the First Coming, peace on earth, goodwill to man. That's the first rending happening. The second will not be so. It'll be more like Isaiah 64, the wrath of God coming out of that rending of the heavens, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken and removed. I need to bring up the Polish astronomer, Copernicus. Some of you I'm sure are thinking about Copernicus. Maybe not, but I am, anyway. Until Copernicus, most people on earth thought that the stars, the sun, the moon revolved around the earth, the earth was the center of everything. They moved in concentric spheres, earth is center, and they moved across, so the sun would make it circuit across the sky in this sort of pattern. But along came Copernicus, and he wasn't the only one, but he led the way to teach us that actually the earth revolves around the sun, physically. That is true, physically. However, the Bible does give an earthbound purpose to the heavenly bodies. The reason they exist is found on planet Earth. We get that from Genesis chapter one, "And God said, let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years. And let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light to the earth, and it was so. God made two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, that's the sun, and the lesser light to govern the night, that's the moon. He also made the stars." One of the great understatements in the entire Bible, "Oh, by the way, He also made the stars." But God made them all, and God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light to the earth. That's twice we have an earthbound statement for the sun, the moon, and the stars. Let the earth physically revolve around the sun, that's fine. But when events come to their conclusion on the surface of the earth, the sun, the moon, and the stars will end their career. There's an earthbound purpose to these, to give light to the earth and to mark time, seasons, and days, and years. This proves also to me, there are no other planet earths out there having an unfolding redemptive history; that Jesus is doing that saving thing that He did here in planet after planet, after planet like some traveling roadshow. That is false. It is not true. When events come to an end here, the stars will fall from the sky. Literally, the sun will be dark and the moon will not give its lights. Either the sun's light will be blocked or reduced or ceased to give it altogether, because the sun will no longer exist. The sun and the moon, we are told, will not be needed in the new heavens and the new earth, the new Jerusalem, because the glory of God will illuminate that new universe and that new Jerusalem. It doesn't mean they don't exist, it just says they won't be needed, so maybe they won't exist at all. The sixth seal of Revelation speaks of the same thing. Revelation 6:12-14, "I watched as he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair. The whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to the earth as late figs dropped from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place." Isaiah 64, "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down and make the mountains shake before you like boiling water." The fourth trumpet in Revelation correlates, Revelation 8:12, "The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon and a third of the stars. So a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, also a third of the night." Isaiah had also predicted this, Isaiah 34:4, "All the stars of the heavens will be dissolved and the sky rolled up like a scroll. All the starry hosts will fall like withered leaves from a vine like shrill figs from a fig tree." We have this image again and again and again. I'm aware that in the Book of Isaiah, it's sometime linked to cataclysmic events that happen on earth such as the end of an empire, like Babylonian empire, when it doesn't literally happen that the stars fall from the sky, but it's like the events will be so big, it'll be like that. I understand that language. But since the language is used again and again and again and again, that may be just a poetical connection to what actually will physically happen at the end of the world. Now you wonder how could God do this? It's because God is sovereign over every created thing in the universe. Isaiah 40:26 says, "Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens. Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls them each by name because of His great power and His mighty understanding, not one of them is missing.” They continue to exist, according to Isaiah 40:26, because God wills that they continue to exist. God sustains the stars. A new heaven, a new earth will have a new cosmos as well. III. Jesus Comes With the Clouds Next, Jesus comes with the clouds. Look at verse 26, "At that time, men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with power and great glory." This was predicted by Daniel and then cited by Jesus at his trials. The very thing that Daniel saw in the Son of Man vision that I’ve already read for you, Daniel 7:12-13, he saw the Son of Man coming into the presence of almighty God on the clouds, and receiving from Him power and great glory. The angels and then all peoples on earth worshiping Him and serving Him. That's the Son of Man vision. Jesus cited that on the trial for His life before the Jewish authorities. Think of the boldness of Jesus, He knew they wouldn't be able to accept it, but He still proclaimed it, referred to it. in Mark 14:62-64, they asked Him, “'I charge you under oath by the living God, tell us if you're the Christ the Son of God.’Jesus said, ‘I am.’" Period. That's a claim to deity, "I am.” Then He quotes or alludes to Daniel 7, "And you'll see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the mighty one and coming on the clouds of heaven." Now that's a clear prediction to his enemies, "You will see this. You're going to see this whether you believe in me or not. It will not take faith to see this. You will see it." “The high priest tore his clothes,'Why do we need any more witnesses?’ he asked. ‘You've heard the blasphemy. What do you think?’ And they all condemned him as worthy of death.” Jesus predicting his own Second Coming is what officially got him killed, quoting Daniel 7. The clouds, Jesus coming with the clouds, I believe are both physical like I saw in Takamatsu that day, but they're also symbolic. Clouds are referred to again and again in connection with the great power of God. Clouds are awesome and dramatic. I think all of us who have flown have been above the clouds and then seen a carpet of clouds dramatically. And you can see, especially at sunset, they're all glowing, they're very dramatic things. Clouds literally hid Jesus when He ascended from the earth. It's reasonable for them to be a feature on his return. But the clouds also symbolize the wrath of God, again and again, the wrath of God. Like at Mount Sinai, Moses said to the Jews, in retrospect, looking back on the day at Mount Sinai, Moses said, "You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain while at blaze with fire to the very heavens with black clouds and deep darkness." God surrounded Mount Sinai with terrifying black clouds as though a lightning strike could come out of that cloud at any moment. Psalm 18 is probably the strongest connection here. Psalm 18:7-13, "The earth trembled and quaked. The foundations of the mountain shook, they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils. Consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He parted the heavens and came down. Dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherub him and flew. He soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him. The dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of His presence, clouds advanced with hailstones and bolts of lightning. The Lord thundered from heaven, the voice of the most high resounded." It's terrifying. What's going on in Psalm 18? What is David talking about? What happens is David is in trouble on a battlefield, and cries out to God to deliver him, and then God does. He comes to rescue David in the midst of his trouble. Do you not see how that applies to the Second Coming? I believe the Second Coming is a rescue mission. I believe that the bridegroom is coming to rescue the bride because she's about to become exterminated by the antichrist, and He's filled with rage over it. Psalm 18 describes that. Would God do all that for one person, King David? We know that God protected David in every battlefield he ever fought on. He never died in battle, so God did deliver him, and rescued him, and crushed his enemies under his feet. David himself is a symbol of Christ. But ultimately, I think this idea of God rending the heavens, coming with the clouds to rescue his people is consummated at the Second Coming. It's a rescue mission where the people of God are rescued from their enemies, and from imminent death. Isaiah 30:27, "Behold the name of the Lord comes from afar with burning anger and dense clouds of smoke. His lips are full of wrath in his tongue of consuming fire.” Jesus comes with the literal clouds, the physical clouds, but also metaphorically, He comes in the wrath of God. "This idea of God rending the heavens, coming with the clouds to rescue his people is consummated at the Second Coming. It's a rescue mission where the people of God are rescued from their enemies, and from imminent death" IV. The Mourning of the Nations Next, the mourning of the nations. It's not mentioned in Mark, but I want to bring it up. It's mentioned in Matthew, and it's also mentioned in Revelation 1 and Revelation 18. Matthew 24:30, "At that time, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn." Think about that, they’re all going to mourn. "They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.” Again, Revelation 1:7, "Behold, He's coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him. Even those who pierced Him. And all the people of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be. Amen." A mourning. Why are the nations mourning? “It’s not the end of the world.” No, it will be the end of the world. That's it. All of the things that those unbelievers had been living for will instantly come to an end. This is depicted with the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18:9-11, “When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with [Babylon] and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: "'Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!' The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more.” The party is over. All the lust of the eyes, and the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life is done that day. It's over. It's judgment day for them, and so they will mourn. The righteous wrath of the Lord is being poured out on them for their sins, especially because they have not loved Christ or his people. As it says in 2 Thessalonians 2:10, “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” Revelation 18:18-20 says, "When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?' And they'll throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning, cry out, 'Woe, woe, Oh great city where all who had ships of the sea became rich through her wealth. In one hour she has been brought to ruin. Rejoice over her, oh heaven. Rejoice saints and apostles and prophets for God has judged her for the way she treated you.'" That's the justice of God, but there is mourning and grieving. Let me just stop right now and say the best thing we can do is believe all of these things, and the judgment day that follows, and even more, the hell that follows that, and mourn and grieve now by faith. Grieve over sin now and flee to Christ. That's the best thing we can do is believe these things now when there's still time. At that point, the tears will mean nothing. V. The Gathering of the Elect Then there's the gathering of the Elect. Look at verse 27, "And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens." This is, I believe, the primary reason, other than the glory of God, the primary reason for the Second Coming. He's come to gather His bride together, His people. The antichrist will be bearing down on them with great power, great hatred. He'll be hunting them down to force them to blaspheme by receiving the mark of the beast. Jesus said if those days had not been cut short, no one would survive. That's how bad it's going to be, but for the sake of the Elect, those days will be shortened. Everyone has their limit. There's only so much temptation we can face. No matter how courageous, no matter how faith-filled, no matter how much we are willing to suffer and die as martyrs, there is a limit to what we can endure. Remember, as I talked about last week, the night that Jesus was arrested, He made them say twice who they were there to arrest so that He could say concerning the rest of his followers, "If you're looking for me, then let these men go." John said Jesus said this so that the saying Jesus had stated would come true, "Of all those you have given me, I have not lost one." There is a time to run away. But if that antichrist power is spreading over the earth with so much domination, and if those days had not been cut short or counted as in Daniel 12, He would say, "When the Son of Man comes, will there be any believers left on earth?" So He intervenes. Furthermore, I think He just wants to be with us. Ultimately, isn't that it? Isn't that the point of His death on the cross? He wants to spend eternity with us. He wants to feast with us in heaven. He wants to walk with us in the new heaven, new earth. He wants fellowship with us. He earnestly desires to be with us. Isn't that amazing? Doesn't it blow your mind? We're pathetic, and yet He loves us and wants to be with us. And guess what? We're not going to be pathetic in heaven. Praise God. We'll be really pretty amazing. We'll be glorified. He loves us. He says in John 14:3, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me.” Why? “So that you also may be where I am." Or again, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, "And so we will be with the Lord forever." Ezekiel 37:23, have you heard this before? "They will be my people, and I will be their God.” Do you know how many times it says that in Ezekiel and Jeremiah? The answer is seven. That's how many times again and again, "They will be my people and I will be their God." He wants fellowship with us. Or again, it's cited in Revelation 21:3, "I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them, they will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God, and He'll wipe every tear from their eyes and there'll be no more death, mourning, crying or pain.'" He wants to be with us. And this is at this moment, the rapture, as I mentioned. He's going to send out his angels and they'll gather his Elect. They're dispatched to collect us and bring us up to meet the Lord in the air. Let me read 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 again, "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with a voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up." That's “rapture.” That's what the word means. And the Latin root is “to be captured up, caught up.” I picture like a mother cat and a kitten being grabbed by the back of the neck, something like that because we can't fly, gravity works on us. So how are we going to meet the Lord in the air? He's going to send out angels who can fly, and they will pick us up so that we can meet the Lord in the clouds. You may say, "Well, why does He want to meet us in the clouds?" I don't know, but He does. We're going to go out like a welcome committee, and meet Him in the clouds. This is the rapture. Verse 27, "He will send His angels and they'll gather His elect from the four winds from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heaven." By the way, the Elect by then will all have been converted. Evangelism and missions will be done by then, no unconverted elect. This is the eternal separation at this moment of the Elect and non-Elect, as Matthew 24:40-41 says, "Two men will be in the field, one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill, one will be taken and the other left." Yes, I believe in the “left-behind” thing. But the left behind here is not pre-trib seven year and all that. This is the separation of the Second Coming. If you're left behind at that moment, you are non-Elect, and the gospel era is over. The sheep and the goats are separated, the wheat and the weeds are separated, the good fish and bad fish are separated forever. The non-Elect will be stunned and seem like they have no idea what's happening. They will not understand this. Matthew 24, "As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man." From the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage right up to the day Noah entered the ark. They knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. VI. Properly Preparing for the Second Coming How can we apply this? How can we properly prepare for the Second Coming? I've already said it, but first and foremost, trust in Christ and Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins while there's time. That day is the end of the faith era. It's the end of the gospel era. It's the end of the open door to Noah's Ark era. God closed Noah's door with His own hand. God ended that. Everyone outside the ark perished. Now is the time to enter. Now is the time to believe. Now is the time to trust in Christ, to believe in Him for the forgiveness of your sins. That's how it starts. And what does that look like? Paul spoke to the Thessalonian Christians in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, "You turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for His son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who rescues us from the coming wrath." What does it mean? It's to turn to God away from idols. What are idols? It's the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, the pride of life. It's all the things that lead us away from God. It's all the wickedness. We turn away from those things, away from sin to God through Christ, and we receive forgiveness for all of our sins, Jesus' blood shed for all of our idolatries. You did that in Thessalonians, you turned to God from idols, and you waited, to wait for His son from heaven. So prepare that way. Secondly, cry out in prayer, I would say daily, for the Second Coming of Christ. This line is already very famous. I cited it once, but you remember it's the Lord's prayer, "Our Father in heaven, hallow be your name." What's next? "May your kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." That's the Second Coming. It's a crying out for the Second Coming. Pray that. Do it. Revelation 22:20, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I'm coming soon.'" What was John's response? "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." That's a prayer, right? Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Or again, Revelation 1:7, "Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all the tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him." John's answer, “Even so, "Amen. Let it be. I want that to happen." Or again, in 1 Corinthians 16:22, if you have New American Standard Translation, it reads like this, "If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be a cursed.” What is “maranatha”? It's Aramaic for, “come, Lord.” It's a prayer for the Second Coming. Christians should cry out for Jesus to come, and this accords with our understanding of prayer. Not as, number one, giving God an idea He didn't have before, or number two, persuading God to do something He didn't want to do until you persuaded him. That's not what prayer is. Then what is prayer? It's understanding from the Word what God has said He's going to do but hasn't done yet, and ask him to do it. Wouldn't you think the Second Coming fits that description? Has God revealed that he wants his son to come? Yes. Has it happened yet? No. Pray for it. Pray for it. Thirdly, look forward to the Second Coming and long for it. Your prayer for it will stimulate that. You should long for the Second Coming. 2 Peter 3:12 says, "Look forward to the day of God." 2 Peter 3:13, "In keeping with his promise, we're looking forward to a new heaven, new earth." Then verse 14, "So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this…” That's three consecutive verses. Look forward to it, look forward to it, look forward to it. That means yearn for it. Say, "I want this to happen." Fourth, be holy. Again, leaning on 2 Peter 3, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?" Answer, you ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God. 2 Peter 3:14, "So then, dear friends, since you're looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him." Now that day is coming, bringing about the destruction of the heavens by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with this promise, we're looking forward to a new heavens and new earth called the home of righteousness. Only pure people will enter the new Jerusalem. We know we can't purify ourselves by our own efforts, but we know that it's justification, sanctification, and then glorification. That's purification. John says very plainly in 1 John 3, "We know that when He appears we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." Everyone who has this hope in Him is purified, just as He is pure. The more you believe in the Second Coming, what Jesus is coming to do, the more zealous you should be to put evil and sin to death in your own life. Colossians 3:5 and 6, "Put to death therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature, sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming." The Second Coming. That's why He's coming back, to destroy those sins. Fifth, speed the Second Coming by evangelism and missions. Peter said, "As you look forward to the day of God in speed, it's coming." Matthew 24:14, "This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." We speed the day of God by evangelism and missions. With every unconverted elect person who then becomes converted and crosses over from death to life through faith in Jesus, we've gotten that much closer to the Second Coming of Christ. We are called on to preach the gospel to lost people. We're surrounded by people who, like in the days of Noah, they are not ready for the Second Coming, and we should care about that. Sixth, serve the Lord's purposes in light of the Second Coming. 2 Timothy 4:1 and 2, "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead. And by His appearing and His kingdom, preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke and exhort with complete patience and teaching." We are each given a role to play. You all have a ministry or should have a spiritual gift ministry. Do it. 2 Timothy 4, "In light of the second coming." In light of the fact that in view of his coming, you're going to give an account for your life and your ministry. Close with me in prayer. Father, we thank you for the time we've had to walk through this deep, powerful, and significant topic. Father, I pray that you would press these truths home. Help us to live in light of them, help us to be prepared, help us to warn others who we know are not yet prepared. Oh Lord, help us to be holy, to put sin to death. Help us to just saturate our minds in the truths of the Word so that we may live a life pleasing to God. In your name we pray. Amen.

Proverbs 6:9-11 Fridge magnets often contain a lot of wisdom, and laziness is quite a popular theme. With pictures of slumbering cats, I enjoyed the following three: “If I won the award for laziness, I would send someone to pick it up for me”; “For some reason I feel tired tomorrow”; “I'm not lazy, I'm just highly motivated to do nothing.” You've got the point. Laziness is a common experience and always has been. The writer of Proverbs wrote about it on a number of occasions and clearly feared it. Without the support of a welfare state or a supportive family a lazy person would starve. It was as simple as that. The problem with the lazy person is that they never get going with anything. They find their bed too attractive. Later on in the book the writer describes the way in which a lazy person is anchored to their bed. He writes: “As a door swings back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed” (Proverbs 26:14). They live in a dream world, failing to face up to challenges and yet thinking of themselves as incredibly wise (Proverbs 26:16). The apostle Paul ran into the problem of laziness in the church in Thessalonica. What was particularly infuriating to Paul was that they gave a spiritual reason for being idle. They were so convinced of the imminent return of Jesus that they gave up their daily work. But Paul would have none of it. True, Jesus might return at any time, but God wants us to be busily engaged in his work. Paul pointed out that he had been working hard day and night in his ministry and was very harsh in his attitude to those who tried to avoid work. He said that those who were unwilling to work would not eat. He also urged the Thessalonian Christians to keep away from idle people because he was so fearful of their influence (2 Thessalonians 6:15). Whether or not laziness is a problem for you, be sure of this: while we have breath God wants us to work busily for him. Question Why is laziness so damaging, and what do you do to avoid it? Prayer Loving God, thank you that you have work for me to do. Help me to do it with enthusiasm. Amen

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV) Just slow down and think about what the apostle Paul taught as he came to the end of his first letter to the Thessalonian Christians. This is God's will […] The post Thanking Through It appeared first on Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ.

The Thessalonian Christians show us what it looks like to live out God's grace under persecution.

Everyone knows the end of the world is coming. The only questions left are when and how. Scientists tell us that in 3 to 4 billion years our sun will blow up and turn our planet into a cinder, so there really is an end to all this. It doesn’t matter to us whether it 3 billion or 3 million, our end is a lot sooner than that.Even the Bible tells us there is going to be an end to this world, this system. It suggests that if God doesn’t stop us, we will end up destroying ourselves. But it speaks of time called the Day of the Lord, when Christ will return and God’s wrath will descend on disobedient man. There are little snippets here and there in the New Testament about this time and what it means for mankind. Paul had just written to the Thessalonian Christians about the resurrection and he adds this little passage:But of the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write unto you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that are drunk are drunk in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Therefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do.1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 KJ2000Now, put yourselves in the place of these new Christians. They are gentiles in the main. They have what Paul told them about Jesus in a short three weeks to go on, plus the Old Testament prophets that could be read in the synagogue. There is no way they thought the return of Christ was 2,000 years into the future. They thought, from what Paul said, that it was imminent—it could happen any day now. This conception apparently led to some unfortunate behavior which Paul has to address in his second letter.

