WHAT WE ARE TO DO WITH THE WORD
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18As Christians we must continue to pray for the freedom of the proclamation of God’s Word, to keep order in the Church, and to recognize or discern what the Word of the Lord is; especially as the ‘day of the Lord’ draws nearer.

“Living As Christians In Our Modern World”. Is there not an example of truth in that title. We would think by looking around our world that God has already removed all restraints. He has not. It is yet, to get even worse.

If you are a believer – one who has yielded your life completely to Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, you are trusting Him and only Him for salvation, then you need not worry about the time without restraint. We must be diligent about the work of the ministry of our church.

This final chapter begins with, “Finally”. Even in these final days we must heed the request of Paul. Especially in the final days does the Word of the Lord need to have a “Free course”. In the past two decades or so we have seen amazing answers to the type of praying that God answers. East Germany, the Soviet Union, and others have opened their lands to be exposed to the Word of God – the gospel, and thousands are being saved. What a wonderful grace God shows for mankind.

There is also a great need for the churches of our Lord to get things straightened out. There is such rebellion in the Church toward the Word. The rebellion goes beyond this, this is what Paul mentioned here: the unwillingness to work, such laziness is against the commandment of Scripture. There are some so lazy they depend entirely on the generosity of the church, or government in our case, to live. These are always meddling in other peoples affairs. Just plain ole disobedience to God’s Word. These are beggars. If the Word is not obeyed, then action must be taken, whether it be physical or spiritual laziness.

In the last three verses Paul makes it clear that this epistle [letter] is from him. We must be sure to use discernment in interpretation, the speaking and the hearing of the Word of God.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.” 2 Thess 3:1-2 (KJV).
We must constantly be in prayer. One of the most important aspects of prayer is for the Word of God to work the work God intends for it. This often means the tearing down of walls – sometimes literal physical walls, sometimes political walls, and sometimes spiritual. In order for theWord to have “Free course” the old religions, the old fleshly ways must be torn down and destroyed. Of course, prayer, and the proclamation of the Word accomplishes this.

There are many who are wicked who attempt to stop the gospel from being preached. They are liars, cheats, thieves, and deceivers caring for nothing but their own positions in their work, town or church. These are those who have no faith.

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 2 Thess 3:3-4 (KJV).
When we are not faithful we can be assured that our Lord is. It is He who will cause us to stand for right, and keep us, guard us from satan’s deceptive attempt to lead us astray.

Notice where the confidence is – who the confidence is in. It is in the Lord. Knowing that God is faithful we can be confident that He will enable all those who are His to do those thingss which are commanded.

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 2 Thess 3:5 (KJV).
The guidance of the Lord is into His love, and into the “Patient waiting for Christ”. Patience for the return of Christ, yet fully expectant, longing, and looking for with joy His coming in the clouds for His bride.

It does not matter how long the wait is. It matters most that we be hungering for that day.

In summing up verse one through five Warren Wiersbe said, “Here, then, are four great responsibilities for us to fulfill: believe the truth, guard the truth, practice the truth, and share the truth”.

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thess 3:6-10 (KJV).
Verse six begins a command from the apostle. Coming from Paul we can rest assured it is from the Lord through Paul, to him and us.

The word “tradition” used here is like verse fifteen of chapter two which again is not speaking of religious traditions of men, but the Word of God which we are commanded to pass on from generation to generation.

The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is part of that tradition. His sinless life, His glory and power are a part. The promise of His return is as much a part as the crucifixion. Also these commandments that have to do with work.

Paul had no desire to be associated with the socially elite of his day in the city of Thessalonica. They despised work; had slaves who did their work for them. There were also those who had quit their job or business because of the false teaching that had gone on among them, and now were totally dependent upon the church for support. Paul has made it much better for the church of today by his sacrifice. There are many pastors, evangelist and others who do work in the gospel ministry who are supported by their church, because the Word of God teaches it should be that way. It should be that way in order for the Word to be preached and understood.

Verse ten is a strong statement that many need to be reminded of. This is a commandment, not a request.

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thess 3:11-15 (KJV).
Those who do not work are some of the disorderly. This is, of course, speaking of able bodied people who will not work. They are meddlesome, mischievous rascals who need to be dealt with for the good of the church, and for their own well being.

If any will not hear the Word, we are told, “Have no company with him”, so that, they will be ashamed. He is speaking of saved people, because he says, “Count him not as an enemy, but…as a brother”.

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. 17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 2 Thess 3:16-18 (KJV).
The salutation of this letter is apowerful one for discerning the Word of God from the words of men. This was signed in Paul’s own hand. They couold recognize Paul’s handwriting. So, Paul’s signature confirmed it was from him, as he had received it from the Lord.

We must be careful in the study, the teaching, the preaching, and the hearing of God’s Word. Is God’s signature on it: It is, if it is in agreement with what He has formerly said. God never contradicts what He has said. He, His Son Jesus, and the Spirit are in agreement. That is God’s signature.

WHAT ARE WE TO DO WITH THE WORD? We are to read it, study it, hear it, obey its Author, believe it. Especially in this day in which we live. The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is near. BE READY.

THE REMOVING OF THE HAND OF RESTRAINT

2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

The Day of the LORD is coming. That is a promise and warning of Scripture. It is a day of darkness not of light. It is a time of judgment. For the Christian there is also promise of deliverance from it. Chapter two will give assurance of deliverance from this day of destruction; and tells us not to be troubled by the trials which will come our way, and that we will go through.

Just how are we to know when the “Great Tribulation” or “The time of Jacob’s trouble” begins? There are some distinguishing signs which show us. There are some who teach that the Church will go through the Tribulation. If so, why did Paul write verses one and two of this chapter? There were teachers [false teachers] teaching that the Church would go through this time of trouble, even then, and were even saying they were already in it. That same teaching is still being taught in our day in 2006 A.D. (The year of our Lord). Not only was their teaching bad enough, but they were signing (forging) Paul’s name to the letters, and accusing Paul of writing them.

In this chapter Paul tells how we can know, and if the lost would pay attention, even how they can recognize the ‘Day of the LORD’. There mus tbe something that sets the timeof the beginning of the ‘time of sorrow’. Paul says there will first of all be a great apostasy [falling away or departure]. This will happen among many who profess Christ as Savior, but have only joined a club [‘church membership’]. There has never been any relationship with Christ, no joy of salvation, no hope for life, and no exciting expectation of the return of Jesus Christ. Most who do not know Christ are not longing for His return, but rather fear it. The falling away will occur – I believe – because the Church will endure a time of purification [persecution] and the reprobate church members will flee from the fire. Of course, in some parts of the world Christians are being persecuted for their faith, and only those who know Him will suffer for Him.

There is not much need for the Church to know; when the Day of the LORD comes; because the day Jesus calls out from the clouds, “Come up here” is the day the Church goes to be with the Lord, and the time of desolation begins. When you truly know the Lord Jesus you need not fear the ‘Day of the LORD’.

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 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. 2 Thess 2:1-2 (KJV).
There will be a gathering of the Church. It is stated quite clearly in verse one, “…By our gathering together unto Him…”

The church was clearly troubled. They had been troubled by false teachers and false letters from those teachers, by forging Paul’s name. In doing so they were confusing the Thessalonican church and hoping to gain some thing for themselves. These teachers and letters were telling people that the ‘day of the LORD’ had already come, and they were living in it. As mentioned in the introduction that same teaching is going on today (2006), and leading many sincere Christians astray from the truth. Yes! You read me right, “Astray from the truth”. The day of the Lord has not come. The Revelation of Jesus Christ has not been fulfilled. There is much of the prophecies of the Old Testament and of the Revelation yet unfulfilled. The rapture has not ocurred, Jesus has not returned as He promised, we are not living in the Millennial reign of Christ (Isn’t that a relief to know), nor has the wicked been judged; nor the righteous received their crowns.

The false message contradicted what Paul was teaching. Paul’s clear teaching, and the Bible’s teaching is that the ‘Day of the LORD’ is a time of great trouble, sorrow on earth. The day is marked by sudden disappearance of a certain group of people – namely the Church. those fundamental, Bible believing, Jesus worshipping, “Blessed Hope” watching, born again people will be taken out of the way in order for lawlessness to have its way.

The words, “…day of Christ is at hand…” in verse two is literally the “Day of the LORD”.

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; 4 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 (KJV).
This letter was written in part to warn the church, that there are deceivers. Deceivers have a way of robbing people of their hope, joy and peace. Do not let anyone deceive you.

The ‘Day of the LORD’ is not the rapture of the Church. “The day of the LORD” will not begin until after the ‘rapture’, or ‘catching away of the Church’; the falling away [apostasy]; and the revealing of the ‘man of sin’ (though many will not recognize him as the man of sin because of his deceiving power).

