Old Greenbrier Baptist Church

Blog for the Week of December 31, 2017

The Man of Lawlessness

2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

Sutherland Springs was the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history. Among the victims were eight members of one family with those killed spanning three generations of that family. Reporting on this tragic mass shooting at a Baptist church, USA Today reported,

With nearly eight weeks until the end of the year, 2017 has already earned a bitter honor: It is the most deadly year for mass killings in the U.S. in more than a decade. Sunday’s shooting at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, which killed 26 people, raised the total of victims lost in mass killings this year to 208 . . . . The runner-up: 2016, which saw 188 people lost in such attacks. Since 2006, (there have been) a total of 358 mass killings that have claimed the lives of 1,883 people. The cases include shootings, stabbings, fires and blunt-force attacks, among others, in 45 states and the District of Columbia.^[1]

We see and hear about these tragic events and mourn the loss of life. We ask, "Why?" We know that Christians overseas often face violence and death for their faith (e.g,, Boko Haram attacks on Christians in Nigeria), but it is hard for us to imagine such carnage in the USA. Christianity Today reports,

Since 1980 there have more than 145 attacks on churches in the US, according to a database by the Center for Homicide Research in Minneapolis which kept a record of church shootings from 1980-2005. Averaging almost four every year, the list only records attacks directly on churches and said 185 people died, including 36 children, just up until 2005. Since then even worse horrors have been witnessed in churches. Most prominently in 2015 (when a) white supremacist . . . murdered 9 African-Americans at one of America's oldest black churches — Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church — in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.^[2]

While we deplore and mourn these murders, we must put these events in context with both the church's suffering throughout history and God's ultimate plan. These killings are only one act in this world's drama. When we look at the larger picture of God's plan, we can be assured that God does have a plan in which every scene fits into his kingdom purpose and is ultimately resolved with his justice.

After the Sutherland Springs shootings, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said, " We've had shootings in churches for, you know, for forever. It's going to happen again . . . ." He is correct. In fact, things are going to get worse before the Lord returns. Paul told the Thessalonians, who were suffering persecution in their day, that the Lord will return only after the man of lawlessness is revealed, which had not yet happened.

¹Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, ² not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. ³ Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. ⁴ He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

⁵ Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? ⁶ And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. ⁷ For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. ⁸ And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. ⁹ The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, ¹⁰ and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. ¹¹ For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie ¹² and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

 ¹³ But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. ¹⁴ He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹⁵ So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

¹⁶ May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, ¹⁷ encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word (2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 NIV).

Confusion Over the Second Coming (1-2)

Some of the Thessalonians feared ". . . that the day of the Lord has already come" (2). The source of their incorrect belief is uncertain: "by some prophecy, report or letter" (2). However, the effect on some of the Thessalonians was clear. They were "unsettled" (Gk., saleuthenai), which was a word used to describe something "shaken by a storm or caused to totter in an earthquake." The Thessalonians’ faith was shaken, and Paul didn't want them to be disoriented or confused by false teaching. They were also "alarmed" (Gk., throeisthai), "a frightened or disturbed state." Jesus counseled, "When you hear of wars or rumors of wars do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come" (Mk 13:7). The Thessalonians experienced trials/troubles that they believed were signs of the Lord's soon return. So, the delay in the Lord's soon expected return negatively affected their faith.

Since Christ's first coming, there have been many incorrect predictions of the Lord's return. Three, early Christian theologians predicted Jesus' return in AD 500. Pope Sylvester II predicted Jesus' return in AD 1000.  William Miller in the 1840s preached that Jesus would return between March 21, 1843 and March 21, 1844. As many as 100,000 Millerites sold their belongings between 1840 and 1844 and took to the mountains to wait for the end, which didn't come. Many persons, including Isaac Newton, predicted Christ's return in AD 2000. The Blood Moon prophecy predicted Christ's return with the September 28, 2015 lunar eclipse. Other prophets have predicted Christ's return in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025, and 2057.

Signs of the Times (3-10)

Paul said "Don't let anyone deceive you . . ." with false predictions of the Lord's return (3). He said, "...that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed" (3). The "rebellion" (Gk., ho apostasia) most likely refers to a time in which believers abandon the faith. Associated with the rebellion is "the man of lawlessness" (Gk., ho anthropos tes anomias). He will "oppose" (Gk., ho antikeimenos) - Satan's name means "adversary; one who opposes" (4). He will "exalt himself" (Gk., ho hyperairomenos) over God “proclaiming himself to be God." (4). His work will be in accord with that of "Satan," who is the great deceiver (9).  He will work "counterfeit miracles (Gk., dunamei - great ability), signs (Gk., semeiois - deeds pointing to a greater truth than the sign) and wonders (Gk., terasin - work inspire awe)."

In our fall Bible study we examined the miracles, signs, and wonders of Jesus. Peter proclaimed, "Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him" (Ac 2:22). The man of lawlessness will imitate Jesus but with an evil, deceptive purpose. Paul had taught the Thessalonians about "these things" when he was with them (5). John saw these things in his vision of the Second Beast, the Anti-Christ, in Rev 13:11-18.

Paul stated that these things will happen "at the proper time" (6) when "the one holding him back (Gk. ho katechon)" is removed (7). Some believe good (e.g., Holy Spirit, God, angel, the Gospel, government) holds back the Anti-Christ. Some believe evil (e.g., Satan, a demon, government) holds him back for an opportune time. Ultimately, whether good or evil, the proper time for his revelation is under the control of God.

When the man of lawlessness is revealed, he and all those following him will be destroyed. The Lord Jesus will "overthrow" (Gk., anelei) the man of lawlessness "with the breath of his mouth" (8). He will blow him away. Jesus will "destroy" the appearing (Gk., epiphaneia) of the man of lawlessness with "the splendor of his coming (Gk., parousia)" (8). The glory of Jesus' return will overwhelm the enemy. Along with the Anti-Christ those whom he deceived will also perish in the Lords' just judgment (9). Please note that God's desire is that none should perish (cf., Jn 3:17), but those who refuse "to love the truth" (i.e., the Gospel) choose a path that leads to ultimate destruction instead of eternal salvation (10).

Our Choice: Dangerous Delusion or Blessed Truth (11-15)

Humanity faces the danger of delusion (11-12). Paul counseled, "For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie" (11). The phrase "a powerful delusion" (Gk., energeian planes) literally means “a work of error.” How or why would God send such a delusion on those that he wants to save? It is "for this reason" that unbelievers reject God's truth revealed in Jesus. So, God gives them what they choose. He allows them to believe the lies of Satan. God does not cause their unbelief but allows them to express it (cf., Ro 1:18-32).

As believers in Jesus we receive the blessings of Truth (13-15). We have been chosen by God "through belief in the truth" revealed in Jesus Christ (13). No matter what we face in life, by faith we "share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (14). We must "stand firm" (Gk., stekete) in sound teachings (Gk., paradoseis) until the Lord returns. Paul taught that Jesus' coming would catch the unfaithful unexpectedly but that the faithful would be watching and ready (cf., 1Th 5:4-9). We must be watching and ready for Christ's return today. We must watch for signs of the end knowing the church has and will continue to face trials/troubles. We must not be deceived by the lies of false prophets and Satan.

Prayer for Faith in Difficult Times (16-17)

Paul asked for God "to encourage (Gk., parakalesai)" the Thessalonians' hearts. He asked for God "to strengthen (Gk., sterixai) them for every good deed and work." He knew that they needed courage and strength to stand firm in their faith, both in word and deed, as they faced both the lies and the opposition of Satan until the Lord's return. May we be encouraged even in times of tragedy, like that in Sunderland Springs. This is not the end. God has a plan which he will reveal in due time. Evil will be judged with finality, and the faithful will share in the glory of the Lord forever.

 

 

[1]http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/2017/11/06/2017-deadliest-year-mass-killings-least-decade/836738001/.

[2]https://www.christiantoday.com/article/are-american-churches-under-attack/117862.htm.

Blog for Week of December 24, 2017

Going for the Glory

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

This past fall the Houston Astros won the World Series for the first time in their 56 year franchise history. I have been a Houston Astros fan since 1982 when I first moved to Houston. I remembering taking our son Joseph to see the Astros play in the Dome as our first father-son outing. Houston may have won the World Series this week, but they haven't always been winners. They have endured many losing seasons as we jokingly referred to them as Disastros or Lastros. They made it to the World Series in 2005 but were swept by the Chicago White Sox in 4 games. From 2011-13 they lost over 100 games each year with their low in 2012 when they went 55-107, which was the worst record in baseball. They had nowhere to go but up as they began to rebuild. In just five years they went from worst to first with a 101-61 regular season this year and a World Series win as they beat the Red Sox in the American League Division Series, the Yankees in the American League Championship Series, and the Dodgers in the World Series.

One of my favorite players is Jose Altuve, the Astro's second baseman. Jose is from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, and at 5' 6" and 164 lbs. doesn't look like much. In 2007 at an Astros try-out n Venezuela, he was sent home and told not to come back. But, he returned and was signed to a $15,000 minor league contract where he spent 4 seasons. In 2015 he came to the Major Leagues and made All Star his first full season. This year he became an All-Star for the third time, batted .346 with 24 home runs in the regular season, hit 7 home runs in the Astros World Series win, and was named the American League's Most Valuable Player.

For me, both the Astros and Jose Altuve are examples of perseverance in the face of trials. The Astros' win brought joy and glory to the City of Houston that had been devastated by Harvey. Paul gave thanks for the Thessalonian's faith, love, and perseverance in spite of trials, since these actions proved their worth and brought glory to God.

³ We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. ⁴ Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

⁵ All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. ⁶ God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you ⁷ and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. ⁸ He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. ⁹ They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might ¹⁰ on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.

¹¹ With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. ¹² We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 NIV).

Thanksgiving for Faith, Love, and Perseverance (3-4)

In 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Paul commended the Thessalonians for ". . . your work produced by faith, your labor, prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." Again, Paul began with a prayer of thanks to God for the spiritual strength of the Thessalonian church. Their faith (Gk., pistis) was directed toward God and was "growing more and more." Their love (Gk., agape) was self-sacrificial love "for each other (was) increasing." Paul boasted about their perseverance (Gk., hupomone) and faith in all the religious persecutions (Gk., diogmois) and general trials (Gk., thlipsesin) which they endured. Why did the Thessalonians continue to act in faith, to show love to others, and to persevere in spite of trials and tribulations? Paul indicated that it was due to their trust in God's ultimate justice.

Remember God's Justice (5-10)

We don't like it when the bully wins. We want justice for the little guy. God ensures that everyone ultimately receives justice. Paul declared, "All this is evidence that God's judgment is right (Gk., dikaias kriseos tou theou)" (5). What is the evidence (Gk., endeigma - recognizable sign of a fact) of God's justice here? Was it the "persecutions and trials" that refined and proved their faith like fire refines metal? Was it the "endurance and faith" that they exhibited in the face of those trials? God was right to count them "worthy of the kingdom" as they remained faithful under trial. God is just and ultimately punishes the wicked and rewards the faithful.

"God is just" in verse 6 literally translated says, "Since it is just according to God . . . ." Based on this evidence, God will do two things. First, he will "...pay back (Gk., antapodidomi) trouble (Gk. thlibousin) to those who trouble you. . . ." Don't take revenge on those who hurt you. "Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you" (Pr 20:22). We are not just judges of others. We are accountable for our own sins before our just God. Don't bring the judgment of God on yourself by taking revenge on others. Note that God's justice is poetic as he brings trouble on those who have caused trouble for others. Second, God will "...give relief (Gk., anesis - rest) to you who are troubled . . . ." We say about the dead, "May he/she rest in peace." God's ultimate rest and relief is the reward of being a part of his eternal kingdom. Until God brings his final justice to bear, we must remain faithful, show love, and persevere. Being patient and waiting on the Lord isn't easy, but it is what we must do.

God's righteous final judgment is coming (7b-10). The Day of the Lord is coming and will be a day of God's ultimate judgment and vindication. We hear the echoes of 1 Thessalonians 4:1-13 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 in these verses. We have two options regarding God's coming judgment. Option 1 is for "those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus" (8). They face "everlasting destruction (Gk., olethron aionion)”which is not mere annihilation but eternal suffering. The will be ". . . shut out from the presence of the Lord (Gk., apo prosopon tou kuriou)." Unbelievers reject God in life and so in death they receive what they choose, eternal separation from him.

Option 2 is for God's "holy people (Gk., agiois)" (10). In contrast to everlasting destruction, God offers believers, his holy ones, everlasting life. Remember, we are not made holy on our own. In reality, we are worthy only of eternal destruction apart from the presence of the Lord. God tempers his judgment with his mercy and grace. He offers each one of us a choice regarding his judgment. Jesus is the answer to the continuing problem of sin that brings his judgment upon us. The judgment due to us for our sins fell upon the Lord Jesus. We are justified before a just God by the atonement of Jesus Christ for our sins. This offer of grace and mercy is for all, even one like Paul who had persecuted Christians.

Prayers for the Glory to God (11-12)

With the just judgment of God firmly in mind, Paul returned to his prayer for the Thessalonians. He offered prayers for the character of the Thessalonians as they endured trials and waited on the Lord. He prayed that God will find them "worthy (Gk., axiose) of his calling" in Christ Jesus. They were to continue to live faithful, loving lives, and endure the trials and persecutions of life. The road to worthiness and glory often lies through the valley of suffering (e.g., Jesus' death). We are justified by Christ, and we must faithfully walk the road of sanctification daily with him. He prayed that with God's power they will ". . . fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." They were to continue to grow in love for one another and even for those who persecuted them. They were to rely on God's power to help them accomplish the tasks God set before them. They were to continue to worship and witness in spite of religious persecution and slander. He prayed that ". . . the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him . . . ."

Are we living for our glory or for God's glory? Jesus calls on us to ". . . let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Mt 5:16). Jesus showed us the way to glorify God and be glorified in him in this prayer just before his arrest and crucifixion: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. . . . I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began” (John 17:1,4-5 NIV). May we live faithful, loving, persevering lives in the power of God and to his glory each day.

Blog for Week of December 17, 2017

Living in Peace

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

We live in a web of relationships with other people. Think about relationships in your family, your church, your community, your country. People are different. They have different backgrounds, interests, goals, values, mental abilities, personalities, and experience levels. They see the same thing differently.

What do you see when you look at the picture below? Do you see an old woman or a beautiful girl? Different people see different images. Both are there, but one may not be as easy for you to see as the other. Differences between people can strain relationships sometimes to the breaking point.

At first glance the final words of Paul to the Thessalonians may seem to be a jumble of thoughts on various topics tacked on at the end of his letter, but there is a theme running through them. Paul gave instructions concerning potential conflict in the church between four different groups: leaders & followers, weak & strong Christians, optimists & pessimists, and the cynical & gullible.

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. ¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt ²¹ but test them all; hold on to what is good, ²² reject every kind of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 NIV).

Leaders and Followers (12-13)

Followers are "to respect" (Gk., eidenai) and "to esteem" (Gk., egeisthai) their leaders. The church is to acknowledge and respect those who serve in their midst. The alternative attitudes to respect and esteem are ingratitude and contentiousness. Respect is not due on the basis of reputation or position but on the basis of ministry performed.

Paul described the ministry of a church leader, which is not easy, by listing three typical ministry functions performed continuously by church leaders. Leaders "work hard" (Gk., kopiontas) - This is the same verb Paul used for "labor of love" (1:3), and it refers to strenuous mental, emotional, and physical effort. Leaders are "over you" (Gk., proistamenous - lit. "stand before you") - This does not mean that they are more important or lord their position over followers but instead pictures one who stands over and  looks down with care on another who is sick or injured. It also is an image of one standing in front of the troops going into battle. Leaders "admonish you" (Gk., nouthetountas) - They give both instruction and correction as needed. Correcting must be done without provoking or embittering. "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). Note that admonishing and encouraging wayward Christians is not just the pastor's job (cf., v. 14).

The goal in all relationships is to "Live in peace with one another" (13b). This sentence is independent of both what proceeds and follows. It is a key for all good relationships. Seek a relationship where destructive conflict is absent and well-being and fruitfulness abound.

Weak and Strong (14-15)

New Christians are sometimes described as babes in Christ who need spiritual milk. "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation"(1Pe 2:2). Sometimes older Christians are not spiritually mature and remain on milk rather than solid food. "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready" (1Cor 3:2).

Paul gave instructions to stronger/mature Christians to help weaker/immature Christians. Stronger Christians are to "warn (Gk., nouthetountas) those who are idle." This is the same as the leader's ministry role above. The word "idle" (Gk., ataktous) refers to one who is out of order; unruly; insubordinate. In this case it refers to those who are not doing what they should to help the church/community.

Stronger Christians are to "encourage the timid." The word "timid" (Gk., oligopsuchous - lit. "little soul") refers to the faint-hearted, discouraged. This is what Paul did by speaking about the Lord's return and those who had died (cf., 4:13-18).

Stronger Christians are to "help the weak" (Gk., asthenos), the spiritually or physically weak. Paul gave this counsel consistently to churches (cf., Ro 5:6, 1Cor 8:9, 1Cor 11:30). The word "help" (Gk., anteche) literally implies holding on to someone; being strong and supportive of those who cannot stand on their own. Remember images from the recent hurricanes of individuals literally being carried to safety on the backs of rescuers.

Stronger Christians are to "be patient with everyone" (Gk., makrothumeite). They are to be long-suffering just as God is long-suffering and patient with them. Those who are idle, timid, and weak can try one's patience with contentious, demanding attitudes. Oftentimes hurting people hurt others, especially those who are close and trying to help them. We must not return insults for insults or try to get even. (cf., Mt 5:44-48). We are to bless and not curse, even those who persecute us.

Optimists and Pessimists (16-18)

Are you a glass half full or glass half empty person? Did you see the pretty woman or old one first? Negativity can drag you down, and like a drowning person, you may drag others with you. The key to Christian optimism is joy that Christ provides for every circumstance of life.

The common thread in Paul's three commands in these verses is joyful worship of God. First, "Be joyful always" (Gk., charite) - Joy fills a healthy Christian and is produced by the Holy Spirit. Second, "pray continually" (Gk., proseucheo) as you live life in God's presence as an enacted prayer. Third, "give thanks in all circumstances" (Gk., eucharisteo). This last command does not mean that we are to be thankful for evil but that we can be thankful that God is at work for good even in the midst of evil like the Las Vegas shootings and tragedies like the recent hurricanes/wildfires. Our giving to the One Great Hour of Sharing was used to help victims of these tragedies. God is always at work for good even in the midst of the evil of humanity and the storms of nature. Finally, Paul said that these three actions of the church in joy-filled worship are "the will of God." Grumbling toward leaders (vv. 12-13), impatience with the immature (v. 14), and anger toward those doing wrong (v. 15) must not tarnish our fellowship nor divert us from worshiping and following God.

Cynical and Gullible (19-22)

What is the truth? What is God saying? In Paul's day as today, the church disagrees over doctrine and ethics (e.g., sexuality, abortion, race). Cynical people don't know who to believe. So, they trust no one and find fault with everyone. Gullible people want to believe everybody and are often led from one error to another.

We must not be overly cynical. "Do not put out the Spirit's fire" (Gk., sbennyte - extinguish a flame; suppress; stifle). "Do not treat prophecies with contempt" (Gk. exoutheneo - dismissive disdain; treat as unworthy of consideration).  We can quench the Spirit and ruin the church's ministry by refusing to hear the word of a prophet.

We must not be completely gullible. We must "test everything" (Gk., dokimazete - give careful examination; determine trustworthiness). Does this teaching square with the rest of God's word? It is loving and God-honoring? Does it produce good results that glorify God? Even the Apostle Paul did not exempt himself or other leaders from this scrutiny (2Th 2:2).

The bottom line is that we must "Hold on to the good" (Gk., kateche - "remember the teaching/catechism"). Once we have determined the worth/quality of a teaching, then we must hold onto it tenaciously. As a common saying goes, "Eat the meat spit out the bones." We must also "Avoid (Gk., apechomai) every kind of evil." Keep away from and don't follow bad teaching.

Through all of these potential conflicts we must learn how to love one another, encourage one another, and build one another up as we work together until the Lord returns. Love and affirm those who minister in your midst. Love and assist those who are in need of support. Be optimistic in the Lord. Be filled with joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. God's Spirit is in your midst and will confirm the way forward in him. In all you say and do, seek to live in peace with one another.

Look at the picture below. What do you see? Do you see the name Jesus? His name is there in the top center and his cross is in the bottom center. Life is often confusing and jumbled. We must look closely and carefully in the chaos to find Jesus in life each day. At first he may not seem to be there, but when we look closely we will find him. When we see him, we must follow and invite others on the journey with us.

Blog for Week of December 10, 2017

Waiting on The Day of the Lord

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Do you like to wait? I don't. What are some things that you don't like waiting on? to check out at the store; to see the doctor; for your wife to get ready; for your husband's ballgame to be over; and as a child, for Christmas! What do you do while you are waiting? Fume and fuss; People watch; Use social media; Take a nap; Read a magazine or book. Paul gave the Thessalonians comfort as they grieved for believers who died before the Lord's return. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to live alert, self-controlled lives filled with faith, love, and hope as they waited on the Lord's return.

