Monthly Archives: November 2022

2 Thessalonians 2- The AntiChrist Part 2

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Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:. 2 Thessalonians 2:5-8

 As we continue to look at Paul’s teaching on the AntiChrist, the first thing we see is Paul states “Now you know what withholdeth or restrain that He (AntiChrist) might be revealed”. The great debate in Christianity has been, who is the restrainer? Who is withholding or restraining the AntiChrist, so that he is revealed at the proper time? Some would says its the Holy Spirit, others will say it’s the Church. The fact is , God is still and always in complete control. God may allow Satan and the AntiChrist to commit evil for a limited amount of time, but the ultimate purpose will be for God’s glory and his eternal kingdom to be established

Paul then reveals , Satan and the AntiChrist are already at work, however they are currently being restrained by God. Now think about all the evil that is already in this world, now imagine how its going to be when God allows Satan to have his way? This will be the great tribulation. 

Now before you get all upset and anxious about this great wave of evil to come, read Pauls words “Whom The Lord shall consume” It is written, Satan is already defeated. We already know this from the cross, when Christ said “It Is Finished” (John 19:30) Jesus crushed the head of Satan (Genesis 3:15) defeating sin and death forever. However for the rest of the unsaved world, it will be “Hell” on Earth, there is victory in Jesus Christ!

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11

When the AntiChrist comes there will be a great deception upon those who don’t have the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. The AntiChirst will come will all power , signs, and lying wonders. Remember the First Horseman (Revealtion 6), the AntiChrist will try to mimic Jesus Christ, those who don’t know the real Christ will fall for the AntiChrist. Because of people’s hardened hearts, God will send them strong delusion and they will believe the lies of the AntiChrist. Time is running out, stop hardening your hearts and worship The Lord Jesus Christ!

Paul says “they received not or refused the love of the truth” Those who reject the true gospel of Jesus Christ, will fall under control of the AntiChrist and will be condemned to Hell. Time is running out, call out to The Lord Jesus Christ before its too late, Amen!

2 Thessalonians 2- The AntiChrist Part 1

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Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

The topic of the AntiChrist is again one of the most debated and popular topics in Christianity today. There have been many books written, many commentaries given, however I believe Paul here, inspired by the Holy Spirit, gives us a very clear and easy explanation of the AntiChrist. 

Now many have the idea that the AntiChrist is not just one specific person but a group of people. The Apostle John says this “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (1 John 2:18) Now notice what John says “You have heard that antichrist shall come” This implies the Church has been taught by Christ that an AntiChrist will come, and the Church is expecting him (Revelation 6:2), the First Horseman. John goes on to say “even now are many antichrists” and this is true. Anyone who rejects Christ is an antiChrist, anyone doing the works of Satan is an antiChrist, many antiChrists have come into the world, but the First Horseman will be coming in the end

Paul says “That day (Return of Christ) will not come unless the falling away comes first, and man of sin is revealed” This destroys the Preterist view who believe the book of Revelation is completely fulfilled. Christ will not return until the AntiChrist is revealed first. Some will claim Christ already came and the AntiChrist is Nero or Antiochus, if one of these men were the AntiChrist, we would have already been raptured to God

It’s clear by Paul’s description of the Antichrist that it’s a single person, man of lawlessness and son of perdition. Some might ask why does it matter? Well as Paul was teaching the Church “let no one deceive you by any means” Many false prophets claiming this person is the AntiChrist or that person is the AntiChrist, is confusing and dividing the body of Christ. (Matthew 24:5) Listen to the Word of God, not the doctrine of man

The AntiChrist opposes God and exalts himself above God, and will try to decieve the world that He is God, how? It’s clearly explained in Revelation 6, the First Horseman. Many will believe the AntiChrist is the actual Christ, and will deceive many into worshiping him. This is why Jesus said “don’t be deceived” this is why Paul said “don’t be deceived” Be ready for the Man of Lawlessness is coming!

2 Thessalonians 1- Judgement of God

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Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-8

 The martyrs from the book of Revelation say “How long O Lord until you judge and avenge our blood” (Revelation 6:10) This has probably been the cry from the Church from the 1rst century to even today. Many Christians around the world are still being persecuted and even killed for their faith in Christ. So when will this suffering end? When will justice be served?

