You Can Stay Calm - II Thessalonians 2:1-17

As a general rule, most people are interested in future events and many of them have a particular interest in knowing more abut what will take place at the end of this age. I remember well that my parents were unable to buy many books during the depression years of the 30s, but somehow they always found a way to afford the new Farmers Almanac each year. The primary reason for the popularity of the Almanac was that it had all of the needed predictions for preparation and planting of different crops for best results. It let us know the changes of seasons, the position of the moon and where the signs were ‘at’.

I never understood what the signs ‘were’ but always knew where they were ‘at’—and I have always known that you never plant seed of any kind and expected them to sprout and grow well unless the sign was in the groin area…And just to make sure you knew where the groin area was—the illustrator drew the outline of a man and marked the important parts like the brain, the heart, lungs, and groin area. Be honest now—wouldn’t you really like to know when Gabriel’s trumpet will sound—and time will be no more?? Most people would. It may be that they just think they want to know. If you have not accepted Christ as Savior, you really do not want to know.

If you are not interested in the end time, that tells me that you have not read the bible, probably have attended church little or none, and are completely unaware of the promise of Jesus Christ that as “People saw him go, so will he come again.” I know exactly—to the very moment—when Christ will return and I believe that you want to know. I may be the only person on earth that can tell you with assurance, but I can do it. “Listen carefully” ‘He will return as a thief in the night, when he is not expected;’ And it will be at the exact time that he has set on his clock. “Believe it or not.”

Some of the particulars are very dim in my memory but at least three different predictions of the end time have come in the last thirty years. In the early 80s a book was published that heightened the interest of many as to when the end of time would come. Later in the 80s a pamphlet was circulated that had a definite prediction regarding the second coming of Christ. Both dates came and went with no expectations met… and no signs of an approaching Savior.

The last and very disturbing prediction came in connection with the end of 1999 and the beginning of the new century. Many of you can remember all the chatter about how this change in the century would bring a major break down in the computer age, in the timing system and that this Y2-k problem probably was connected to the second coming of Christ. Gabriel did not blow his trumpet! And we are all still here. YOU CAN STAY CALM IF YOU WILL ONLY MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE in the teaching of Paul regarding the second coming of Christ.

I have read what Paul said in his letters to the Thessalonians church, I hope that you have, or will. I believe Paul was inspired to write truth and if I am right you can make no mistake if you realize that Christ can return at any moment, and absolutely “NO ONE” knows when it will be. The only thing absolutely sure about this matter is that each one of us must be ready at all times. Even with this kind of expectation, WE CAN STAY CALM and MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE if we are born again.

We are fortunate to have several channels on TV that devote time and money to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have personally viewed two or three movies connected with the end time. The “Left Behind” series is one example. I realize that man wrote the script and that it had to be done in a way that would appeal to the public, but I especially appreciate the teaching that Christians will leave all behind and go to be with the Lord. The pilot of the plane flying at 30,000 feet will disappear into the heavens and the co-pilot will have to take over and land the plane. The farmer in the field will leave his plow and be gone while his family is left behind. The mother will go to be with her Lord, and her children will realize they did not make the call. The scripture teaches us that there will be turmoil as “gnashing of teeth,” and crying for the mountains to fall on those remaining.

In all of this “YOU CAN STAY CALM if you MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE in what God’s word teaches us about the end of time as we know it and the “coming of the lord.” Make no mistake. Jesus could return as you are reading this lesson. Believers are to live each moment with an expecting heart and not setting dates and time. Above all, please do not depend on scholars of biblical history, or so-called prophets, who claim to have inside information. This lesson is designed to help believers confirm the basic biblical truths about Jesus’ return and clarify what our expectations should be. To my faithful readers, I apologize for having to repeat myself in the last two or three lessons. It is necessary because the Thessalonians misunderstood Paul’s teaching in his first letter and he had to re-teach again about the second coming. I am doing what Paul did. This is reinforcement about the second coming, necessary because it is the most important event that will ever occur in our lives, or in our after life.

In 2: 1 Paul exalts us to depend upon the truth of the scriptures and to listen to no man regarding the second coming. He describes the conditions that will exist at the time. Paul describes the end of the world and Christ’s second coming. He says that great suffering and trouble is ahead, but that evil will not prevail, because Christ will return as the Judge of all of us. He makes it plain that our position is to simply make sure that we are ready and able to remain calm and confident that we are in his will and way.

In 2: 2 he tells us not to be worried or unsettled or alarmed by some false prophesy, report or letter that was supposed to have come from him saying that the day of the Lord had already come. It has not come. It will come soon, and it could be as we study this together. Our definition of time is not the same as God’s definition. Do not be deceived by what you read. Do not take MY word. Read God’s Word carefully and see what the Word tells you about this subject. Throughout history there have been individuals who epitomized evil—and have been opposed to everything that Christ stands for. These are the antichrists that have lived among us and will continue to teach error until His return.

In that final day the most noted antichrist of all time will arise. Just before Christ returns the “man of lawlessness”…”the man doomed to destruction” a completely evil man will arise and take charge of the world. He will be Satan’s chosen envoy, a diplomat operating with the power of Satan and will be known as the last of the antichrist. This will be the one mentioned in Revelation that will require his followers to wear the mark of the beast.

It is not unusual to hear people talk about some individual that they think might be the final antichrist. I believe that it is dangerous for us to label any person as the antichrist and try to predict Christ’s coming based on our assumption. Paul talks about the coming antichrist not that we should try to identify him, but that we should always be ready to face any false teacher that might threaten our faith. Christians must remember that our assurance is based on our faith, believing that God is in charge and that he will work things out according to his plan…and his plan is to protect his people here and save them in the end time. Our task is to be prepared and to spread the gospel so that others can also prepare.

