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PAUL: HIS LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS
LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 25
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

 

“…that day shall not come,
except there come

a falling away first…”

 

PAUL: HIS LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS
 
Paul preached in Thessalonica for only three Sabbath days, yet many believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of the envy of the Jews, Paul and his companions were forced to leave the city. When Paul moved on to Athens, his heart remained concerned for the Thessalonian believers. He sent Timothy to encourage them. Upon hearing Timothy’s good report, Paul wrote letters to strengthen them in the midst of persecution.
 
Hardships and threats can shake the hearts of believers. Doubts may arise when trials are prolonged and circumstances worsen. Some may abandon the faith and deny Christ. Others may betray fellow believers to escape the attacks of the enemy. How then can Christians be strengthened in such battles?
 
Paul assured them of the promised resurrection for the dead and the rapture for the living. This truth is a source of deep comfort. In the midst of devastation, genuine children of God have a secure place in His kingdom, whether in death or in life. This is no illusion, no deception, no false assurance. The promises of God are true and faithful. Scripture declares that there will indeed be a resurrection of the dead and a rapture of the living when Christ comes in the air to gather His people before the Great Tribulation.
 
The signs of the times are clear before us. Are we prepared? Do we have the assurance that when Christ comes to rapture the living, we will meet Him in the air? Or are we distracted by worldly pursuits, deceived by the fleeting pleasures of this life? The Lord Jesus may come at any moment. Let us be watchful and ready.
 
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be 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 Thess 2:3-4).
 
THOUGHT: Am I prepared to meet Jesus when He returns?
PRAYER: Father, prepare my life to meet the Lord Jesus when He returns. Help me to serve faithfully while there is still time.

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