Category Archives: Jesus

2 Thessalonians 3- Mission of The Church

1 Reply

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

What was the main goal of the Church here? Paul says “Pray for us, that the word of The Lord may have free course or spread quickly” The Church was sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, this was the command giving us by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) This should be the mission statement for every Church, the gospel needs to be spread by whatever means possible

Sounds like an easy job, right? Wrong, anytime you share the gospel, heavy opposition usually follows. Paul says “That we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” doesn’t that sound like today’s society also? Wicked and unreasonable, these are the type of people usually you face when trying to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. However it’s our calling and duty 

But even though it’s a struggle, we always have hope because as Paul says “The Lord is faithful, who shall establish you and keep you from evil” God will never leave or forsake us, Jesus is faithful. Whatever Christ promised us, we can count it as a guarantee, we never have to wonder and hope that God will save us, it is already finished! We may not always understand the plan or the path, but we should know God will always use things for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28)

So how do we know what to do as the Church? Paul says “May The Lord directs your hearts”, follow the will of God being filled and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Whatever you are doing for your Church or your daily life, ask “Is Jesus Christ leading my heart”? Again what is the mission of the Church? Doing the will of God, being led by the Holy Spirit, having Jesus Christ lead your heart to fulfill the Great Commision, Amen!

2 Thessalonians 2- Stand Fast

1 Reply

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15

This is a great message Paul is giving the Church, and I believe this is a message the Church really needs to hear today, stand firm in your faith in Jesus Christ! We live in a depraved and wicked society today, influenced by demons, and many lost or fallen away from false teachers and false doctrine. 

As Paul says here “Stand fast or firm and hold the traditions you have been taught” We see this alot today, “Christians” who keep jumping from doctrine to doctrine because of someone we saw on social media, you need to stand firm in what the Bible says, not what a slick talker says.  The Church is continually under attack, however deep Church tradition affirms many essential doctrines such as the Trinity, the Virgin Birth, Communion, the Holy Spirit, ect. While there may be varying differences in interpretation, these were essential doctrines and teachings of the Church. 

How do we know who the Church is? Paul states it in the beginning of this teaching “God has from the beginning , chosen you to salvation” We didn’t wake up one day and just say “I choose Jesus” or “i’m going to Church today”, God has chosen us , we were called by the Great Shepherd to be his sheep (John 10) Christ saved us, we didn’t save ourselves. 

Now how do we understand the gospel or truth? Paul says “Through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of truth” The unsaved world rejects the gospel and doesn’t believe it’s true, why? Because they are not sanctified by the Holy Spirit. As Paul says also “The natural man doesn’t understand spiritual things” (1 Corinthians 2:14) That’s why when you go out on the streets and evangelize, people look at you like you have three heads, they can’t understand spiritual wisdom from God, unless they are converted by the Holy Spirit

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

In a world that is in total chaos, take comfort or encouragement, that Jesus Christ is already victorious. Every good word that Christ spoke is a promise and guarantee, there is no need to question, anything Jesus said is a done deal, Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33)

So instead of wavering in your faith, being tossed back and forth from false doctrine and false teachers, stand firm in your faith in Jesus Christ, be sanctified and led by the Holy Spirit, all glory to God our Father, Amen!

2 Thessalonians 2- The AntiChrist Part 2

2 Replies

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

1 Reply

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

1 Reply

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!