Bible Pathways 12/8/2000
December 8
II Thessalonians 1 -- 3
It grieves our hearts to realize that the vast majority of mankind is blindly rushing toward an eternal hell, ignorant of the horrors of their impending judgment. The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who did not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord (II Thessalonians 1:7-9). To all who love the Lord, He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired by all who believe (1:10). The return of Christ is glorious news beyond compare for all Christians.
To be sure, much of the world has its heart set on gaining more of life's luxuries and on improving its income level compared to the year before. So they work harder, or get a part-time job, to pay for things they cannot afford. Their fears and frustrations continue to grow as the result of their inability to cope with situations they can't change. This drive has, at times, led to physical and emotional exhaustion, depression, and what some call "burnout." This term embraces the despondent and the discouraged who develop a feeling of failure. The more they think of each day's mundane activities, the more dissatisfied they become with life.
The Holy Spirit led Paul to write that, because of this we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (1:11-12).
At times, we are all tempted to be influenced by this spirit of the world that deceives many with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness (2:10-12). We need to be reminded that this is a spiritual battle. Therefore, brethren, stand fast. . . . And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ (2:15; 3:5).
As a bride prepares for her bridegroom and her wedding day, so all who anticipate His return are preparing themselves bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5). This means reading the whole counsel of God to be fully prepared, not merely for a future event, but for present-day living and the ministry of His Word in the use of our time, talents, and possessions. Without exception, those who choose to invest their lives in serving Christ receive true satisfaction beyond words to explain: The peace of God, which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Government Officials: Rep. Thomas Barrett (WI) and Rep. Randy (Duke) Cunningham (CA) · BPM Staff: Diana Hash · Pray for Ron & Gloria Bechtel, Universal Printing, printers of Bible Pathway in U.S. · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Orville E. Driver · Country: Mauritania (2 million) in western Africa · Major language: Hasaniya Arabic · Islamic state with no mission work allowed · 99+% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Believe the promises of God (Judges 7:20-25).
Memory Verse for the Week:
I Peter 1:22
