It gets bad but it gets better. That's the general message of Bible prophecy, and 2 Thessalonians 2 is no exception. There will be a falling away from the true faith (v.3), and a "man of lawlessness" will arise on the world scene (vss.3-4). Marginal believers will be subject to deception "because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved." (v.10 - notice, "love of the truth", not "familiarity with" - a big difference).
So what's a believer to do? Whether these are truly the end times are just the challenging times that believers of every generation face, the admonition is still the same: "So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." (v.15)
Hold your ground. Don't give an inch to the tide of declining values and morals. Stand strong for the tradition of Scripture received from Paul, Jesus, and other Scripture writers. "Lash yourself to the mast" in the face of the anti-Christian storms that society throws our way.
The older I get the more convinced I am that there is not the slightest chance of spiritual vitality without some form of authentic Christian fellowship. I'm not talking about a "paste-on-a-fake-smile-just-before-entering-the-door" kind of fellowship, but rather an authentic gathering where the Bible is taken seriously as well as the real life issues that we all face. In short, a genuine and unshakeable Bible-based, reality-based fellowship.
Every believer will find that their spiritual climb and decline tracks parallel to their Christian fellowship involvement. And when end-time pressures mount to compromise and fall away from the faith the admonition to "not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but ... encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25) speaks with greater urgency.
Struggling with personal issues in isolation such as the temptation to marital infidelity, ethics compromises in the workplace, and involvement with violent or immoral entertainment is a recipe for spiritual disaster. Authentic Christian fellowship and accountability is the only safeguard.
The presence of our Lord Jesus is manifested where two or three are gathered in His name (Matthew 18:20). The smallest collective gathering of believers is basis for these rich promises and assurances:
"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word." (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
May you find strength, encouragement and resolve to stand firm in the midst of genuine Christian fellowship today.
Steve
So what's a believer to do? Whether these are truly the end times are just the challenging times that believers of every generation face, the admonition is still the same: "So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." (v.15)
Hold your ground. Don't give an inch to the tide of declining values and morals. Stand strong for the tradition of Scripture received from Paul, Jesus, and other Scripture writers. "Lash yourself to the mast" in the face of the anti-Christian storms that society throws our way.
The older I get the more convinced I am that there is not the slightest chance of spiritual vitality without some form of authentic Christian fellowship. I'm not talking about a "paste-on-a-fake-smile-just-before-entering-the-door" kind of fellowship, but rather an authentic gathering where the Bible is taken seriously as well as the real life issues that we all face. In short, a genuine and unshakeable Bible-based, reality-based fellowship.
Every believer will find that their spiritual climb and decline tracks parallel to their Christian fellowship involvement. And when end-time pressures mount to compromise and fall away from the faith the admonition to "not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but ... encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25) speaks with greater urgency.
Struggling with personal issues in isolation such as the temptation to marital infidelity, ethics compromises in the workplace, and involvement with violent or immoral entertainment is a recipe for spiritual disaster. Authentic Christian fellowship and accountability is the only safeguard.
The presence of our Lord Jesus is manifested where two or three are gathered in His name (Matthew 18:20). The smallest collective gathering of believers is basis for these rich promises and assurances:
"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word." (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
May you find strength, encouragement and resolve to stand firm in the midst of genuine Christian fellowship today.
Steve
posted by steve @ 9:22 AM
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