rapture – T.H.E.M.

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Thessalonians chapter 2

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Confusion about end times can be harmful to a believer’s faith. The Thessalonians were alarmed and shaken up due to false teaching about the “day of the Lord.” There is a lot of bizarre and false teaching bombarding God’s people today. We must be well grounded in God’s Word so that we don’t get blown off course. Don’t be fooled by false teaching, know what your Bible says. The Thessalonians were told that the “day of the Lord” had already come. Paul refuted this idea and taught them the doctrine of eschatology. To clarify this doctrine, Paul shared some of the signs God’s people should look for at the return of Christ. First, there will be a great falling away. Many will turn from the truth and away from God. Second, the “man of lawlessness” will be revealed. The Antichrist will exalt himself by defying all that is godly, defiling the temple, and desiring that all people worship him. This is Satan’s agenda and he is secretly at work in the world today. But the Holy Spirit is restraining evil, and is reaching out to the lost world through the Gospel witness of God’s church. At God’s appointed time the church will be raptured, and the Holy Spirit will cease to restrain evil, and the Great Tribulation will begin. Thirdly, there will be great deception on the earth. Satan will work through the Antichrist using counterfeit power and signs and wonders. Many will believe these lies because they have refused to love God and accept the truth of the Gospel. Those who have refused the Gospel will be condemned because they love and practice sin, and reject God and the Gospel of grace. Instead of being confused and troubled about these things, God’s people should stand firm in the faith. We should “keep a strong grip” on the teaching of the Gospel, and take comfort in our salvation through Christ and the hope of glory.

Prayer: “Dear Lord, help us to be firm in the faith, and use us to teach others about the love of the Savior. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Today’s Bible reading is I Thessalonians chapter 5

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Jesus is coming again! The return of Christ is a great comfort to God’s people. First, we are comforted by knowing that believers will be raised. Those who have died in the Lord, God will bring back with Jesus when He returns. Believers who have died will rise from their graves. Jesus is the firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18), and just as Jesus was raised so will His followers also be raised. Secondly, we are comforted by knowing that we will be raptured. Those believers who are alive and remain at the coming of the Lord will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. Not only are we comforted by the rapture, and the resurrection of the saints, but also we are comforted by knowing that we are ready for the return of Christ. The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. Saints of God won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. Instead, we will be ready because we are children of the light. Therefore, we must live as witnesses in a dark world. Let us wear the armor of faith and love, and the helmet of the confidence of our salvation. “For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when He returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (I Thessalonians 5:9-11 NLT)

Prayer: “Dear Lord, thank You for comforting us with the truth of Your return. Use us as witnesses of Your unfailing love, and may we burn as bright lights in a dark world. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron