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Monday, March 18, 2024

1st THESSALONIANS: The 2nd Coming of Christ (Part 2)

           The second coming of Christ is referenced many times in Scripture, with over 1,500 passages in the Old Testament and one out of every 25 verses in the New Testament mentioning the Messiah’s return. The large amount of material devoted to this important event underscores what God says in Amos 3:7: “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”

In short, the return of Christ brings about what is referred to as the kingdom of God in Scripture—God’s absolute rule over His creation, including humankind. To accomplish that, Jesus ushers in two different judgments, two different resurrections, and two different eternities.

When Jesus returns, He will be ready for war (Revelation 19:11–16). The nations will be gathered to fight against Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2) in what we call the battle of Armageddon. But that will be the day Jesus returns: “His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south” (verse 4). It will be a unique day in the history of the world: “On that day there will be neither sunlight nor cold, frosty darkness . . . a day known only to the Lord—with no distinction between day and night. When evening comes, there will be light” (verses 6–7). God’s enemies will be defeated, and the Antichrist and the false prophet will be “thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur” (Revelation 19:20). Jesus will set up His kingdom, and “The Lord will be king over the whole earth” (Zechariah 14:9).

In establishing His kingdom on earth, Jesus will first set up a judgment for those who are still alive after the tribulation and who are on the earth at the time of the second coming. This is referred to as the “judgment of the sheep and the goats” or “judgment of the nations” (Matthew 25:31–46). Those who survive this judgment will remain on earth and enjoy a time of peace and prosperity with Christ for 1,000 years (referred to as the millennium; see Revelation 20:4–6). Those who are found guilty in this judgment are cursed and consigned to “the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). Satan is bound and forbidden to act during the millennium (Revelation 20:1–3).

During this time there will also be a resurrection of all believers in God (Revelation 20:4–6). These resurrected believers will join believers who are alive at the time of Christ’s coming, and those Christ brings with Him from heaven, and all will live with Jesus during His 1,000-year earthly reign.

At the end of the millennium, Satan will be released, and one final battle will occur, which will rapidly be won by Christ (Revelation 20:7–9). Satan is then permanently consigned to the lake of fire. At this point the second resurrection will occur, and another judgment. Unbelievers will be resurrected and judged at what is referred to as the great white throne judgment; based on their works, they will be assigned to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).

So, the return of Jesus will usher in two different eternities—one with God and one without Him. This truth is captured in two verses in the book of Malachi: “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire ... Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves” (Malachi 4:1–2).

What happens when Jesus returns? Evil is defeated, the earth is restored, and God wins. Your response to Jesus’ return depends on your relationship with Him. It will either be, as John MacArthur calls it, “the greatest calamity in all of human history” or the fulfillment of the Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13). Faith in Christ makes the difference. “But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?” (Luke 18:8, NLT).

Up next is our first look at Paul’s 2nd letter to the Thessalonian church members. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.gotquestions.com

Saturday, March 16, 2024

1st THESSALONIANS: The 2nd Coming of Christ (Part 1)

            The second coming of Jesus Christ is the hope of believers that God is in control of all things and is faithful to the promises and prophecies in His Word. In His first coming, Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem, just as prophesied. Jesus fulfilled many of the prophecies of the Messiah during His birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. However, there are some prophecies regarding the Messiah that Jesus has not yet fulfilled. The second coming of Christ will be the return of Christ to fulfill these remaining prophecies. In His first coming, Jesus was the suffering Servant. In His second coming, Jesus will be the conquering King. In His first coming, Jesus arrived in the most humble of circumstances. In His second coming, Jesus will arrive with the armies of heaven at His side.

The Old Testament prophets did not clearly make this distinction between the two comings. This can be seen in Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7 and Zechariah 14:4. As a result of the prophecies seeming to speak of two individuals, many Jewish scholars believed there would be both a suffering Messiah and a conquering Messiah. What they failed to understand is that there is only one Messiah, and He would fulfill both roles. Jesus fulfilled the role of the suffering servant (Isaiah chapter 53) in His first coming. Jesus will fulfill the role of Israel’s deliverer and King in His second coming. Zechariah 12:10 and Revelation 1:7, describing the second coming, look back to Jesus being pierced. Israel, and the whole world, will mourn for not having accepted the Messiah the first time He came.

After Jesus ascended into heaven, the angels declared to the apostles, “‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven’” (Acts 1:11). Zechariah 14:4 identifies the location of the second coming as the Mount of Olives. Matthew 24:30 declares, “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.” Titus 2:13 describes the second coming as a “glorious appearing.”

The second coming is spoken of in greatest detail in Revelation 19:11-16, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses, and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Up next is the second part of our look at Christ’s Return. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.gotquestions.com

Thursday, March 14, 2024

1st THESSALONIANS: The Mega Themes

A. PERSECUTION 

 

EXPLANATION - Paul and the newbies of the faith were experiencing persecution from the enemy, which is essentially anyone who is against God. Specifically, it would be Jews, Greeks & Romans, all fueled by lies from the evil one. We will experience persecution in some form or another, so we need to deal with it the way the Thessalonicans did; stand firm in our faith, being strengthened by the Holy Spirit within us.

