“And now, brothers and sisters, let us tell you about the coming again of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered together to meet him. Please don’t be so easily shaken and troubled by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Even if they claim to have had a vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us, don’t believe them. Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed– the one who brings destruction. He will exalt himself and defy every god there is and tear down every object of adoration and worship. He will position himself in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (NLT)
In the 21st century, disciples of Jesus Christ will face issues that affect beliefs and conduct. Paul’s challenge, however, is as true today as ever. He exhorted the Thessalonians that error and falsehoods should not trouble them. They should not be fooled even by claims of special visions, revelations, or so-called apostolic letters. They are to be on guard so that no one could deceive them by any means.
The crucial need of our day is steadfast Christians. I do not mean obstinate or mean-spirited people who cannot speak the truth in love. Rather, we must be disciples who stand firmly on the Word of God, properly interpreted, and not intimidated by those who would accuse us of intolerance or demand political correctness.
The Bible provides a clear standard of expectation for living holy. It gives us the evidence by which we can determine the end times and the day of Christ. The question is whether we will hunger and thirst after biblical truth or the second-hand leftovers of a dead-end, worldly philosophy. Will we cry out to God for revival in our lives, church, community, and world? It is only by firmly resting on correct biblical interpretation of truth (i.e. the Bible) that we are safe. Our world is in a state of fear but the Word of God destroys fear and doubt. It stabilizes our mind against trouble and error.
Dear Father, thank you for the Bible and its standard of truth. Forgive me for times when I have failed to heed its exhortations. Deliver me, O Lord, from troubling errors and deceptions. Grant to me a clear understanding of your truth that I may stand firm in you. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN
Let us thank God for his Word and live according to its truths,
Pastor Smith