What did Paul want reinforced for the Thessalonian Christians? How can we best follow Jesus' commands, love one another, and aspire to live quietly? Do So More and More | 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 | Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians | Outline | Conversation Finally then, brothers and sisters, we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us about how you must live and please God (as you are in fact living) that you do so more and more. For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is God's will: that you become holy, that you keep away from sexual immorality, that each of you know how to possess his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God. In this matter no one should violate the rights of his brother or take advantage of him, because the Lord is the avenger in all these cases, as we also told you earlier and warned you solemnly. For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. Consequently the one who rejects this is not rejecting human authority but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. Now on the topic of brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. And indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers and sisters in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, to aspire to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you. In this way you will live a decent life before outsiders and not be in need (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12).

Episode Synopsis:Soon after Paul sent his first letter to the Thessalonian Christians, the apostle received word that someone in the congregation was teaching that the day of the Lord had already come.  Composing his second Thessalonian letter to correct this error, Paul makes it abundantly clear that anyone spreading such a rumor is flat-out wrong.  Paul declares that two things must occur before the day of the Lord can come.  First there will be a great apostasy, and only then comes the revelation of a figure Paul identifies as “the man of sin”– an individual often associated with the Antichrist.  But Paul also tells the Thessalonians that a mysterious “restrainer” is currently preventing the man of sin from being revealed.  He informs the Thessalonians that at some point this restrainer (a “who” or a “what”) will cease to restrain the man of sin, who will then appear (in connection with the apostasy) only to be destroyed by Jesus Christ when the day of the Lord does come to pass.In part two of our study of 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, we will discuss this mysterious restrainer in some detail, identify to whom or what Paul is referring, and then wrestle with the question of the timing when all of this will come to pass.  Is Paul referring to the events of AD 70 and the destruction of the Jerusalem temple–which are still future to him, but long in the past for us?  Or is he predicting an end-times Antichrist, who will appear at the end of the age immediately before Jesus returns?For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

How was Paul encouraged by the news he received about the Thessalonian Christians? What did Paul pray for Jesus to do for the Thessalonian Christians? Good News of Your Faith | 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 | Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians | Outline | Conversation But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time (in presence, not in affection) we became all the more fervent in our great desire to see you in person. For we wanted to come to you (I, Paul, in fact tried again and again) but Satan thwarted us. For who is our hope or joy or crown to boast of before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not of course you? For you are our glory and joy! So when we could bear it no longer, we decided to stay on in Athens alone. We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and encourage you about your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know. So when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter somehow tempted you and our toil had proven useless. But now Timothy has come to us from you and given us the good news of your faith and love and that you always think of us with affection and long to see us just as we also long to see you! So in all our distress and affliction, we were reassured about you, brothers and sisters, through your faith. For now we are alive again, if you stand firm in the Lord. For how can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we feel because of you before our God? We pray earnestly night and day to see you in person and make up what may be lacking in your faith. Now may God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you, so that your hearts are strengthened in holiness to be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13).

How could Paul consider himself as an infant, a nursing mother of children, and a father toward the Thessalonian Christians? How can we imitate Paul in these ways? A Nursing Mother of Children | 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 | Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians Outline | Conversation For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, about our coming to you – it has not proven to be purposeless. But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of much opposition. For the appeal we make does not come from error or impurity or with deceit, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts. For we never appeared with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is our witness – nor to seek glory from people, either from you or from others, although we could have imposed our weight as apostles of Christ; instead we became little children among you. Like a nursing mother caring for her own children, with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery: By working night and day so as not to impose a burden on any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, as to how holy and righteous and blameless our conduct was toward you who believe. As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you live in a way worthy of God who calls you to his own kingdom and his glory. And so we too constantly thank God that when you received God's message that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human message, but as it truly is, God's message, which is at work among you who believe. For you became imitators, brothers and sisters, of God's churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, because you too suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they in fact did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us severely. They are displeasing to God and are opposed to all people, because they hinder us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. Thus they constantly fill up their measure of sins, but wrath has come upon them completely (1 Thessalonians 2:1-16).

1 Thessalonians 4 is a chapter in the New Testament of the Bible, written by the apostle Paul to the church in Thessalonica. This chapter focuses on the topic of living a holy and righteous life, and how it is connected to the end times and the second coming of Jesus Christ.The chapter begins with a call to holiness and to live a life that is pleasing to God. Paul instructs the Thessalonian Christians to abstain from sexual immorality and to control their own bodies in a way that is holy and honorable. He emphasizes the importance of love for one another, and reminds them that God has called them to be set apart for His purposes.Paul also addresses the topic of the end times and the second coming of Jesus. He tells the Thessalonians that they do not need to be uninformed about this event, as he has already told them about it when he was with them. Paul says that the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by those who are still alive. This event, commonly known as the rapture, will mark the beginning of the end of the age and the final judgment of humanity.In the final verses of the chapter, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to comfort one another with these words and to live in peace with one another. He reminds them that God has chosen them to be saved and has called them to be holy, so they should strive to live in a way that is worthy of this calling.In conclusion, 1 Thessalonians 4 is a call to holiness and righteousness, a reminder of the end times and the second coming of Jesus, and an encouragement to live in peace with one another. It is a reminder that our lives should be lived in a way that pleases God, and that we should strive to be set apart for His purposes. SendMe Radio

Mark Nine: Biblical Discipleship by William Klock I grew up where white oaks grew everywhere, but here they're relatively uncommon.  The Comox Valley is right on the northern edge of their native growth zone.  Apparently, in the latter half of the 19th Century the climate here was more ideal for them.  Acorns that fell to good soil had a pretty good chance of becoming trees.  Now the climate's changed and getting those acorns to turn into trees is much more complicated.  Every year—except this year!—the oaks around the church here drop their acorns and time and again I've tried to grow trees from them.  I've never had any success.  But trying to grow acorns into trees has a lot in common with the subject of discipleship and that's the last mark of a healthy church to be covered.  Brothers and Sisters, a healthy church will have a concern for discipleship, for its members to grow in the faith.  But back to my attempts to grow oak trees.  The first year I  was here I gathered several handfuls of acorns on a Sunday morning.  I left them on my desk, figuring I'd do something with them later.  I was gone for a few days and came back to discover little worms crawling all over the place, building little cocoon-like webs around my lamp and between my books.  I tossed them all in the garbage.  The next year I did a little research—emphasis, I suppose, on little—and put the acorns I'd collected in damp potting soil in the refrigerator.  I took them out in the spring only to find the potting soil full of little dead worms and rotten acorns.  A few years later I researched how to collect acorns and how to sort out the good ones that the worms hadn't got to yet.  I put them in the refrigerator over the winter and in the spring I planted them in little plastic cups to sprout.  And sprout they did.  But they were outside, there was a late freeze, and they all died.  I had better luck the next year.  They sprouted in the little cups, then I transferred them into gallon pots.  They grew for a while, then stopped.  I did more research and found it was because the little cups and then the gallon pots had caused the roots to curl up into a ball.  Oak trees need to start with a long, straight tap root.  Instead of using small cups and then gallon pots, I should have planted them in 2' lengths of PVC pipe and then transplanted them into the ground when the roots emerged from the bottom.  I did transplant several, but none survived the winter.  At that point I decided it was too complicated.  But that was, I think, the most success I'd ever had with growing anything from seeds.  Usually, I plant seeds at the wrong time of year, or I forget to water them, or I water them too much, or the rabbits come and nibble away the stalks when they emerge.  It takes the right conditions for plants to grow.  They need sunlight and water and oxygen.  They need to be given the proper space to grow.  They need the right temperature.  And they need to be protected from the critters that eat them.  But given those things, they grow, because that's what God made them to do. God's people aren't all that different.  Listen to the first three verses of Psalm 1: Blessed is the man          who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners,          nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord,          and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree          planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season,          and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.   This was written in the context of the old covenant so we might change it a little bit here and there, but it's basically true for the Christian.  Plant yourself in God's word—which is itself an act of faith and obedience—and steer clear of wickedness, sin, and the ungodly, and the Spirit will cause you to grow.  God gives us means of grace: his word, his Spirit, his sacraments, his Church, and they are to us what sunlight and water are plants. We're like plants in other ways, too.  Things that are alive grow.  We were once dead, but God has grafted us into his Son, he's filled us with his Spirit, and we grow.  Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches.”  Live vines grow, don't they?  So should Jesus' people—and not just individually.  Together we're this vine called the Church.  We grow together, rooted in Jesus, and supporting each other.  St. Paul, in Romans 8, describes the growth that God gives his people as being “conformed to the image of his Son”.  Or, as he writes in 1 Corinthians 3:18: We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.   God has made us alive and living things grow.  And growth is essential.  Think of our study of Revelation and Jesus' repeated exhortations to his people there to persevere in faith and holiness in the face of persecution and even martyrdom.  Brothers and Sisters, that kind of perseverance not only requires life, but it also requires growth.  Think of a salmon.  It spends its life in the ocean, growing and building strength so that it can return to the river where it was born, wage a vigorous battle upstream, fighting the current all the way, so that it can spawn and reproduce itself, creating the next generation.  God's people aren't all that different.  The salmon remind me of the well-known quote from Nikolaus von Zinzendorf: “Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten.”  We grow strong over time on God's grace by word, by sacrament, by prayer, by fellowship and we persevere, fighting against the currents of the world.  We raise our own children to do the same and we proclaim the good news about Jesus, we witness his kingdom, and by that the Spirit raises up the next generation to continue the battle.  If we have produced a new generation of disciples, Brothers and Sisters, we have done well.  But take away the means of grace, and we die before the mission is ever accomplished.  Some years ago I went to an ecumenical clergy breakfast at the hospital.  They had a morning prayer service led by some liberal Presbyterians.  Another pastor said to me afterward, “What was that?”  They prayed and they sang, but it all felt utterly dead and completely disconnected from God.  The feeling was palpable to many of us there and it made sense.  It was sad, but it made sense.  These were folks who had given up on the authority of God's word and, like dead salmon, were floating downstream—floating with the world's currents, wherever they might lead. And that highlights the importance of discipleship.  Our growth as disciples, our growth into Christ's likeness, our growth in the fruit of the Spirit and in holiness is essential—and a healthy church will have a healthy concern for it.  Living things grow.  Living things fight the current.  Dead things don't.  And so Paul writes to the Ephesians: Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16) If we will lean on God and immerse ourselves in the means of grace he has given, he will grow us.  To quote Paul again, this time as he wrote to the Colossians: Jesus is “the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God” (Colossians 2:19). Notice: Jesus is the head.   We don't cause the growth.  The best preacher or the best Bible study leader in the world cannot grow Christians.  Only God's word and Spirit can do that.  Paul again to the Corinthians, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.  So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” (1 Corinthian 3:6-7).  Even when Paul congratulates the Thessalonian Christians on their growth, he gives the thanks to God for it.  Look at 2 Thessalonians 1:3: We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.   And knowing that it is God who grows his people, Paul prayed for them to grow.  For the Thessalonians he prayed: May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else….May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13) He prays similarly for the Colossian Christians: And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10) Or let's flip over to 2 Peter and hear what he has to say.  Here's 2 Peter 1:5-8: For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.   And if we flip back to Peter's first epistle, in 2:2-5, he writes this: Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.  As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.   Brothers and Sisters, our growth in the Lord, our growth in faith, our growth in holiness ought to be a priority—for each of us individually, but also collectively as the Church.  As the writer of Hebrews tells us, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).  Christian growth, discipleship, whatever we want to call it, will always be a priority for a healthy church. Now, in case I haven't been clear, Christian growth—and, again, by that I mean discipleship or Christian maturity—that is not the same thing as Church growth, by which I mean the numerical growth of the Church in general or of the local church.  Our age has developed an obsession with the latter, and while we don't usually outright ignore discipleship, we often inadvertently sacrifice it for the sake of church growth.  We put the cart before the horse.  And, sometimes as I've said before, we confuse the things that are our responsibility with the things that are God's.  Discipleship—the growth and maturing of God's people—needs to come first.  That doesn't mean we sideline missions and evangelism until we're all mature.  It just means that we trust God to do his part while we do ours.  When we prioritise evangelism and mission, we usually end up compromising the very things that are needed to grow God's people—like tree-planters who want a huge forest and plant a ton of trees, but don't properly prepare the soil, or neglect to water them.  When we put evangelism or missions first, we often downplay things like expositional preaching, a biblical understanding of the gospel and of conversion, we downplay the need for commitment and discipline—because we want to see bigger numbers and these other things have a tendency to scare people away.  If you plant oak trees, they will make more oak trees if you plant them and care for them properly in the first place.  If you just poke a ton of acorns into the ground—at least around here—you'll end up with very few full-grown trees capable of reproducing themselves.  But that's often how Christians do things these days.  Friends, real Christians who truly know the love, the grace, the mercy of God revealed in Jesus will enthusiastically proclaim that good news and, with the help of the Spirit, make new Christians—but we'll do it God's way and trusting him to bring the fruit.  It's relatively easy to fill a church with people; it's a lot more work to fill it with actual disciples, but that's what we've got to do, because only true disciples will go out and make more disciples.  This is why understanding these marks of a healthy church is important. And all these other marks we've looked at over the last two months will grow disciples.  To briefly recap: A healthy church will have a commitment to expositional preaching, whether that's preaching the lectionary or preaching through whole books or parts of books.  The point is that such a church's preaching will be rooted in God's word.  The preacher's agenda will be God's agenda.  The words and ideas preached will not be the preacher's, but God's.  There will always be parts of the Bible that Christians would rather avoid, but expositional preaching challenges the preacher and the church to hear those hard things, to wrestle with them, and to be obedient to them.  Brothers and Sisters, my thoughts will not give you life.  Only God's word can do that.  And that's what we must preach. An expositional ministry in the pulpit also establishes where our values lie.  A people who value Bible-centred preaching is more likely to be a people who are themselves Bible-centred—who invest time in reading and study and praying the scriptures themselves and who gather together to read, and study, and pray them.  And we do this knowing that God's word give life.  It's the raw material the Spirit works with to grow us in faith, in obedience, and in holiness. Preaching grounded in the Bible will give a church biblical theology.  It will bring us closer to the God who has saved us, because it ever more reveals who he is.  Biblical theology also reveals who we are and what God wants for us.  Biblical theology tells us the story into which God has called us.  Biblical theology causes us to grow in our love for God, our love for each other, it causes us to grow in holiness, and it gives us our mission—to proclaim the good news about Jesus and to make disciples. Biblical preaching and biblical theology will lead us to a right and biblical understanding of the gospel—of the good news about Jesus, crucified, risen, and ascended.  A biblical understanding of the gospel reminds us that human being stand before God as rebellious sinners condemned to death, but it also reveals God's loving faithfulness at the cross, and as we look on the risen Messiah we are reminded that by faith, that God has redeemed us and made us his own sons and daughters.  A biblical understanding of the gospel reveals the sinfulness of sin and the amazing graciousness of grace, it teaches our hearts and minds to love the one who sacrificed himself for our sake, and it drives us out those doors in to the world to proclaim what he has done. A biblical understanding of the gospel, like these other things, lies at the root of discipleship.  Getting the gospel wrong undermines everything else.  If, for example, we confuse the gospel with messages of prosperity, we will never understand the meaning of sacrifice.  We will never understand God's discipline.  When life is difficult or persecution comes to the Church, the prosperity gospel will turn out to be rocky soil and those planted in it will wither and die, while those who have put roots deep into the soil of the biblical gospel will thrive in the midst of trials.  There are many false gospels.  Many confuse good works for the gospel, many today are preaching self-love or self-esteem or self-actualisation as the gospel.  None of those messages will save and none will make disciples of Jesus who will persevere hardship and make new disciples of Jesus who will carry on the mission Jesus has given us. A biblical understanding of the gospel will ensure that we have a biblical understanding of conversion and as we understand conversion, we'll understand that to be a Christian is to be transformed by God's word and Spirit.  It's to understand that the change that takes place in our lives is the fruit of God's grace at work in us.  A biblical understand of conversion will make us a humble people, not proud of our works, but a people ever more reliant on the grace of God.  And the more we rest in his grace, the more he will continue to grow us. A biblical understanding of evangelism ensures we know what a Christian actually is.  Mark Dever makes this observation, “The lack of spiritual growth in people who call themselves Christians is often an evidence that they have been wrongly evangelized.  We have taught people who are not Christians to think of themselves as though they are…The church is not finally a booster organization.  We're telling people a serious message about their condition before God, and about the tremendous news of the new life God is offering them in Christ.  And we're inviting them to enter into that life by dire and desperate means—repentance and faith.”[1]  Too often we throw acorns on the ground and call them trees.  We not only ignore the hard work needed to make them grow, but we're too ready to call them trees when there's no evidence of transformation and growth.  Filling pews isn't the same as making disciples, but it's a lot easier to do the former than the latter.  In a culture obsessed with numbers-based success, it's easy to just count noses and pat ourselves on the back.  But a biblical understanding of the gospel, of conversion, and of evangelism will ensure we're actually making disciples.  It also ought to prompt us to be growing as disciples ourselves, because you can't make disciples if you aren't one yourself. A biblical understanding of church membership, which is rooted in God's sacraments is also essential to discipleship.  The sacraments remind us that we are God's people.  We have taken hold of his promise by faith in our baptism and we come each Sunday to the Lord's Table, where we participate again in the death and resurrection of Jesus.  God renews his covenant with us.  That not only strengthens our faith and renews our hope, but in reminding us that we are his covenant people, it reminds us of God's faithfulness to us and of the obligations covenant membership has for us.  Biblical church membership reminds us of our commitment to God—just as it reminds us of his commitment to us.  And it commits us to one another, to walk with each other, to exhort and rebuke each other, to experience joy and sorrow with each other, to love and to forgive each other. Biblical church membership leads to biblical church discipline, without which we have little accountability to grow as disciples of Jesus.  God has made us his people that we might give him glory and cause the nations to give him glory as they see our witness.  Church discipline holds us accountable to that mission and keeps us faithful witnesses. And, finally, biblical worship that is centred in word and sacrament brings all these things together as it gathers the people of God together to hear him speak, to be reminded of his covenant grace, and ultimately to give him glory in response.  All of these marks send us out into the world to be the people God has called us to be, to do the work he's given us, to be salt and light and to proclaim the good news about Jesus, but all these marks also draw us back together in corporate worship so that we can be refreshed and refilled, so that we can be reminded once again of what God has done for us in Jesus, and—most of all—so that together we can give him glory and have our faith and hope renewed.  And then we go back into the world again to do and to be the people Jesus has made us. And that's the note I want to end on.  A healthy church tells the story of God and his people, draws us in, and makes each of us integral parts of it.  A healthy church binds us closely to Jesus and to each other so that we can accomplish the mission he has given us.  Let me close with a quote from Tom Wright's little book, Simply Christian. “According to the early Christians, the church doesn't exist in order to provide a place where people can pursue their private spiritual agendas and develop their own spiritual potential. Nor does it exist in order to provide a safe haven in which people can hide from the wicked world and ensure that they themselves arrive safely at an otherworldly destination. Private spiritual growth and ultimate salvation come rather as the byproducts of the main, central, overarching purpose for which God has called and is calling us. This purpose is clearly stated in various places in the New Testament: that through the church God will announce to the wider world that he is indeed its wise, loving, and just creator; that through Jesus he has defeated the powers that corrupt and enslave it; and that by his Spirit he is at work to heal and renew it. The church exists, in other words, for what we sometimes call ‘mission': to announce to the world that Jesus is its Lord. This is the ‘good news,' and when it's announced it transforms people and societies. Mission, in its widest as well as its more focused senses, is what the church is there for. God intends to put the world to rights; he has dramatically launched this project through Jesus. Those who belong to Jesus are called, here and now, in the power of the Spirit, to be agents of that putting-to-rights purpose. The word ‘mission' comes from the Latin for ‘send': ‘As the father sent me,' said Jesus after his resurrection, ‘so I am sending you' ( John 20:21).”[2] Let's pray: Almighty Father, when we rebelled against you and corrupted your creation, you could have destroyed us and wiped us from its face, but instead you set forth to make yourself known to a people who had forgotten you and to restore us to your presence.  You established a people to be your light in the midst of the darkness, and you gave your own Son to humble himself as he became one of us and lived and died and lived again to give life to this people—to us, to your Church.  Keep us faithful to you, to what you have made us, and to the mission you have given us, we pray.  Grow us by your word and fill us with your Spirit.  Give us the grace to persevere and courage to proclaim your good news.  Make us good stewards of your grace and cause our labours to bear fruit and your kingdom to grow so that you are glorified.  Through Jesus we pray.  Amen. [1] Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2004), 209. [2] Simply Christian (New York: Harper Collins, 2006), epub edition.