In the early days of the church at Thessalonica Christians misunderstood and were actually in danger of loosing their hope in the second coming. Then they shifted to the other extreme with many believing that Christ would return any day. In this second letter, Paul tried to correct their false assumptions. He explained that there were certain events that would happen before his return. Paul assured us that the antichrist would be held back and revealed in God’s time. We have had a law abiding and God fearing nation in the past and I think that has held Satan back. The work of the Holy Spirit definitely has something to do with his deterrence. Paul did not say for sure who would hold him back…but you can be assured that someone is in his way or he would move to destroy us now.

The horror of the last days lies in the fact that the antichrist will be able to do miracles in the name of Satan, and through his power, and this will lead many to follow him. The magicians of today can perform miracles; they do it for money and show. Christ performed miracles to win people to his way. It is not who performs miracles that counts…it is the purpose that is important. The antichrist will use miracles to win people to his way…he will use them as signs and wonders to deceive many and to draw his following. He will lead many away from God. Oh’ ye of little faith, you had better believe that salvation begins and ends with God and not false teachers.

Paul knew his followers would face troubles, trials and persecution and that they would have to be strong in faith and unwavering in their efforts to live both in and for Christ. There has been no change in this teaching. We face our own problems and it is absolutely necessary that we cling to His promises to protect and save us; and to share with us that special place in heaven that He has prepared especially for us. You need not fear. You need not be upset or unsure just because you do not know when…Just be ready and YOU CAN SAY CALM.

You Can Feel Safe - II Thessalonians 1:1-12

The two Thessalonian letters were among the first letters that Paul wrote to the churches and many think they were his first. There is good evidence that they were separated by only a matter of a few weeks. You should remember that there were two primary issues addressed in his first letter, and for some reason he felt that there was a need to write about these same issues again. The issues were matters regarding the second coming of Jesus and concerns about the Greek converts who had stopped working because they were expecting the immediate appearance of Christ.

Paul and his workers spent three weeks organizing this new church and converting the core workers who were primarily Jews, and Greek. The same Jewish leaders that had refused to accept Christ as the Messiah forced him to leave the new church, and the country, and he escaped to Corinth where he remained for some time. While there, he learned that there were problems in Thessalonica that had arisen over their misunderstanding of the teachings on the second coming of the Lord. He wrote the first letter to help them grow in faith and to affirm the reality of Christ’s return.

A short time later Paul learned that some had misunderstood his teaching regarding the second coming. He had said that Christ could come any minute and some took him literally and stopped working. The Jewish leadership that had opposed Paul was now increasing the persecution of the members of the new church, and the persecuted ones interpreted this as proof that “the day of the Lord” was at hand. Paul heard of this misunderstanding and within a few weeks he wrote the second letter…that we will be studying the next few Sundays.

The greeting in verse 1 was much like the one he wrote in his first letter. However there was one word that changed that made a major difference. In the first letter he said the greeting was from God THE Father. In this letter the term became God OUR Father. This change was intended to personalize their common kinship in having the same Father…God. In the first letter he only said grace and peace to you. In this letter he emphasized the divine
source of this desire for them to have grace and peace was from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This passage gives us a great example as to why I wish that I could read Greek. Verses 1 through 10 are all in one long sentence in Greek. The English translation breaks it down into ten verses, and I am sure this makes it much easier for us to understand. I only wish that I could check the accuracy of the interpretation.

We are prone to give Paul all the credit for writing this letter, but in verse 1 the indication is that it is from Paul, Silas and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians. Thessalonica was the capital and the largest city of the Roman province of Macedonia. The most important Roman highway went through Thessalonica and then all the way to the Orient. The city had the most thriving seaport in the empire at that time. The highway and seaport made this one of the wealthiest and most flourishing trade centers in all of the empire. It was known as a free city, with self rule, and was exempted from most of the restrictions placed by Roman rule on other cities. This freedom invited many foreigners who migrated to Thessalonica. They brought with them their pagan gods and divisive influences that challenged the Christian faith—this added to the strong Jewish resistance.

Verse 3 gives us an example of how Paul was always complementary of those that were trying to serve God. He began most of his letters to all churches by stating his appreciation for them, always encouraging them to keep the faith. All sincere pastors must be careful to balance their sermons in a way that they will encourage those believers that are trying and deserving; and admonish those members that are slothful as well as those who are not dedicated to the up building of the church.

V-4. Do you as an individual, or does your church ever face trials, problems, persecution, failures, even death in your family or the church body? How do you react? How does your church react? Is there a solution always available that never fails? The answer to the last question is YES and Paul gives you the solution in this verse. The answer is always faith and perseverance. Any time we are faced with crushing trials and problems, we must have faith to believe that God is using our demise for our own good and for His glory. We must believe that God is just and fair and that he will give us the patience to endure; we must continue to trust and believe that He has not forgotten us and that in his time he will relieve our suffering. Our enemies will not escape His judgment. We must accept his timing.

Paul was persecuted [Acts 17: 5-9] and those that followed his teachings and become Christians were being persecuted by both Jews and gentiles. In his first letter to them he said that Christ’s return would bring them their relief and judgment to those that persecuted them. He did not say when this would be. They mistakenly thought that it was to happen in their time. In this second letter he tells them that it may be awhile and that while they wait for Christ’s return, they must have the faith and perseverance to hold out and hold on to God.

V-5. Christians will experience troubles because they are trying to be God’s followers in a perverse world that does not agree. [There are some who think their problems are either caused by sin [maybe in their own life] or because of their like of faith.] That is no what Paul says. He tells us here in this letter that persecutions, trials and troubles may be a part of God’s plan for his children. Have you ever punished one of your children? Why did you do it? Was it for their good? Sure it was. God has a way of spanking his disobedient children, surely it is not that he desires to punish but it is for our good.

If we have faith to believe, then our problems can cause us to look forward and upward to Him instead of looking inward and trying to fix things on our own. Problems build strong character [Romans 5:3-4], and they can provide us with opportunities to comfort others who are struggling [2Corin. 1: 3-5]. Your troubles may be an indication that you are taking a stand for Christ.

Vs. 5-12. Paul says that we should be relieved in knowing that our sufferings are giving us strength and getting us ready for judgment day. We can also gain relief from our pain by realizing the fact that on judgment day everyone will stand before God; and at that time all wrongs will be made right—judgment will be pronounced and there will be no more evil, pain or suffering. The everlasting destruction mentioned here is referring to the lake of fire that is recorded in Revelation 20: 14. This is the place of everlasting destruction and also eternal separation from God. None of those who reach this place of destruction will ever have another opportunity to be saved. We are to strive to be like Christ [Romans 8: 29], to be sanctified is a lifelong process that will end the day we meet Christ face to face [1 John 3:2]. We must want to do what is right to be worthy. We are not perfect but trying.

Do You Get Along with Others? - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

As I review the scriptures that we will be studying in this lesson and look at the challenges Paul lays out for us to get along with the others in our church, I can tell you from experience that it is not always easy to retain a truly Christ-like attitude toward all leaders, all of the time, in any church. Sadly I tell you that there can be false leaders in the church just as there can be false teachers in the classrooms. I was saved and joined a Southern Baptist Church sixty-two years ago. I have served to the best of my ability in just about every capacity except as pastor. During my years of service there has been only one pastor that I could not support. This disagreement has been one of the apostle Paul thorns in my side, unpleasant and threatening even though I believe that I was right. I pray that God will forgive me if I was in error.

In verse twelve, Paul speaks of the respect due those who work hard and are over you and admonish you. He is probably thinking of teachers, elders, deacons, and pastors of the church. I have no choice as a teacher but to admonish you that it is your responsibility to hold the hands of your leaders high while they pray, lest you be the one responsible for their failure. I also remind you that you must know what God wills in your life and in the life of your church in order to be qualified to know whom you must support or reject. Have you read your bible? Do you know when a leader is in error? You are only obligated to support the truth.

The twelfth verse indicates that those leaders that are over you IN THE LORD—which means that they are preaching, teaching, and directing as the Lord has commanded them to do, are worthy of our respect. We are to respect those that work hard among us; who are in leadership positions; and who admonish us to serve faithfully. We are to realize that our pastor has a worthy calling, and that God holds him responsible for his efforts to lead the lost to salvation and feed God’s sheep. Christian members of the church are obligated to hold ministers in the highest regard [in love] because of their assigned task in the body of the church.


The congregation of Christians in the church is obligated to live in peace with each other in order to prevent any disruption, strife, or misunderstanding that will disrupt the unity of the body of Christ. You may wonder how you can show respect and hold him and the other church leaders in your highest regards. Do not forget the other leaders in your church. The music director, youth director and minister of children and families need your encouragement too. It takes overt action on your part. You must express your appreciation; you must tell them of the times when their leadership and Christian teaching has been of benefit to you. Nothing will help them more than for you to tell them how their ministry has helped you in your Christian life. If you never say anything to your pastor, how can he know your feelings? How can he know where you stand? Preachers feel lonesome in the pulpit unless they know that they have company; supporters, and prayer warriors occupying the pews.

This can go one step forward. Actions speak louder than words. Support them at the ballot box and with a personal gift of appreciation often, particularly on special occasions.

Active Christians should never join or support the idle; it is always better to encourage the idle and weak. In fact, it is difficult for us to know the difference between idleness and timidity. Two people may be doing little or nothing; one because they are too lazy and the other may simply be shy or fear doing something wrong. You can’t help unless you know the reason for the problem; therefore there should be no criticism, only admonition, assurance, and encouragement. If we can’t help our fellow man, it is better to do nothing that will discourage.

Vs 16-18 gives three commands. A] spread joy; B] pray and C] give thanks. Most Christians obey these commands but only when they feel like it; it is easy to allow daily circumstances interfere. Actually, when you are feeling down about some circumstance over which you have no control, the best balm is to pray and give thanks for things that are right. We do not give thanks for everything, but in everything. Neither pain nor suffering comes from God. We should not thank him for the bad things that happen to us; however, we should always thank him for seeing us through the bad times, and praise him for the good that He will cause to come as a result of our problems.
V 19 tells us to keep spiritual fires burning. What do you think he means? Remember the trinity, God, Christ, and Holly Spirit, one in all—all in one. Many times in the bible one of these is referred to as fire. God appeared on Mt. Sinai as a burning light, and Moses face actually glowed from the brightness. God appeared in the burning bush. He appeared in the desert wilderness by day as clouds and at night as fire. When Christ came down from his forty day temptation his face was glowing as fire. The Holy Spirit entered the upper room as a fire. The Spirit is God on earth. Our body is his temple. He causes us to have a burning desire to do God’s will. If our lives are evil to the point that the Spirit can not work through us…we are putting out the Spirit’s fire.

One of, if not the most difficult concept for us to truly understand is that all of God’s creation was done to benefit man—with the idea that God’s family would be one of true Christian relationships—with constantly abiding ‘agape love’ always in and between the God head and humanity. The trinity is a spiritual being that demands that true believers first love must be for the holly family. We cannot see, feel, taste or smell the Holly spirit, and Satan uses this to cause us to doubt that He is present. There are many environmentalists that have no problem hugging and loving a tree. Conversationalists believe that the red billed woodpecker in the Cash River Bottoms should be found and preserved from extension. They have never seen the bird, but they love him. The Holly Spirit [God] created the tree and the bird; he is ever present but since we do not see Him we have a great problem hugging Him, loving Him, and fellowshipping with him. Our failure to recognize Him, and worship Him quinces the Holy Spirit…puts his fire out.

We are to test everything; weigh it, measure it and hold on to only the good. How do you do this? Use a test tube, a set of accurate scales, and a yard stick. You have the most accurate testing device on earth on your book shelf—it is called the Holly Bible. Study it and you will know what is good and how to avoid evil. One very good rule is so simple that most of us know it and have no trouble remembering it; therefore it is always handy and available—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

When you believe, God will save you. When you obey God, he will sanctify you through and through. You are by nature a sinner and must share the responsibility for all the evil in this old world. The price of sin and evil is death. Therefore, if you want to be held blameless, you must accept the death of Christ as payment for the sin you have committed.
“THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BE WITH YOU.”

Are You Ready? - I Thesssalonians 5:1-11

Have you ever been in the armed services, stationed over seas, on ship or in a restricted area that your family could not enter? Or have you had a son or daughter, wife or husband that served in such an assignment? If you have you will know the intensity of the anticipation on the day they are expected to return home. If you have not, you can surely use your imagination to appreciate the joy that any family feels when they are reunited after a long separation. In most cases, there is a set date of return, and there is a plan established to welcome your loved ones home. As the due date draws near the anticipation becomes more intense and you make sure that everything is ready to welcome the loved one home.

Jesus Christ finished his work on earth and left this earth behind as he ascended into heaven to complete all the preparations necessary for his believers to have a home in heaven when their work on earth is completed. The question for us to answer is: Are we ready for him to return and received his own unto himself there in our new home? There is no doubt that the most important question you will ever answer is the one used as the title of this lesson for today: “Are You Ready”—for the rapture?

Many of the writers of the New Testament refer to the ‘day of the Lord’ and in every case, they are discussing the actual time when Jesus Christ will return to this earth. He may return today; or a million years from today, NO ONE KNOWS, but HE WILL RETURN. The Lord assured his apostles that “As they would see him go away into the heavens—He would return in the same manner.” He also assured them that no one would know when that time will be. Many, if not all of the Thessalonians, assumed that he would return soon, they expected to be alive at the time of his return. This was true with the Christians in the church at Thessalonica. Paul had taught them that they should live each day in expectancy. During the time that had passed since Paul was with them, some of their Christian brothers had died, and those still living became concerned about what would happen to those who were asleep in Jesus.

In chapter four, Paul explained that those asleep in Christ would rise first and would be with Christ when he returns—and that those still living should not be concerned about their deceased friends. Then in the fifth chapter he continues by explaining that no one knows the specific day and time of Christ’s returning. Paul said that there was really no need for him to write about the time and date because Christ’s return could be compared to a thief in the night. This term ‘thief in the night’ refers to the fact that no one knows what night, or what time of the night, that a thief will come to steal. Paul indicates that these people should already know this to be a fact; he must have thought that he had already made it clear to them.

Down through the ages, even during the last century, there have been false teachers that claim to know ahead, the time and date when Christ will return. There have been times when people believed their leader to the extent that they either sold or gave every earthly thing they owned to people who did not accept the false teacher. We have read the news, and know of these actions. What we do not know is just how many people have and will suffer because of the false teaching. Personally, I believe that this false doctoring has caused the true church much damage. There are many nonbelievers who have witnessed these atrocities, and it has caused them to refuse to believe the true teachings of the bible. If these skeptics remain lost, the bible teaches that their blood will be on the hands of the false teachers.

Only the cult minded false teachers make efforts to determine the date of Christ’s return; we must not be misled by anyone who claims to know. Paul tells the Thessalonians and us that no one knows; and he also says that even the true believers will be surprised the moment He appears. The Lord will return suddenly and unexpectedly like a flash of lightening. We see the lightening flash with no warning—the thunder has the lightening as a warning; but Jesus is Light and not thunder.

Listen carefully people [most especially lost people] no one knows when Jesus will come back to this earth!!! Everyone that desires to meet Him, and go with him to heaven must be ready at all times, today and every day that we live. Think hard and clearly about this matter. Let us suppose that he will return today as I write—or today as you read this—how would he find things at your house? How would he find you living? ARE YOU READY TO MEET HIM? The truth is that we must be prepared to welcome Him each moment of our lives.

Please allow me to become nosey-rosy and ask you some very personal questions. Your truthful answers will give you a good barometer by which you can know if you are ready. How long has it been since you talked to him in prayer? How often do you pray? What emphasis are you placing on a] reading the bible; b] attending church; c] participating in an organized bible study; d] returning his tithe to Him; e] witnessing to the lost; f] and intercessory prayer?

What would Christ likely find you doing? Would you be] watching a dirty movie? b] reading a pornographic magazine? c] telling a dirty joke? d] spreading some juicy gossip? e] criticizing your pastor or the church? f] attending church or the country dance hall? g] This is the biggie: Would you be doing anything you like to do, even though it [in itself] is not sinful, when you really should be involved in some kind of Christ-like event that is taking place at the same time? If so it is a sin. I think that we will all agree that it is not a sin to play golf or go fishing period…But they become sinful when we are participating in order to serve our own selfish desire at a time when we have an obligation to be about our Master’s business. The bible says that we are to have no other gods before Him.

The bible uses the term “day of the Lord” to identify a ‘future time’ when Jesus Christ will intervene personally and dramatically with what ever is taking place at that moment. Two will be plowing, one will be taken and one will be left behind. Two may be in a car, driving down the interstate, one will go one will stay. A mother and her daughter may be preparing lunch; if they have been born again they will both go immediately into the presence of Christ; however, if either is a non-believer, she will remain in the kitchen to face judgment. The “day of the Lord” will include both blessing and punishment Jesus will do both—He will judge sin and set up his eternal kingdom.

Paul uses the terms day and night to refer to the condition of the person he is addressing. Day means light, and night means darkness. Since darkness is actually the absence of light; and since Jesus is the Light of the world, he uses darkness to represent anyone without Jesus in their life. We should always be alert as if it was day. He says that those who sleep [or do nothing] and those that get drunk, both are operating in the dark—that is without Christ who is the Light. He tells us again that Christians are day people [they operate in the light of Christ] and therefore we should put on the whole armor of God…and be ready for the battle against darkness or sin. Paul refers to Christians as soldiers and in that day and time soldiers wore a special individual shield of armor on each part of their bodies. Paul is telling Christians that they are fighting a spiritual war and they too must wear armor; if you want to know what each piece of armor was called and its purpose you need to go to Ephesians 6: 13 to 17.

When God created you, He had a special purpose for you to fulfill in your lifetime. One thing is for sure he did not intend that his children should suffer his wrath. His preference is that they receive salvation by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. His wrath is reserved for those who reject him by making their own decision to live selfishly without Christ.

Christ died for one specific purpose and that was to save lost people so that we can live with him forever. Paul uses light and day to make his point. Christ is the Light of the world. Those who accept Christ are living in the day [light], and those who reject him are living in the night [darkness]. Paul congratulated the Thessalonians for encouraging each other and he makes it clear that Christians of all ages have this same responsibility to each other. In closing this lesson there is still one important question that you and I must answer daily. Are we praying for each other and do we encourage one another as often as we should? Are we living in the light of Christ? Does it get a little dark around your house? That simply means that Christ has moved out and will remain absent until you repent and ask for forgiveness. Christ is LIGHT and there can be no darkness when he is present.

Whose Life Is Important? - Exodus 20:13; 21:22-25; 22:21-24; Deuteronomy 24:19; Matthew 5:21-22; Luke 20:47

A better question would be is there any life that is not important? It is sad to say that there are some that do not value their life personally, but there is no life that is UNIMPORTANT to our Savior. When I regress to my childhood days, the news of a murder was seldom and usually became the talk among all the neighbors for some time. I have noticed that during the last few months, there is news of a drive by shooting in Little Rock almost every day. Often the person actually murdered is not even the one that is being targeted. Life is so fickle, some just do not care who gets hurt. When life becomes cheap in the mind of a man, I often wonder what has any value at all.

Each year at this time the Baptist Churches all over the country review our study on the sanctity of life. It is sad, but this study seemed to have become a necessity sometime around the middle of the last century after the Row-Wade decision made it legal to take the life of an unborn child. It is really discouraging to a born again Christian to realize that lawyers and judges are so dumb that they do not understand when life begins. If they were asked if a grain of corn with a fresh sprout visible is dead or alive—they would readily admit that it is alive, and if planted in fertile soil, it will grow and reproduce corn.

However, they can not understand that the embryo of a child that has already sprouted arms, legs, and a head is also very much alive. Even though it is as alive as was John the Baptist while kicking in his mother’s womb, they do not understand that if that embryo is not murdered, it will grow into an adult and will be able to reproduce another human being. Where would Christianity be today if Elizabeth had become angry with John for kicking her, and aborted him? Lawyers can be very thankful that Jesus is not revengeful, lest many of them would have been the aborted. Forgive me, but I am not tolerant, even though I realize that I should be. Pray that God will also forgive me.

I wonder sometimes what criteria some people use to devalue life. Men of the Faith Builder’s Class please think about this and prepare to give the rest of us some examples. What has to be crossing the mind of a murderer when he takes the life of another person? Doctors that perform abortions are sensible enough to know that they are killing a live person. How do they justify first degree murder? Are they actually willing to take the life of an innocent child for the price they charge the family or mother who is consenting to the murder of her own child? God said: “YOU SHALL NOT KILL!” I suppose that I can answer my own question—I seem to remember that Judas betrayed our Savior into the hands of murderers for thirty pieces of silver. I wonder if the silver was equal in value to thirty American dollars. If so, that would be about the cost of a Sunday lunch for two at the Red Apple. Would you kill your worst enemy for a meal at the Red Apple? Would the charge be more for the murder of an innocent child?

If America becomes overpopulated and you are ask to compile a hit-list for the liberal courts to recommend for inhalations, who will head your list? Will unborn babies be first because thy can not defend themselves? What would your list look like? Would it include the elderly individuals that are no longer productive that are running up the cost of health services? How about homeless, uneducated and unproductive? How do you feel about the illegal aliens and ethnic groups that are different from you? Would they be on your list?

I realize that I am going to get down and dirty—and there are some who read this that will not appreciate what I am about to ask you. I feel sorry for you having to answer this question. While serving in the Illinois legislature, how did the new president vote regarding the life of a child that survived an attempted abortion? How does he feel about killing the unborn? As a Christian—how could you vote for him? Please, don’t tell me—just explain it to yourself and God.

Surprisingly, but not all Christians accept the view that life begins at conception. How is this possible, when it is clearly a bible teaching? Can you be a Christian and not believe the Bible to be the true word of God? This lesson’s goal is to help us certify that God’s commands and Jesus’ teaching consistently declare human life’s supreme value and to help us plan actions we will take to protect human life. Do you know why so many today are opposed to the Ten Commandments? They can not murder those they want to kill. They can not satisfy their own lust and satisfactions without penalty. They do not want to be told what they can and can not do without repercussions.

My friends, it is not enough that you do not commit murder, steal, and lie. You cannot keep the letter of the law and deny the spirit of the law. Jesus taught us that outward observance is not enough; Christians must give attention to their attitudes, thoughts, and emotions, for these are the origins of our sinful acts. Our behaviors begin within our hearts, and then are acted out overtly—therefore; the heart must be pure and sinless.

Exodus 20: 13 does not list any exceptions that you can claim; nor reasons that you can give—it simply says, “You shall not murder.”

Exodus 21:22 to 25 do not list any exceptions that you can claim; nor reasons that you can give—it simply says, “If you injure a pregnant woman and cause a premature birth, with no injury to the child, you are to be fined according to the demands of her husband with the court’s approval.” “But if there is serious injury, YOU ARE TO TAKE LIFE FOR LIFE, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise.” Dear Christian friend, this tells me that if anyone causes the death of an unborn child, they are to be executed.

Look back at the second paragraph on page two of this lesson. Did you list the alien as one that could be considered an undesirable? If you did, then you should read exodus 22: 21-24; and Deuteronomy 24: 17-22.

There will be some that study this lesson that will argue that these references used here are listed back in the Old Testament and are under the Old Covenant, and therefore, they are not relevant to our time in the twenty-first century. If you are one of these, I suggest that you go with me to the New Testament as recorded by Matthew in chapter five starting with the 21st verse. In his own words—Jesus does not agree with you—because He says: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ BUT I TELL YOU THAT ANYONE WHO IS ANGRY WITH HIS BROTHER WITHOUT CAUSE WILL BE SUBJECT TO JUDGMENT [or contempt]. Why would Jesus quote from the OT if he does not think it is relevant for those of us who are under his new covenant?

Christ thinks it relevant, and in fact he does not think the act of overt murder includes all of the reasons we should be concerned. We are not to let the sun go down on our anger toward another person. Gossiping lies can kill the good name of an innocent person. Harsh words, especially untruths will kill the self esteem of an innocent person. What Jesus has told us here is that you do not have to shoot a man, or stick the surgical scissors into the brain of an unborn child in order to commit murder; there are other ways to destroy a person.

You ladies and gentlemen, who are sitting on my jury, have every right to judge me regarding my interpretation of God’s word. And if you find that I am in error according to the scriptures, I invite you to let me know. I beg you to let me know! Bring your bible, with the scriptures that prove me wrong marked, and let us reason together. God’s word teaches me that as a teacher, I will be held accountable for any false or inaccurate teaching of the word. I pray every time I attempt to interpret the meanings of scriptures that I will not fail to please Jesus Christ. Oh, how I wish that I could have attended one of the best seminaries, so that I could have set under the teachings of the greatest bible teachers of today—or any day. I wish I could have been a great bible scholar. May God forgive me when I fail, and judge me only on my desire to be right!
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INVITATION: The lesson next week asks you the most important question that anyone can ever propose. ARE YOU READY? Please study the 5th chapter of Thessalonians and join us as we prepare to be ready.

What Hope Do You Have? - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

There are a lot of grey heads in our Faith Builder’s Class in Heber Springs. I do not know about other members and their feelings, but I have attended too many funerals already. [In jest, I have said that I have no enemies any more since I have outlived all of them.] To be honest I have never completely enjoyed my responsibility to honor, even my best friends, by attending this solemn occasion. It has been my experience that some funerals are much more beautiful and actually have inspiring influences on those present, while others are very depressing. [You already know where I am going with this.] No funeral can emit any happiness unless the deceased has lived a life of Christian HOPE. What hope do you have?

I have never had a pastor that I did not love and appreciate, and pray for more—than at the time he has to conduct the services at the passing of an unsaved person. No pastor, [or anyone else] can change the life that has now deceased; he cannot preach anyone into the grace of God. His only hope is that he can be of some comfort and a witness of warning to relatives left behind. It seems to me that this would be one of the most difficult chores that any minister could face. When there is no hope—what is left? On the other hand, the tears of the relatives of a deceased saint of God are the first expressions of a wonderful paradox; tears of sorrow at the loss, followed by great joy in knowing the mother, father, son or daughter is now at home in Heaven with the Heavenly Father.

Christians must have a strong faith in the promises of God. This brings us hope and encouragement throughout life and especially and particularly as death approaches. God wants Christian hope to comfort believers no matter their circumstances. In this lesson, my desire is to offer hope to people facing their own demise and also to bring peace of mind to family members and friends.

I realize that some who study this lesson may not believe, and for some reason have never repented of their sins and accepted Christ as Savior. My question to them is: “Why take the chance of being forever separated from God and miss heaven?” If Paul [and many other writers of the scriptures] are right and you take their advice, and repent and accept Jesus as your Savior—you are assured eternal life with Christ in heaven. You have no way to lose because, if they are wrong—and what you believe is right—you still will spend the hereafter just as if you had not believed on the only begotten Son of God. Accept Christ and you are certainly no worse off and you have eliminated the possibility that you may be wrong in your thinking.

Believing in Christ and trusting Him for your salvation eliminates the chance taken that you are wrong. It is a win, win situation and you can’t lose. The possibility of enjoying ever-lasting life with Jesus Christ in heaven is too important for anyone to gamble away. The process of being saved is so simple that many have failed to accept it. What does one have to do to be saved? Just pray this simple prayer in your own words.

Dear Jesus, I realize that I am a sinner and there is nothing that I can do myself that will save me. I believe that you died on the cross to save me. I believe that the wages of sin is death, and that your death paid my sin debt. I place my faith and trust in you, and ask you to come into my heart and save me now. Amen.

You now have been saved through God’s grace [which is His unmerited favor] by your faith in Him. Then you must acknowledge to others that you have trusted him. Why this acknowledgement? It is necessary because he has told believers that; [“If you will not acknowledge me before men, then I will not acknowledge you before my Father, God.”]

Now please read and study for the deep meaning that is revealed in our scripture lesson for today [1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18]. Paul is explaining to these young converts what he means about the coming of the Lord.

Paul had only been with these people for three weeks preaching, teaching and establishing this new church in Thessalonica—before the protesting Jewish leadership forced him to move on to another place. He accomplished much in this short time, but the limit in his time with them made it impossible for him to answer all of their questions. [You can read about this in the first three chapters.] They were concerned about their friends that had ‘fallen asleep’ [died] and what would happen to them. They did not fully understand what the resurrection of Christ had to do with their lives after death and he addresses this in [4:1-2]. Paul wanted them to understand that death is not the end of the story. Because Christ arose from the dead, believers would do likewise. He said that when Christ returns all believers—dead and alive—will be reunited never to suffer or die again. To emphasize this point, Paul said that it was according to the Lord’s own words. Since it is a personal promise from the mouth of our Lord, it has to be an absolute truth. It is not based upon some assumption, or man’s word.

Paul did not try to explain step by step, moment by moment, what would happen at Christ’s second coming, but he said that he believed that God would send Jesus back to earth and that He would bring with him all of the Christians that had fallen asleep up until that moment. All of the dead in Christ will be alive with him, and those that are still alive on earth will be caught up into the air [clouds] to be with Him. This 15th verse says that all that are still alive on earth “Will not precede those who have fallen asleep.” This includes all believers of all ages.

Paul wrote these explanations to comfort those that did not understand and were worried about the hereafter. Today we are to use these promises to encourage those who are old and ill and realize that they will be deceased before the second coming of Christ. We are also to use these promises to encourage one another that are living and losing our loved ones. Why should we use these promises and remind each other of them and what they mean? You must go back to 4:9 for this answer. The answer is—because we have been taught to love each other—this is a brotherly love. This term is used because the scriptures teach that believers are the Sons of God. Believers are the ‘children’ of God—therefore they are brothers and sisters in Christ.

In order to emphasize the importance of the resurrection of Christ, Paul tells us that “Because Christ arose all believers who are asleep will also arise, because death has no dominion over the believer. On the cross, Christ conquered both hell and the grave. If it was important for Paul to explain this to the Thessalonians, it is now necessary for true witnesses to comfort people today with the same promises.

The bible teaches that every eye shall see the Lord when he returns and every knee shall bow. The bowing indicates that every eye that sees Him will know that he is Jesus; every one will recognize him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and bow down to him. Believers will bow in joy and adoration and great anticipation; and sadly, the nonbelievers will bow in adoration, but also with fear and desperation, gritting their teeth and praying for the rocks to fall on them.
There are many paradoxes in the Word of God, but the moment of the second coming of Christ is one of the greatest. When he appears there will be a host of the happiest people ever assembled in any one place. His same appearance will cause the greatest fear, sorrow, and desperation that have ever been experienced. Which of these groups do you want to join? You can make your choice now, while you have time and opportunity. After death there will be no opportunity to change your mind and accept him. It is now [in this life] or never.

What Is Your Goal in Life? - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Judging from a recent photograph, the author of Life Way literature, Eli Landrum, Jr., must be in his mid 60s; and since he is writing to adult Christians, there is only one valid answer to his question. However, since there may be some of all ages studying the lesson today, it may be ambiguous. There is a truism that applies here: Time changes everything! Let us mention a few of the times in life when the answer to this question will vary greatly.

I have a brand new great grandson who seems to have only a very few goals in his life. He simply wants something that taste good and will quench his hunger and thirst. He feels uncomfortable and wants his diaper changed. He is spoiled rotten and wants someone to hold him that will stand and continue moving, up, down and sideways, so he can continually enjoy a bouncing, swaying, roller-coaster-ride.

My second great grandson is sixteen months old and his first three goals are the same regarding food, drink, and clean pants, but the third is very different. His goal is to move around so fast that no one can keep up with him and interfere with his desire to punch every button, turn every knob, and personally investigate everything that is in his reach—especially those that are delicate and breakable.

Now watch this. As they move through the stages of development, their goals will continue to change. From three to five, they will want to please their parents and others they love. When they start to school, their goal will be to please their teachers. As they enter their early teens their greatest goals will be to please their peers. In high school their goal will be to excel in sports, to please their coaches, and be popular with all the queens and their maids. This won’t change much as they enter college—but at some time along life’s way, if their parents do their job well, they will realize that the most important question facing them is: “What is my goal in life?” Any one beyond the age of accountability without goals for life is like a ship without a rudder; they are being guided by winds that are constantly changing direction. Or, they may be like a ship with no propeller, going no where.