The apostasy is a rebellion against all that is godly. It will even involve professing christians who do not know Jesus. They see Him as any other religious leader. This christianity to them is only a religion of choice just like the others. It is, in fact, a personal relationship which one is called into – chosen by God; the living God, and it is the only way to eternal life in heaven.

There are some prophecy teachers who see this word “apostasia” a little differently in this text. It can also mean – a departure – thus it could possibly mean the rapture of the Church where many depart from the earth. I have to admit it would fit in the text. And if this is true, then, it is deffinitely clear that there will come a rapture in the order that is listed here. I myself, do not need this verse to prove the point. I will stick with my afore mentioned assessment until I am shown to be wrong. It just seems that the word ‘apostasia’ would imply a departure from the good and holy, and righteous and just.

The apostasy is in effect a militant uprising against all that is pure and against God, Jesus and the Church. There is, even today, an attempt to silence the Church, and the Word of God.

There is also, ‘the man of sin’, also called the ‘son of perdition’ who will be revealed, probably very near either side of the Rapture. Jesus mentions the ‘son of perdition’ in John 17:12. He was in the person of Judas Iscariot the betrayer. This man who will come on the scene will exalt himself, call himself God, and will sit in the temple of God – this will be in Jerusalem. This man will be revealed just before ‘the day of the LORD’. His introduction will be as a man of peace and seeming ability to end world economic, religious, and environmental problems (See Revelation 6:1-2). he will be a world ruler.

Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 2 Thess 2:5 (KJV).
These were things Paul had spoken to them about when he was with them. This is only a gentle nudge to call to remembrance what they had heard.

And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2 Thess 2:6-7 (KJV).
These two verses seem to be much clearer on ‘a taking away’ or ‘a departure’. It is not yet time for the ‘son of perdition’ to be revealed. Really, only God knows when that time is. When God removes the restraints, then, and only then, can this deceiver who is also called ‘Antichrist’ have a free hand.

That raises a question. Who or what is the restraint? Whoever or whatever it is must be the greatest power of all the universe. He is like the wind – unseen, but you can hear Him at work; you can feel Him touch the cheeks of your soul; you hear His still, small, sweet voice; and you can see His effects upon the lives of people. It is a person who is restraining. Yes, it is the person of the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit. He lives, abides in the Church.

There is already, has been since the garden of Eden; the working of iniquity. When the presence and power of the Holy Spirit is gone iniquity will have a free hand for awhile. The Holy Spirit is present and powerful in the Church. If Jesus said, “I will not leave you Comfortless” (John 14:18) He will not leave the Church on earth. The restraining of the Holy Spirit will continue until the Church is stolen away, “as a thief in the night”.

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 Thess 2:8 (KJV).
After the removal of the Spirit the ‘son of perdition’ the ‘antichrist’ who is the devil incarnate (counterfeiting what Jesus did) will be revealed.

Notice, though Paul’s encouraging words, “Whom the Lord will consume…” (See Revelation 1:16; 19:11-21). This, of course, will take place after he deceives the world.

Out of the Lord’s mouth comes a sharp two-edged sword. The two-edged sword is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). The “Breath of His mouth” referring to the work of the Spirit of the Word – which is the Holy Spirit. The glory of the lord is His brightness at His coming.

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2 Thess 2:9-10 (KJV).
The ‘son of perdition’ will come in the power of satan. He will use signs, and miracles to deceive the nations (Revelation 13:13-14). These miracles will deceive only those who are perishing. These are people sho will have heard the gospel, but had/have no use for God. They are people who are independent of God and depend solely on self.

The time of deception seems ripe as fruit ready to pick. There are even professing christians who cry out for a sign, or may not be will not make a cognitive decision unless they have some “sign” or something happen to convince them it is right to do. We have the Scriptures. We who live by faith in Christ need nothing else. Jesus Himself said signs are the seeking of a wicked generation (Matthew 12:39; 16:4; Mark 8:12; Luke 11:29). Notice that Jesus mentions this twice in the gospel of Matthew. That is how the antichrist will deceive the world. If our heart/emotions, head, and feet are not established upon the truths of the Word of God, we too can be deceived.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thess 2:11-12 (KJV).
This seems – in its context – to apply to those who have rejected ‘the truth’ after receiving the required mark (See Revelation 13 and vv. 16-18 in particular). Only those receiving the mark, ie. rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will receive the ‘strong delusion’ sent by God; believing ‘the Lie’.