¹Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, ² for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³ 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.

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. ⁵ You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. ⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. ⁹ For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 NIV).

The Day of the Lord (1-3)

"Now (Gk., peri de) about times (Gk. chronon) and dates (Gk., kairon) . . . ." Paul transitioned from giving the Thessalonians comfort regarding the participation of the dead in Day of the Lord to the important topic of what they should do until the Lord returns. The phrase "times and dates" was used by the early church to speak about the end times. When asked by his disciples about his return, Jesus said, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority" (Ac 1:7 NIV). Paul had just given the Thessalonians facts about the Lord's coming in the previous verses and moved on in this passage to share implications of that future reality for daily living today.

Paul used two images to describe the Day of the Lord. The first image was that the Lord's coming will be ". . . like a thief in the night . . ." (2). Many Bible passages use this image (cf., Mt 24:36-43, Lk 12:35-40; 2 Pe 3:10, Rev 3:3, 16:15).

⁴² “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. ⁴³ But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. ⁴⁴ So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him (Matthew 24:42-44 NIV).

A thief doesn't call ahead. He simply shows up and takes from those who are unprepared. A thief comes unexpectedly and brings judgment on those who are unprepared. Jesus' return will be unexpected for those who are not prepared and waiting. The unprepared cry, "Peace and safety," which reveals an arrogant attitude of self-deceit. They face "destruction" (Gk., olethros), which comes upon unbelievers as a surprise. What a shock the Lord's return will be for those who had felt secure but are unprepared. Believers will not be surprised by the Lord's return but ready for it.

The second image is the Day of the Lord will come ". . . as labor pains on a pregnant woman . . ." (3). Prophets sometimes used labor as an image of distress and disaster (cf., Isa 37:3, Jer 6:24). Both labor and kidney stones are painful, but as the pain begins, it will also move to completion. Paul used the image of labor to declare that once the day of the Lord begins it will be carried through to the end. While the Day of the Lord will be a day of  judgment for the unprepared, it will also be a day of deliverance for those who are prepared. Once labor starts and the water breaks, a birth is going to take place. There is no turning back. The baby is full term and ready to be delivered into new life. Likewise those ready at the Lord's return will be delivered from this world into resurrection life with the Lord and all the saints forever. Once the labor pains of the Lord's return begin it will be too late to prepare or to do more kingdom work. We must be watching and working as we wait for the Lord's return.

What to Do While Waiting (4-11)

There are two types of people waiting on the Lord's return (4-10). The first type is the unprepared non-believer who lives in the "darkness" (Gk., skotei) of "night" (Gk., nuktos) and is "asleep" (Gk., katheudo) and "drunk" (Gk., methusko) (4-7). These are the ones who will be taken by "surprise" at the Lord's return (4). Their fate is to face God's "wrath"(Gk., orge) of righteous judgment for their sins (9).

The second type is the believer who lives in the "light" (Gk., photos) of "day" (Gk., hemera) and is "alert" (Gk., gregoro) and "self-controlled" (Gk., nepho) (5-6). As believers we are "sons of the light" and "sons of the day" (5). We are the children of God whom he has transformed by his true light to walk in his light and to reflect his light to others through our lives. Our fate is "salvation (Gk., soteria) through our Lord Jesus Christ" (9). Note clearly that we are saved not by our works or merit but only through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul shared important details concerning the character of believers who are living in the light (6-10). "So then" (Gk., ara oun) - Paul made a strong connection between who believers are, "sons of the light and sons of the day (4-5), and how we are to live (6-10).

First, believers are to be "alert" (Gk., gregoreo). This word was used to describe a watchman who was not asleep but awake, vigilant, and ready. Jesus calls on his followers to keep watch, to be alert and vigilant.

³² “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³ Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. ³⁴ It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

³⁵ “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. ³⁶ If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. ³⁷ What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” (Mark 13:32-37 NIV)

We are not to be lolled to sleep by the world but alert like a watchman on the wall proclaiming God's coming judgment of this world.

Second, believers are to be "self controlled" (Gk., nepho). We are to be alert and ready to act. Paul counseled Timothy to "...keep your head (Gk., nephe) in all situations..." (2Ti 4:5). Peter commanded, "Be self-controlled (Gk., nephate) and alert (Gk., gregoresate). Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour"(1Pe 5:8). We are to be aware of both God's presence with us and the enemy's attacks against us.