Far too many of our young people today set their goals early in life without leadership and Christian counseling, and the focus is on pleasing themselves. They want to start at the top without the experiences needed and gained by working their way up. Any man that wants to start out as the CEO, and desires to retire as a millionaire at 30, is ego-centered and everything else—and everybody else is of no real importance in their life. Selfishness is an evil spirit used by Satan to lead God’s people to go for the things in life that gives them a false sense of pleasure, satisfaction, and fulfillment. They lose all desire to please even their families or any person that has befriended them along the way; and surely have no desire to please God.

I hope that you have the right mind set by this time to see that our lesson today is designed to encourage all Christians, regardless of age, that our number one goal in this life is to please God, by doing his will, keeping his commandments, and expressing our love for him as we live our lives with others in mind. He has told us that; “If you do it unto one of these, my little ones, you have done it unto me.”

Paul and his helpers spent about three weeks in Thessalonica preaching and teaching how to become Christians, and then how to live to please God. He was forced to move on before he was ready, but continued to be very interested in how well his message had been received. He made arrangements and tried to get back to see them, but Satan interfered, and so he sent Timothy back to check on the new church. Timothy came back with a glowing report on the successful growth of the church, and Paul was pleased and wrote and told the so. However, Timothy must have found that there was some immorality being practiced; otherwise why would Paul have written this 4th chapter of Thessalonians? In the second verse Paul reminds them that they had instructions from the Lord Jesus to live a life of purity.

In the verses through eight, we find that sexual standards were very low in the Roman Empire. From my reading and studying the practices of sexual promiscuity among the American people today, there is a close parallel. I worry about the possibility that this ungodly practice is even more prevalent today than it was then; and we know that Rome was destroyed because of their sin sicken, ungodly lives, supported and even encouraged by the leaders of that day. The sexual attraction that leads to overt sin has always been one of the strongest forces that have tempted man to sin against his fellow man and also against God. Succumbing to this temptation almost always brings a disastrous result. Sadly, we find that it usually reverberates through the family, the church and many times even the business community. These physical consequences are devastating, but are never more harmful than the spiritual consequences that follow. Do you understand that your body is the spiritual temple of the Holy Spirit? Do you understand that the Holy Spirit and Christ are one and the same? Do you realize that Christ will not, can not, live in a sinful surrounding? For confirmation you should read [1 Cor. 6: 18-20].

We must remember that sexual desires were created by God as a means to ensure reproduction among his people and it is spiritual pure and blessed by God when it is kept within the confines of a growing Godly family; only between the man and wife.

Verse 4 tells us that we must be sanctified—which starts with salvation and continues through life. Salvation is a single process that occurs instantly at the time you accept Christ as your Savior. It is a one time experience that never changes, never grows nor diminishes. Once saved, always saved—and you will never be any more saved than that first moment when you accept Jesus as Lord of you life. The event of salvation starts your sanctification process in motion but does not assure it to be complete. As Christians, we are being sanctified daily. That means that we are becoming more holy… [We become more like Christ]…in the process of living the Christian life. Unlike salvation, sanctification is not a single event; it is an ongoing process that includes every act, or thought, and it can change. Never forget that it is easier to loose your right relationship with Christ than it is to gain it back. It takes years to slowly build your reputation, but it can be lost in a moment’s time while committing a blatant sin. Thankfully Christ will forgive the sin of a Christian and remember it against you no more—but people are not nearly so forgiving…should be…but are not.

Verses 11 and twelve reminds us that there is more to sanctification [or Christian living] than just loving other Christians and being good. Evidently some of these people had gotten the idea that they were not obligated to work, and they could depend on others for handouts. Some of the converted Greeks actually looked down on those that did manual work. [This sounds like that several million of them are still living here in America, and voted in the last election.] Paul rebutted. He told them to work hard and live a quiet life. It was so then and it is in America today: you cannot be effective in you witness, [in sharing your faith with others] if they do not respect you. You can not live in negativity and grow in sanctification. What ever you do, you must live faithfully, guard against the sins that so easily beset you, and be a positive force in society. Nothing less pleases God.

Verse 13 indicates that the Thessalonians were not sure about the resurrection of the believers. Many of their friends had fallen asleep and they wondered about what happens to a Christian between death and the return of the Lord. He did not complicate his answer. We have nothing to worry about—because when Christ returns, all believers both dead and alive, will be with him never to be separated again.

Verse 15 refers to a fact that is according to “The Lord’s own word,” and there is no reference that indicates where this is to be found in the bible. I searched “feebly” and did not find this exact statement. I believe that this was a direct revelation that Christ gave to Paul—or it may have been a teaching of Jesus that did not get into print, but was heard by those that followed him daily and passed it along orally to or through the apostles. The truth is that those of us who are still alive will not be treated any differently from those who have died in Christ. We will be here and know what is happening, but the dead in Christ will be called first, when they arise, we will be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air. It reads like it will be a cloudy day. But there will be no cloudy minds, for we will be with the Lord forever.

To Paul, the exact order of things were not as important as it was for them to believe that there will be a resurrection, and that their loved ones will all be present to participate. It is meant to assure us of preferred treatment by God; and to comfort those that lose those that they love. We can use this passage to assure our love ones that they should have no dread for death. Death is a natural process just as living. Death is one of God’s blessings bestowed upon his people. Do you agree? If not, just think about how it would be to live 2000 more years on this earth with the illnesses and deformities that some have to bear. Paul thought that it would be better for him to be with the Lord than to have to continue as he was being persecuted.

Verses 15 to 18 teach that our new life totally depends on the fact that Christ Arose! The Archangel with the trumpet is an angel with leadership and authority. He will be God’s bandmaster blowing the last call to worship.