NOVEMBER 17, 2021 READINGS... 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 & 2 Thessalonians 1:1-3:18 &
Acts 18:4-23
Our readings today finish Paul’s first letter to the church at Thessalonica, and continues with Paul’s second letter to this church. Paul gives his final instructions in his first letter. He tells the church to respect and love those lead the church…warn those who are lazy…take care of the weak and be patient with everyone…do not pay back evil with evil…always be joyful…pray always…be thankful in all things…and test all things, hanging on to what is good. Paul’s second letter to this church is in three parts. First, he gives them encouragement in times of persecutions. God is just and when Christ returns He will judge those who have hated Him and persecuted His church. Second, he teaches them about the “Day of the Lord”. He tells them of a great apostacy…the “abomination the causes desolation” that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24…lawlessness, blasphemy, and the lying signs and wonders of the coming Antichrist…and the God-sent delusion that will be sent upon those who refuse to believe in Jesus. Third, Paul exhorts and encourages the church. He reminds them, and us, that God is faithful. Trust in God to perform His perfect will in us. Finally, to stay away from those who cause disorder…and do not become weary in doing good. What great words Paul has in both these letter to the church at Thessalonica, and to we in the church today!
The second part of our reading is in the book of Acts. Paul is rejected by the Jews in Corinth…and he tells them that their rejection puts their blood on their own heads. Paul then begins to focus his message to the Gentiles. God tells Paul to not be afraid to speak out. I would encourage all of us to not be afraid to speak up, and speak out, when the Holy Spirit calls us to do so. I pray God would take away our fear, and replace it with faith to trust the Lord, wherever He leads us. Paul faced opposition in Corinth and leaves there to go to Antioch of Syria, by way of Ephesus. Paul trust the Lord to send him, and take him, wherever God wanted him to go…may God give us the faith to do the same.
Please share your thoughts from today’s reading.
TOMORROW’S READINGS… Acts 18:24-19:20 & 1 Corinthians 1:1-3:23
Comments