The Apostle Paul says here “when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty angels” As I talked about previously, I believe the Rapture of the Church and the second coming of Christ, are the same simultaneous event. When Jesus Christ returns , the suffering will end for the Church, because we are being Raptured to God, and judgment is now coming upon the world

So who will receive judgment from God? “Them that know not God” and “they  that don’t obey the gospel of Jesus Christ” Those who reject God and the gospel message of Christ, will come under judgment for their sins, for the wages or penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23) This is why salvation is found in Christ alone (John 14:6) only Christ can atone and forgive for your sins

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:9-12

What is the penalty of the judgment of Christ? Everlasting destruction from the presence of The Lord. Now some will claim this refutes the doctrine of Hell, because it says “destruction”. However if annihilationism is true, how can the punishment be everlasting? The soul is eternal , therefore your condemnation will be everlasting. You can’t have an everlasting punishment for something that is not eternal

Paul ends this teaching with “We pray for you always , the our God would count you worthy of this calling” How many pastors and preachers do you hear preaching this message? The judgment of God should strike fear in the hearts of every soul, those who don’t fear God are those who don’t understand their depraved state and how Holy our God truly is

All our hope is in Jesus Christ, put your faith in Christ, he shall redeem you , restore you, and give you eternal life Amen!

1 Thessalonians 5- The Blessing

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And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

One thing I love reading in the Epistles of Paul are the closing statements, or what we may refer to as the benediction or blessing. Often if I’m preaching at a Church, I like to use one of his benedictions for the closing of a service. And while we might usually, skip over the final closing of a letter from Paul, there is still some useful teachings in his statements.

First Paul says “The God of Peace”, now this is an interesting statement, as you could say Paul is referring to Jesus as God here. Let’s remember one of Chist’s titles is “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) and Paul also taught the “Peace of God” can only be obtained through Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7) So we could probably assume, Paul is addressing Christ’s deity in the opening of his benediction.

Secondly Paul says “Sanctify you wholly or completely” . We talked previously about Paul’s in depth teachings on sanctification. Paul here seems to indicate,  sanctification is expected for Christians. Again, this is only possible by the Holy Spirit and becoming Born Again in Jesus Christ (John 3:3) The Lord said “We will be known by our fruits” (Matthew 7) The Church will be known by its sanctification in the Holy Spirit

Paul makes another interesting theological statement here “your soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” Many Christians accept the teaching of “soul-sleep”, however here Paul makes it very clear we have a soul and a body. Just as Jesus said “Fear the one who can destroy both body and soul into Hell” (Matthew 10:28) Christ also indicates , we have a body and soul

Lastly, Paul orders that this letter be read to “all the holy brethren” These letters are not just for the Church of Thessalonica, these letters all for all Christians. We here many arguments by liberal theologians, certain epistles are only for certain Christians, this is not Biblical. As Paul says “ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16) The Bible is for everyone, not just a specific group of people. 

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Amen!

1 Thessalonians 5- Christian Living Part 2

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Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

The Apostle Paul continues to give us practical and applicable advice for our daily Christian lives. The first lesson is to “Rejoice at all times”. Think about all the things Paul suffered during his ministry, imprisonment, beatings, and illnesses, yet Paul continues to rejoice always. Why? Because Paul knows this is not our “best life now”, this is actually our worst life now. The best is yet to come, the New Heavens and Earth (Rev.22) because Christ is Risen!

Secondly we should “pray without ceasing”. Prayer should be central to our daily lives. Prayer should be like oxygen for our souls. How can we have a relationship with Christ, if we are not praying? How can we know our Fathers will, if we are not praying? How can the Holy Spirit fill us up , if we are not praying? Pray without ceasing in all circumstances!

Give thanks for everything! All these actions tie into each other, if you don’t know what to pray, give thanks to God! We have been blessed with so many things, we have so much to be thankful for, we need to keep an eternal perspective on our daily lives. Be Thankful that God created us and breathed life into our lungs. Be Thankful , that Jesus chose us and died for our sins. Be Thankful, the Holy Spirit has baptized us and made us Born Again

Listen to the Holy Spirit! Jesus called the Holy Spirit our advocate, our counselor, our helper (John 14:26) To deny or neglect the wisdom of the Holy Spirit is to deny God. Remember blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin (Matthew 12:31-32) We need to be willing to be led by the Holy Spirit as our guide and counselor

Finally, another application is to “Abstain from all evil” As Born Again Christians (John 3:3), our bodies are the Temple of God with the Holy Spirit living inside of us (1 Cor.6). We can’t pollute our temples or bodies with sin and evil, this is an abomination before God. As the Apostle Peter said “Be holy because He (God) is Holy” ( 1 Peter 1:16)

Being a Child of God, a Born Again Christian is the greatest honor and calling anyone could receive, walk worthy of being a servant of Christ, Amen