Bible Pathway - Dec. 7, 2010
Read 1 Thessalonians 1
Highlights:
Our Gospel came not . . . in Word only, but also in power. . . . And ye became followers . . . of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) (I Thess. 1:5-6). We are children of Light; be ready for the Day of the Lord (5:4-5,11). It is of utmost importance to know them which . . . are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves (5:12-13). We, and all we possess, do belong to Jesus (5:18).
The return of Christ will be the greatest event in history since His ascension when, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight (Acts 1:9). Prior to His ascension, Jesus had assured His disciples: I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:2-3). His return was also confirmed at the time of His ascension by two angelic witnesses from heaven: This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven (Acts 1:11).
There are no words to adequately describe the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ who will make all things in perfect peace (Is. 26:3). All of history is reduced to just two ages: the present age that began with Adam, and the age to come. You know perfectly (full well) that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night (I Thess. 5:2). We are moving toward the appointed day of the Lord. This is the joyous anticipation of every Christian who is faithfully preparing and waiting for the triumphant return of our Redeemer.
The certainty of the believer's eternal life with Christ is assured on the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:20-23). The Apostle Paul wrote: If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep (die) in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep (have died). For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort (encourage) one another with these words (I Thess. 4:14-18).
Because of the assurance of Christ's return, we are encouraged to comfort yourselves together, and edify one another (I Thess. 5:11).
Thought for Today:
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thess. 5:18).
Cross References:
For I Thess. 5:4: See Is. 35:4.
Word Studies:
2:2 entreated mistreated, suffering outrageously; 2:9 chargeable a burden; 3:8 fast firm; 4:4 possess his vessel control his body; 4:8 despiseth rejects; 5:14 unruly disorderly.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Casmir A. Zuranski • Government Officials: Rep. Paul Broun (GA), Sen. Thad Cochran (MS), Sen. Susan Collins (ME), and Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA) • Country: Liechtenstein (32,000) in western Europe • Major languages: German and Alemannic dialect • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and depend upon the Lord when in need for He will not forsake you (Is. 41:17).
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 7:14