 

IMPORTANCE The Holy Spirit, the 3rd Person of the Holy Trinity, enables us to remain strong and show genuine love to others, while maintaining our moral character. Focusing on the Lord and not that which surrounds us is a key to our success.

 

B. PAUL’S MINISTRY

 

EXPLANATION - Even while being slandered, the Apostle Paul still expressed concern for the church in Thessalonica. Sharing the gospel was far more important to Paul than suffering difficult circumstances or experiencing physical harm. We need to be like Paul regarding persecution.

 

IMPORTANCE - Paul gave of himself while on the road. He was faithful & bold, yet at the same time sensitive & self-sacrificing. For that he is a perfect example for us to follow. Blending the attributes of Jesus and Paul, along with the guidance and assistance of the Holy Spirit is ideal. While Paul’s attributes do not supersede those of the Lord, they do provide a nice balance of divine and mortal characteristics that are easy for others to see and experience firsthand.

 

C. HOPE

 

EXPLANATION - The main hope we as Christians have is that one day in the future all believers in Christ, both those who are alive & those who have died, will be united with Christ in heaven. Those who have already passed from this earth base their hope on the resurrection of the body from death. 

 

IMPORTANCE - Our confidence lies in the promise that those who believe in Christ & receive forgiveness will live with Christ forever. As I’ve said before, it isn’t simply believing in Christ, for the demons in hell believe in his existence. It is belief which leads to faith & unwavering trust in him that causes us to desire to please him with the way we carry on our business. Imitating Christ’s behavior is the way to impact society in a positive way. Consistency is the key to making that impact. If we say one thing and do another, we are contradicting that which we intend to exhibit to the public. Focus on Christ ... focus on consistency in our thoughts, words & actions.

 

D. BEING PREPARED

 

EXPLANATION - No one knows the time of Christ’s return except the Father. Therefore, we are to live moral & holy lives. We cannot do that alone, which is why Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, which came to fruition shortly after his ascension. Although we are not to neglect our daily responsibilities, we are to work & live to please the Lord, all the while being watchful for his return.

 

IMPORTANCE - We need to live out the gospel with the assistance of the indwelt Holy Spirit. We need to become tuned in to what he is trying to say to us. Discernment is achievable for the asking. Hone that skill, concentrating on the Spirit’s leading. Live your life as if Christ could return any day so as not to be caught unprepared.

 

                  Up next we take a brief look at Christ’s return. Until then, walk with the King & be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: The Life Application Study Bible

1st THESSALONIANS: The Blueprint

            The Apostle Paul starts his letter with a note of encouragement, thanking Almighty God for their strong faith, trust, and good moral character. Then he reviews his relationship with them; how Paul presented the gospel and how they readily accepted the message. 

            The core of Paul’s message was to advise and comfort. He urges the Thessalonians to please God with their daily lifestyle by avoiding sexual immorality. In addition, Paul points out that they need to love one another, and be good citizens in a sin-sick, lustful world.

            Paul comforts the believers by reminding them of the hope of resurrection. To follow that thought he cautions the congregation to be continuously prepared at any moment for Christ’s return, for no one knows when Christ shall return for us.

            The Apostle Paul shares a handful of reminders on how they should prepare themselves for Christ’s 2ndComing; warn the lazy, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with others, always be joyful, pray continuously, give thanks, test everything that is taught, and avoid evil.

 

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            The Apostle Paul & his travel companions more than likely arrived in Thessalonica in AD 50. The city of Thessalonica was 358 miles northeast of the city of Corinth. Corinth was purposely placed on the isthmus*between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese province of the Roman Empire. 

            Paul and company planted the church in Thessalonica, which was the first Christian church in that city. It was necessary for them to flee in a hurry because their lives had been threatened. At his 1st opportunity, possibly when he stopped in Corinth, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see how the new believers were doing. Timothy returned to Paul with good news. The Christians there were remaining firm in their faith and were unified. In spite of the good report, the believers still had some questions regarding their new faith. Paul didn’t have the time to answer all the questions during his brief visit, so other questions had arisen. In response to their questions, Paul wrote this 1st of 2 letters to commend them on their continued faithfulness to Christ.

            Up next are the Mega Themes found in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonican church.  Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: The Life Application Study Bible

* A narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

1st THESSALONIANS at a glance

PURPOSE: This letter was sent to strengthen the faith of the Christians in Thessalonica, along with giving them a sense of certainty regarding Christ’s return.

AUTHOR: This is another letter written by the Apostle Paul.

THE ORIGINAL AUDIENCE: The church in Thessalonica.

THE DATE WRITTEN: Around AD 51 from Corinth; this is one of Paul’s earliest letters.