God's Word was active in the lives of the Thessalonian Christians. God's Word should be active in your life today if you are truly a follower of Christ. Listen in as we see the tangible ways God's Word is active in a life of a believer. After understanding the ways God's Word proved active in their lives, we conclude the podcast with a 4-part question for you to utilize to see if God's Word is active in your life. Follow us on Social Media! Facebook - Red Word Exchange Podcast Instagram - redwordexchange Twitter - @redwordexchange Listen to more episodes! Apple Podcasts Castos Spotify Contact us! info@redwordexchange.com

While preparing for last week's charge conference, I was struck by the wonderful work that had been accomplished in the past year and the exciting opportunities coming up in the year ahead. For those who are not as familiar with the inner workings of the United Methodist Church, the charge conference is a local church meeting held each year where the church reviews its current status and considers changes for the following year. The effort put forth by people in the church over the last year reflects a deep faith in Christ and in this church family.This is the same kind of impression the Apostle Paul appeared to have of the Thessalonian church. In his second letter to the Thessalonian Christians, Paul talks about their growing faith in Christ and their obvious love for each other. He saw their effort as an example of steadfastness in purpose that glorified Christ. Join us this Sunday as we reflect on what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community and the importance of keeping our hope through faith.

Day 188 Today's Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1 When the famed cellist Pablo Casals reached ninety-five years old, a young reporter asked, “Why do you still practice six hours a day?” To which Casals answered, “Because I think I'm making progress.” Your goal is to make progress every day of your life. We call it growth. As John Newman said, “Growth is the only evidence of life.” That is true naturally and especially spiritually. The Thessalonian Christians were new Christians and more importantly growing Christians. The Thessalonian church was under heavy persecution, yet continued to grow through it. This is important: they were not just going through it but growing through it. What a lesson for us. That when we are faced with difficult times, we remember that we can grow through them. Growth is not arrival, it's movement. Growth is not perfection but better. The writer of the hymn, “Amazing Grace,” John Newton, said it best: “I am not what I might be, I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, I am not what I hope to be; but I thank God I am not what I once was, and I can say with the great apostle, ‘By the grace of God I am what I am.'” Listen to Paul's words of commendation to these young Christians who were not what they used to be but growing: You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it's only right that we give thanks. We're so proud of you; you're so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you. (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4, MSG) These new believers were growing through hard times. They were growing in two areas: their love for others was developing wonderfully and their faith was growing phenomenally—the New American Standard Bible says, “your faith is greatly enlarged.” And all of it happening in difficulty. He was basically saying, “Your faith is getting supersized.” We know that word supersize because we know McDonald's. Supersize to us means bigger fries and bigger Coke. But it does cost to supersize. Paul was saying, “You paid the extra cost for the supersize of faith and it's evident.” What was the cost? That's the next verse: “Your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure” (verse 4). Notice it says “persecution and affliction.” Those two words are important. One is about the outside battles. The other is the mental battles. And Paul was commending them by acknowledging, “You are getting hit outside and inside and holding your own, because you are holding on to God.” A family-owned coat store in Nottingham, England, has a sign that hangs for all to see: We have been established for over 100 years and have been pleasing and displeasing customers ever since. We have made money and lost money, suffered the effects of coal nationalization, coat rationing, government control, and bad payers. We have been cussed and discussed, messed about, lied to, held up, robbed and swindled. The only reason we stay in business is we can't wait to see what happens tomorrow. It seems that the Thessalonians should have put that sign on their church. Tomorrow for the Thessalonians was phenomenal faith and developing love. Tomorrow for many is fearful but not for these new Christians. They were growing through their adversity. A daughter complained to her father about how difficult things were for her. “As soon as I solve one problem,” she said, “another one comes up. I'm tired of struggling.” Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen where he filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In one he placed carrots, in the second, eggs, and in the last, ground coffee beans. He let them sit and boil, without saying a word. The daughter impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing. After a while, he went over and turned off the burners. He fished out the carrots and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. He poured the coffee into a bowl. Turning to her he asked, “Daughter, what do you see?” “Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” she replied. He brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. She smiled, as she tasted its rich flavor. “What does it mean, Father?” she asked. He explained that each of them had faced the same adversity—boiling water—but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting, but after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg was fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. By being in the boiling water, they changed the water. He asked his daughter, “When adversity knocks on your door, which are you?”

Day 184 Today's Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2 Listen really carefully: whatever God backs, Satan attacks. In today's chapter Paul has a great desire to be with the Thessalonian Christians, but Satan fights to stop it from happening. I wonder how many things we have in our hearts to do that Satan fights against. Listen to Paul's desire and fight in 1 Thessalonians 2:18: “We really wanted to come. I myself tried several times, but Satan always stopped us” (CEV). We have forgotten that we have an enemy who wants to disrupt our plans. Sometimes the best confirmation that our plans and desires are from God is Satan's attack on them. The last thing the devil wants us doing is the will of God. Paul has a desire to go to this new church in Thessalonica, and Satan is bent on stopping the apostle from visiting. Sometimes Satan succeeds. Those last words of this verse remind us of the war we are in: “I tried several times but Satan always stopped us.” These aren't the words of a one-hit wonder. This is the apostle Paul. And Paul tries a number of times and cannot seem to get through Satan's roadblocks. C. S. Lewis was right when he said: “There is no neutral ground in the universe: every square inch, every split second is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.” Always remember there is a counterclaim happening. Whatever God backs, Satan attacks. Or as Robert Murray McCheynne said, “I know well that when Christ is the nearest, Satan also is busiest.” The closer you get to what God wants you to do, the closer Satan comes in. But some people don't believe in the devil. Two boys struggled with the problem of the devil's existence. As they walked home from Sunday school after hearing a message about the devil, one boy said, “What do you think about all this Satan stuff?” The other replied, “Well, you know how Santa Clause turned out. It's probably just your dad.” In his classic work The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis reminds us of two errors when it comes to Satan: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.” You can give the devil too much or too little attention. The Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary of the New Testament gives us an insight to the enemy's tactics. The verb enkoptō, which literally means “to cut into,” originally referred to the military practice of cutting up a road so as to make it impassable for a pursuing army. Paul wants his readers to know that his present absence from them is not due to his personal choice but to the activity of Satan, who, in typical military fashion, has destroyed the apostle's path back to Thessalonica. “We are evidently no friends of Satan,” says J. C. Ryle. “Like the kings of this world, he doesn't war against his own subjects. The very fact that he assaults us should fill our minds with hope.” I want to challenge you. What is it that you have been trying to do lately, and you are really convinced it's something God wants you to do, but you can't seem to make it happen? Maybe you are being hindered by Satan from doing God's will like the apostle Paul was. Maybe it's purity in a relationship. Maybe it's inconsistency in reading the Bible. Maybe it's going to church or serving at church. Perhaps it's forgiving an offense that is still lingering in your heart. Whatever it may be you have tried multiple times but have failed to gain any ground. What should you do? It may be time to launch a “gnu” attack. There is a strange animal called a Gnu. When it catches sight of one of its predators, its enemies, it immediately drops down on its knees and, from that position, springs into the attack mode. Are you getting where I'm going here? We need to practice a gnu way to fight. We see our enemy putting up obstacles as he did for the apostle, and immediately we assume the gnu position and get on our knees and pray. That's how we fight.

