The Lawless One

Plenty of speculation exists concerning the events of the final years and days of the world. As long as I can remember people have set dates and identified people they believed would be key in the last days of our existence. But, like the creation of the Universe, only one being knows the who and when of the end times and that would be God. Therefore, our most reliable source of information about the future would be found in the Bible. 2 Thessalonians 2 lists many details about the main person on the side of evil during the last days. However, my favorite part of this chapter is the conclusion: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” What encouragement in dark days.

This Thursday morning I’m looking forward to discussing with you some details concerning the Antichrist. We will be doing the first half of Lesson 8 in our study books. Livestream is available during the study, as well as, afterwards.

Our daughter Rachel Gustafson and her family will be returning to Europe on Monday the10th. They are missionaries in Kiev, Ukraine and hope to be able to return there soon after getting to Hungary. She will be coming to share prayer requests with us when our prayer time begins about 10:30.

Standing Strong

A Biblical perspective concerning difficult situations in our lives basically has no comparisons to the natural responses of people, only contrasts. Consider the following two paragraphs by John MacArthur.

God never evaluates a church based on external features.  He is not impressed with innovative, clever repackaging of the gospel to make it more palatable for unbelievers.  Nor are a church’s elaborately staged worship services, political awareness, social prominence, or size reasons to boast before God.  A church to be proud of is a place where the genuinely converted see their faith increase, their love grow, their hope endure despite persecution, and their focus remain fixed singularly on God’s kingdom. 

In contrast to the man-centered view that pervades many churches today, the young church at Thessalonica had only a God-centered outlook.  Instead of being consumed with personal happiness, fulfillment, comfort, success, or prosperity, they were living out Jesus’ command to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33 NKJV). That perspective enabled them to successfully endure the inevitable persecution that comes to the faithful. (From pages 66,67 in “1 & 2 Thessalonians and Titus”)

Let’s encourage one another in thinking and responding Biblically to trials in our lives as we gather this Thursday morning to study 2 Thessalonians 1–Lesson 7. I have books available. I’m looking forward to seeing you.

Please note that some women have sensitivities to fragrances. So let’s be thoughtful of them and limit perfumes. Thank you.

First Ladies’ Bible Study of the Fall

This Thursday (September 22) morning our fall routine kicks into full gear with the start of our Ladies Bible Study. All ladies are welcome to join us as we begin 2 Thessalonians. John MacArthur's study guide gives us direction and if you don't already have one, I will have a few with me on Thursday. In the spring we completed the study of 1 Thessalonians; if you still have that book, that is where we will continue working.

I am particularly excited to be leading our discussion as the core of true Christian living will be a high point of our lesson as found in verse 12. "...that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you,..." Spend some time meditating on God's intention as He inspired these words. Is that truth alive in your life?

We will begin our time together at 9:30 and conclude at 11. Child care is available for your little ones. I'm looking forward to seeing you!

This message was sent from Ladies' Bible Study w/Nancy - Thurs. AM.