Paul often used the image of "putting on" (Gk., enduo) or dressing ourselves with godly character so that we will be ready for spiritual battle in this fallen world (cf., Eph 6:10-18). Paul pointed out two vital pieces of spiritual armor that every Christian must put on in response to his command to be alert and self-controlled. We are to put on the "breastplate of faith and love" (Gk., thoraka pistoeos kai agapes). A breastplate protects the thorax, which contains the vital organs. Faith and love protect us against the unbelief and hatred of the world. We are also to put on "hope of salvation as a helmet" (Gk., perikephalaian elpida soterias). Hope of salvation protects our head/mind so that we can think clearly and live differently than those who have no hope (cf., 1 Th 4:13).

We need faith, love, and hope not just not just to survive but to thrive to the glory of God. Paul commended the Thessalonians for their display of these three core Christian virtues (cf., 1 Th 1:3). We live in a darkened world and we should expect conflict and be prepared for it in the Lord. Faith, love, and hope are the foundation for life as a Christian, for all that we are and do. We must live/work as children of God who are alert, self-controlled and ready for the Lord's return.

Football players often dance and act crazy in the end zone when they score. Coach Vince Lombardi wisely said, "When you go into the endzone, act like you've been there before." When Christ returns, let's be in the endzone living a life of faith, love, and hope.

Paul closed this passage by saying, "Therefore encourage (Gk., parakaleite) and build (Gk., oikodomeite) each other up..." (11). He ended this passage as he did the previous one, with encouragement (cf., 1 Th 4:18). Both the verbs here are commands that require continuing action. Will the Day of the Lord catch us unaware or unprepared? I pray not! I encourage you to build others up by setting a good example for them and by sharing words of encouragement to them until the Lord returns. I encourage you to live alert and self-controlled lives as sons and daughters of light sharing God's faith, love, and hope with the world until the Lord returns.

Blog for the Week of December 3, 2017

The Day of the Lord

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Death is a reality and as much a part of life as is birth. We have all felt grief at the death of loved ones. October 10 was the twenty-fourth anniversary of my father's death, and October 6 was the ninth anniversary of my mother's death. I still miss them, but I will see them again when the Lord returns or I die and join them in Heaven. We look forward to the Day of the Lord's return. We know it will be a marvelous, miraculous day. In today's passage, Paul's primary intent was to comfort the living in the face of death and to enable them to comfort one another.

¹³ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ¹⁵ According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ 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. And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NIV).

A Message of Hope (13-14)

Paul said, ". . . we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep . . ." (13). The central topic of concern is "about (Gk., peri) those who fall asleep (Gk., koimomenon)." This phrase is a euphemism, a softer way, of referring to the dead. Paul did not want the Thessalonians "to be ignorant" (Gk., agnoein), to lack of knowledge about the dead and God's plans for them.  Their ignorance about God's plans has lead to confusion, grief, and a loss of hope for the dead. Certainly Paul had taught not only about the resurrection of Jesus but also about God's plans to raise all those who believe in Christ. However, Paul's time in Thessalonica was shortened by persecution that drove him from the city. The Thessalonians either didn't fully understand or had missed some of Paul's teaching which had led to confusion and concern about those believers who died before the Lord returned, an event that they most likely expected to occur at any time. They feared that their loved ones might miss out on the joy of Christ's return on the Day of the Lord. Also, it is one thing to understand the theory of resurrection and another to apply it practically in the face of the death of loved ones.

I would not have any of you to be ignorant about God's plan for dealing with your death.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:16 KJV).

God's plan is that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Joel 2:32a; Acts 2:21). Paul said, ". . . if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). Each of us has a choice to make. We can either accept God's plan for death by placing faith in Jesus and receive resurrection/eternal life, or we can reject God's plan, even by ignoring it, and so make your choice for eternal death. Paul's goal in reinforcing this teaching was that the Thessalonians might not grieve without hope.