Because they refuse to love the truth; God will cause them to believe the Lie. When someone hears the message of the gospel, and rejects it one time his heart grows a little harder toward it. Each time he hears and rejects the chances of her/his being saved grows weaker.

God can, at any point in the Christ rejecter’s life, harden the heart. When God hardens the heart it is late, very late for saving grace, and very near to judgment. Do not harden your heart. Believe and receive Jesus before it is too late.

These are also those who, ‘had pleasure in unrighteousness’ (See Romans 1:18-32). They worshipped and served the creature [self], rather than the Creator.

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: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess 2:13-14 (KJV).
We should all be thankful for God choosing us for salvation- if indeed we have been chosen. How we are chosen, just as all believers are: 1.) Set apart by the work of the Holy Spirit called unto the Lord God; 2.) Believing the truth, and calling on His name.

It is done by the gospel, and for the purpose of ascribing to the Lord the glory due unto Him.

These messages to the Thessalonicans are as much a part of the gospel, as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Receive, and believe the whole gospel or perish.

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.16 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, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 2 Thess 2:15-17 (KJV).
“Stand fast”, or do not be shaken from – do not be moved from your stand of faith.
“Hold the traditions” is not speaking of religious man made ideas, but the truths of God’s Word. Paul is here saying, pass on what I have written to you, as being from God – it is Scripture. Pass it on from your generation to the next.

Man made tradition, most often, goes against Scripture, and we are to shun those that do. Many times though, we want to hold to these and forsake the Scriptural tradition. God forbid.

There is comfort in heeding the word of God. We find comfort in His grace, knowing in Him we have everlasting life.

Our lives are to be established in good words and works; established in God and His grace

Are your works done to glorify Jesus, and to reflect His image to a lost world? Does the lost world look at you and see comfort and peace, or fear and torment?

The ‘day of the Lord’ is not for the believer, but the unbelieving. In this is comfort. BELIEVE.

Some have equated the “Restrainer” to the gospel. I have no problem with that. At any rate the text says, ‘ye know what restrains until he is taken out of the way’, so there is a point in time the message of the Church – the gospel – will cease. The power of the gospel is the Holy Spirit. He is THE HAND OF RESTRAINT.

NO REST FOR THE WICKED

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

The suffering we may endure for our faith is evidence of righteousness, and that contrary to what some believe, judgment awaits all who reject God and His gospel.

When your hopes have been dashed and smashed to pieces what do you do? Most times we give up. We say, “What is the use? Jesus is coming soon I can quit my job; I can quit trying to lead people to Jesus. He is going to come and all this just won’t matter any more. God forbid that we feel this way and worse practyice these feelings.

The church at Thessalonica was praised by Paul for their faith and love. The last verse of 1 Corinthians 13 mentions faith, hope, and love. Why did Paul not admire them for their hope? They had lost hope. They had quit their jobs saying, ‘ What’s the use?’ Some false teachers were telling them they were already in the ‘Tribulation’. Kind of sounds like some today who tell us, “The Lord has already come and all prophecy has been fulfilled”. What a terrible thought that would be. There is certainly no hope in that. Of the faith and love of the Thessalonian church they had plenty, but hope had been lost in the persecution they were experiencing, and because of false teaching. When you hope is taken away there is just not much left worth living for. Paul is writing to reestablish hope in them.

Sometimes hope is dashed when we look and see evil prospering. God will have His day on the evil, wicked of the world. They will not be able to stand the judgment.

We need not lose hope. The very evidence of our endurance in the midst of persecution is evidence of God’s righteous judgment. He gives endurance to those who are His – He strengthens us to persevere to the end.

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess 1:1-2 (KJV).

This introduction is very similar as the first letter, if not identical, therefore, not too much need for commentary, except to say Paul was very high on the grace of God. he depended on it. His life, our lives must depend on God’s grace for eternity.

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 2 Thess 1:3-4 (KJV).

Paul has noticed something missing at Thessalonica – hope. They were quitting, just giving up. The persecution they were experiencing even affected their work. Those who owned a business were being shunned because of their faith [we would call it a boycott].

It does seem somewhat odd that Paul is encouraged by their ‘growing faith’, yet they seem to be without hope. Maybe Paul sees their faith growing because of their lack of hope. It seems that that may be possible. It is in times of hopelessness that our faith can grow, and since these people were bearing much persecution due to their faith, that they just might be losing hope yet growing in their faith in God; learning to trust Him more; without seeing any way of an out. The apostle to the Gentiles is thankful for them, and that word has gotten out to the other churches of their growing faith.

In this time of trial in their lives they were clinging together in the love of Christ. What joy this must have brought to Paul and the other churches hearing of these things.

They needed hope. Hope is the life-blood of progress. People who have hope can accomplish about anything. The only hope for mankind is faith in Jesus through whom God gave the gift of salvation – eternal life. If we understand hope; hope is the motivation of faith and love.

People who are without hope – especially a church that is without hope is dead or dying. We preach and teach that Jesus is coming soon, but where is our hope. If we had hope, would we not be telling everyone to get ready? Understand, our hope – “The Blessed Hope” – is not wishful thinking which has no substance. Faith is the substance of our hope (Heb. 11:1). God said it, I believe it, so that settles it. It is settled whether I believe it or not. Our hope as Christians is backed up with what God has said.

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: 2 Thess 1:5 (KJV).
God uses persecution to build us and make us stronger in faith and to root out those without faith. Those who endure the persecutions because of their faith show the ‘righteous judgment of God’, and those who do not persevere show it as well. God truly know those who are His.

Many complain about trials and persecutions in their lives, but does an athlete complain about running tell his legs ache, lifting weights until his arms hurt. If a mountain climber doe not hurt he probably has not climber a mountain for a while. We can think, ‘Well these people voluntarily do that’. Amen! Do we as the people of God not choose to suffer for our faith as well? We chose Jesus. We are called to suffer with Him. Suffering with Him we are raised with Him. If we are to be strong in faith let’s face the weights, the running, and the mountains for the glory of our God, Savior, Lord and Righteousness.

Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 2 Thess 1:6 (KJV).
Those who fall away are many times the very ones who will cause the faithful trouble. There are some who seem to remain fiathful to the church, but never endure any persecution, because they live outside the church like everyone else. They are trouble to the church, in the church whether they actually lift a finger against her or not. It is a righteous act of God to cause them trouble. Sometimes even to the point of causing them to leave a church in order that He may cleanse her.

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 2 Thess 1:7 (KJV).
While the rest of the world will be suffering from God’s judgment the Church will be at rest.During that period of seven years we will be in the presence of our Lord and Savior enjoying His glory. In the Revelation of Jesus Christ there is a phrase which is used throughout John’s writing. It is the phrase, “…That dwell upon the earth”. It is used three times in the Revelation – 3:10; 11:10; and 13:8, and every time it is dealing especially of those who are not the people of God. They are rather, mockers, liars, and haters of God and His righteousness, and haters of God’s people.

Where will you be when He comes?

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 2 Thess 1:8-9 (KJV).
In Hebrews 10:31 it is written, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 12:29 also says, “For our God is a consuming fire”.

Just as surely as Jesus is coming for His Church, He is coming also to take vengeance on the unbelieving – those who obey not the gospel. Many cannot see a loving God doing this. This loving God made a way possible for unholy men to become holy, and the unbelieving spit in His face, stomp His blood under foot and say, “I don’t need that, God is love, he won’t cast me into Hell”. If this holy, loving God will not cast unbelievers into Hell, then, His Word is not trustworthy, there is no salvation, and there awaits nothing but damnation for us all. PERIOD.

Notice the forms of judgment mentioned: Flaming fire, Vengeance, Punishment, Everlasting Destruction, Separation from the Presence , and Glory of His Power.

I am so thankful for the death, burial, resurrection and promise of the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the only hope for mankind. It is your only hope.

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. 2 Thess 1:10 (KJV).
What glory that will be when He is glorified in us. What is that glory? That others believe. Others believe because we share our testimony of faith in Christ, and because to this they will be saved. Because of this Christ will be glorified, in all the earth. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.

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: 12 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 Thess 1:11-12 (KJV).
Hope can often be restored by letting people know you are praying for them, and how you are praying for them.

How was Paul praying? 1.) That God would count you worthy of this calling; 2.) Fulfill the good pleasure of His goodness; 3.) The work of faith with power; 4.) That Jesus’s name be glorified in you; 5.) You in Him; 6.) According to His grace; 7.) Fulfilled through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is a necessity that we pray. It is a part of our calling to pray for one another and to pray for God’s glory. He will be glorified.

We can rest in the grace of God, that He will deliver us from the wrath to come on all the earth, if we are in Christ. We have that hope in Christ. If our lost loved ones, friends, and neighbors die in unbelief there will be no rest for them. After Jesus comes it is over.