The Idle Disciple Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 The Idle Disciple Let's Pray! The Thessalonian Christians had been taught to be watchful workers while they awaited Jesus! But some of the disciples there had done some improper reasoning. They thought, “Since the rapture and the events that follow could occur at any time, there's no need to work hard while we wait for Jesus.” The word(s) for idle in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 7, 11 is the Greek word(s) atakteo (G812), ataktes (G813), and ataktos (G 814). At its core, it conveys what the military would call disorderly conduct, being out of rank, not doing what you were enlisted to do, being AWOL (absent without leave). The basic challenge: Be a hard-working disciple and align yourself with hard-working disciples. The industrious ant works hard and is prepared for what's coming; The idle sluggard is lazy and is unprepared for what's coming. According to verse 11, the idle Thessalonians were committing a double “theft”: they were not generating positive work or volunteer service themselves, and they we're distracting others from getting work or volunteer service done.

First, again let me thank everyone for your prayers for our daughter, Kimberly, her husband Chris and their new micro preemie Michael Luke. Luke is continuing to do fine. All his vitals are stable and a machine is breathing for him as his lungs develop. We appreciate your continued prayers specifically this week for comfort on vent, blood pressure doesn't go down, his head/brain and no bleeding, no infection, being mindful of noise and over stimulation, and bruising will heal. Edith and I were allowed to spend time with Luke yesterday and prayed special prayers over him. Thanks again for your continued prayers. Verse 1 indicates that the angels with the seven vials (bowls) carry the seven last plagues. You will recall that in Rev. 10:7, Christ had announced that, with the pouring out of these vials, the "mystery of God" would be completed and there would be no more delay. In these seven last judgments, God will complete His wrath. Satan at this time is pouring out terrible wrath upon believers, the Jews especially (12:12); but God will have the last word. Once again, the temple of heaven is opened. The earthly temple has been taken over by the Beast (Rev. 13:13-18; 2 Thes. 2:3-4), but the Beast cannot touch the heavenly temple. All he can do is blaspheme it (13:6). The opening of the temple is another reminder that God will keep His covenant with His people, Israel. Seven angels come out of the temple. Seven is the number of completion, and with seven angels delivering these vials of wrath, God's judgments are completed on earth. The angels come out of the holy of holies, where the ark and the tables of the law are kept. The wicked world has defied and disobeyed God's Law, but now judgment is coming. The robes of these angels signify holiness and royalty. The white linen reminds us of the dress of the OT priests; the golden girdle speaks of the king. This is another reminder that the saints of God are "kings and priests" (Rev. 1:6), a royal priesthood. Their dress also takes us back to the description of Christ in 1:13; for He is the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. One of the living creatures delivers the bowls of wrath to the angels. All of nature (symbolized by these four creatures) will taste of the wrath of God. The heavenly temple is now filled with smoke from the glory of God. When the OT tabernacle was dedicated, God's glory filled the tent (Ex. 40:34-35), as it did when the OT temple was dedicated (2 Chron. 7:1-4). During these events no smoke mingled with the glory. Here, however, we have smoke, usually a symbol of judgment (9:2). When the Prophet Isaiah saw the glory of God, the whole house was filled with the smoke (Isa. 6:4). This was because Isaiah's message was one of judgment as well as mercy. John states that nobody in heaven was allowed into the temple until the bowls of wrath had been poured out. No saint or angel could go into the temple to intercede for the nations of the world. The nations were "beyond intercession"; God's long-suffering had come to the end, and His judgment was about to fall. Students of prophecy are not agreed on the chronological arrangement of the seals, trumpets, and vials. I seem to get the ideal that that the first six seals will be broken and the seven trumpets will sound during the first three and one-half years, and that the vials covers the last three and one-half years, and mainly at the very end. We might not be able to figure out the exact timing of these coming judgments but we can be sure that they will come to the earth during this time. May the Lord help us today to be like the Thessalonian Christians who “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

Anthony talks about this passage where Paul explains why Thessalonian Christians should not fear for their loved ones who have died. And neither should we.

In the face of discouragement, Paul encourages the Thessalonian Christians to stand firm and hold to the things they were taught because they have been chosen and called by God.

Picture of parenting through how the Apostle Paul related to the Thessalonian Christians. He encouraged, comforted and urged them to live lives worthy of God. This is the high calling of a parent as a follower of Jesus.

TEN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE THESSALONIAN BELIEVERS

TEN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE THESSALONIAN BELIEVERS

TEN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE THESSALONIAN BELIEVERS

TEN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE THESSALONIAN BELIEVERS

In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul prepares the Thessalonian Christians for the coming of the antichrist. The post Thessalonians Episode 8: The Man of Lawlessness, Pt.1 appeared first on Two Journeys.

In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul prepares the Thessalonian Christians for the coming of the antichrist. The post Thessalonians Episode 8: The Man of Lawlessness, Pt.1 appeared first on Two Journeys.

In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul prepares the Thessalonian Christians for the coming of the antichrist. The post Thessalonians Episode 8: The Man of Lawlessness, Pt.1 appeared first on Two Journeys.

In 2 Thessalonians 1, Paul prays for the persecuted Thessalonian Christians that they will trust God's justice and look forward to Christ's coming, being fruitful in His service until then. The post Thessalonians Episode 7: The Revelation of the Glory of Jesus Christ appeared first on Two Journeys.

In 2 Thessalonians 1, Paul prays for the persecuted Thessalonian Christians that they will trust God's justice and look forward to Christ's coming, being fruitful in His service until then. The post Thessalonians Episode 7: The Revelation of the Glory of Jesus Christ appeared first on Two Journeys.