Paul and I do ". . . not want you . . . to grieve" like the rest of men who "have no hope" (Gk., me exontes elpida). The world today is a place filled with death, which is often violent and sudden. The world is a place filled with grief, frustration, and a lack of hope. There are other religions in the world that speak about life after death and try to give hope. Christians grieve at the loss of loved ones, but Christians have hope. Why? Christian hope is unique because "We believe that Jesus died and rose again . . ." (14a). This saying was most likely part of an early Christian teaching (cf., 1Cor 15:3-7). Jesus Christ is the first fruit of resurrection life that is for all who believe in him. We believe ". . . that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him" (14b). Our hope is in Jesus, the one who brings resurrection life for all those who are in him. Our hope is in Jesus, the one who reunites us with all believers in his presence forever. Christian grief is still grief, but it is grief moderated by the anticipation of a certain and joyous reunion in Christ with loved ones. Christian hope for eternal life in heaven is a certainty that is not yet realized but is sure to come just as sure as the fact that after the sun goes down tonight, it will rise up again tomorrow. We await the glorious dawning of the great resurrection Day of the Lord.

The Day of the Lord (15-17)

As we anticipate the Day of the Lord, it is natural for us to wonder what that day will be like. Remember that Paul's teaching here focused on comforting the grieving and not on end times details. However, he shared some detail "According to the Lord's own word (Gk., en logo kuriou) . . . " (15a). These verses are similar to Jesus' teaching in Mt 24:30-31 but not a direct quotation. What Paul shared may have been revealed to him like his teaching about resurrection (cf., 1Cor 15). There are at least four things that we can know about The Day of the Lord from this passage.

First, we learn ". . . that (Gk., hoti) we who are still alive . . . will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep" (15b). Both those currently living in Christ and those who have died in Christ will be present. In fact, ". . . the dead in Christ will rise first" (16b). Paul addressed the fear of the Thessalonians that those who had died would miss out on the glory of the Lord's return. Paul assured them that all who have trusted in the Lord will experience the glory of his return.

Second, "For (Gk., hoti) the Lord himself will come down from heaven" (16a). This statement fulfills the angel's words in Acts 1:11b: "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11b). God coming shrouded in clouds was a common image portrayed in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.  The Lord's coming will be announced ". . . with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God" (cf., Isa 27:13; Zech 9:14; Rev 8:2-12, 9:1,13, 11:15). The Lord will come down from heaven in a way that no one will miss. It will not be kept secret.

Third, those alive in Christ will be "caught up together with them (i.e., the dead who have been raised) in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. The verb "caught up" (Gk., harpazo) tells us that this will be a wondrous, supernatural event. This is the same word used to describe the events when Philip was "caught up" by the Spirit away from the eunuch in Acts 8:39 and when Paul was "caught up" to third heaven in 2Cor 12:2-4. We will be caught up "to meet (Gk., eis apantesin) the Lord in the air." This is the phrase commonly associated with the rapture of the church. It describes the ancient practice of a welcoming party going out to greet a dignitary and then escorting him back into the city. Jesus used it of the ten maidens who greeted and returned with the bridegroom in Mt 25:1-13. It was used of those who went out to meet Paul and escort him into Rome (Ac 28:15).  Remember the focus of this passage is on giving comfort to the grieving not eschatology.

Fourth, Paul comforted, "And so we will be with the Lord forever" (17). This is the great good news that we as believers hold on to in the midst of the certainty of death and the vague and somewhat confusing details of the Day of the Lord. We and all the saints who have gone on before will be with the Lord forever. What comfort!

Encouragement for Us (18)

"Encourage (Gk., parakaleite) each other" is a command not to just the Thessalonians but to us. The resurrection of Jesus and his sure return to resurrect those who die in him is great encouragement. We all must deal with the reality of both the death of loved ones and our own deaths. We share the grief of life with others and they with us. "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Ro 12:15). Help others not by minimizing their loss/grief but by helping them to put it into the larger context which sometimes cannot be seen through the clouds of mourning. Christian hope is found in resurrection and reunion in the presence of the Lord forever.

The Feast of Tabernacles is a joyous Jewish celebration of life with God. It commemorates God's provision in harvest and his provision on the way to the Promised Land. We experience God's provision in life each day, and we look forward with certain hope to his ultimate provision for us beyond death in the resurrection and reunion with the saints in eternity. The Jews typically read the Book of Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Tabernacles as they contemplate the meaning of life and God's provision in it. "There is a time to be born and a time to die . . . God has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end" (Ecc 3:2,11b). God has made great provision for you in Jesus. Are you living with hope as you face death? Be sure today. Both death and the Lord are coming.