THE SETTING: This church was relatively young, being established only 2 or 3 years prior to Paul’s first letter. The believers there needed to mature in their faith. Also, they had a basic misunderstanding as to when Christ was to return. Some folks thought he would be back immediately. This caused confusion with regards to when their loved ones died prior to Christ’s return. What would happen to them? On top of this confusion was the persecution that reared its ugly head against the church members.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Paul received from Timothy a favorable report about the Thessalonians; however, Paul wrote this letter to correct their misunderstanding about the resurrection and the second coming of Christ.

 

            Paul established the church in Thessalonica during his 2nd missionary trip & wrote this letter to encourage the believers there. He wanted to assure them of his love for them, praise them for their faithfulness during a time of persecution, and remind them of their hope - the sure return of their Lord & Savior.

            The Thessalonians were facing their own mortality, perhaps for the first time. Many of them died at the hands of those who hated Christ and anyone else who aligned themselves with Jesus. Whether at the hands of zealous Jews (like Paul before his own conversion), angry Greeks, or ruthless Romans, persecution came in the form of stoning’s, beatings, crucifixions, torture, & death. Becoming a Christian meant you had to give up everything.

            Today is quite different in the United States. While there are persecution flare ups here and there across the country, as a general rule, heavy persecution doesn’t exist in our country. Oh don’t misunderstand me ... it exists, but most Christians are not having to stare down their own death due to their beliefs. In other parts of the world persecution for being a believer in Christ costs them everything, even their own life. Would you be willing to die for your beliefs?

            Up next is the Blueprint found in 1st Thessalonians. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: The Life Application Study Bible.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

COLOSSIANS: Sin vs. Signs of Love

In his letter to the Colossian church sin and love are broken down into 3 lists. In Ch.3v5 Paul says: “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immoralityimpuritylust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” The underlined 5 words represent List 1 which shares with the reader the Sins of Sexual Attitude & Behavior. 

Colossians 3:8-9 speaks to the reader about the Sins of Speech, which encompasses the 6 underlined words below: “But now is the time to get rid of angerragemalicious behaviorslander, and dirty language.  Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.” These characteristics represent List 2.

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12-13 to clothe ourselves in the following qualities: “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercykindnesshumilitygentleness, and patience.  Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” These 6 underlined word are the Godly characteristics we are to exhibit as a follower of Christ.

As Christians we are considered by God to be his ambassadors; his representatives, wherever we go. If we involve ourselves in the qualities listed in 1 & 2, we will greatly disappoint our Heavenly Father and greatly tarnish our testimony regarding Christ. We’ve been taught thru the scriptures that which we should become in the name of the Lord. It is those behavioral traits that will make us stand out in the crowd in a good way.

Drawing attention to yourself without trying to can be a good thing in that people will possibly be drawn to you and want to know what makes you different. People notice that you’re different, though they may not say it. The world identifies you are a good person, because they don’t know what else to call you. Jesus was clear in the gospels when he said,

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good.” (Mark 10:18)

            Drawing attention to yourself by doing something regrettable will have negative consequences for sure. Doing what is right and being chastised for it by idle ne’er-do-wells who are simply haters, can be part of a believers walk. Live a God-worthy life so that others will see Christ in you.

            Up next is our first look at Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: The Life Application Study Bible.

Monday, March 11, 2024

COLOSSIANS: The Heresy vs. the Truth

         The false teaching (heresy) found in the Colossian church was a mixed bag of various different heresies, some of which actually contradicted each other. The Apostle Paul addressed each tenet of the false teaching clearly and concisely as shown below:

 

HERESY - The Spirit is good; all matter is evil.

PAUL’S RESPONSE - Colossians 1:15-20 ... “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.” (Col. 1:15-16a)

 

HERESY - One must follow ceremonies, rituals, & restrictions in order to be saved or perfected.

PAUL’S RESPONSE - Colossians 2:11, 16-23; 3:11 ... “So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.” (Col. 2:16-17)

 

HERESY - One must deny the body & live in strict asceticism ... Angels must be worshipped.

PAUL’S RESPONSE - Colossians 2:18-23 ...  “Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.” (Col. 2:18-19)

 

HERESY - Christ could not be both human & divine.

PAUL’S RESPONSE - Colossians 1:15-20; 2:2-3 ... “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.” (Col. 1:15-16a)

 

HERESY - One must obtain “secret knowledge” in order to be saved or perfected - this was not available to everyone.

PAUL’S RESPONSE - Colossians 2:2, 18 ... “Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud,....” (Col. 2:18)

 

HERESY - One must adhere to human wisdom, tradition, & philosophies.

PAUL’S RESPONSE - Colossians 2:4, 8-10; 3:15-17 ... “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Col. 3:17)

 

HERESY - It is even better to combine aspects of different religions.

PAUL’S RESPONSE - Colossians 2:10 ... “So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (Col. 2:10)

 

HERESY - There’s nothing wrong with immorality.

PAUL’S RESPONSE - Colossians 3:1-11 ... “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.  Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.”

            Up next we take a look at SINS vs. SIGNS OF LOVE. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: The Life Application Study Bible.