The final part of Paul's challenge to the Thessalonians is to encourage them to work towards the goal of eternal glory. Some people were just mooching however, and Paul encourages them to join the team and do their share.

They are not enemies, simply idle and therefore they weaken the team.

I pray that his series has been an encouragement for you.

Pastor Wayne

Even tho the world is turning dark, and the man of lawlessness is about to be revealed, we do not need to fear. The Thessalonians were saved. God Chose them, the Holy Spirit drew them, Paul presented, and they listened and chose. Their future was secure.

So what to do? stay in the fortified tower and wait for Prince Charming, or stand firm, doing every good deed and speaking every good word to the world around.

We are strengthened and protected so that we can love and persevere.

God bless,

Pastor Wayne

don't panic

Someone was telling the Thessalonians that they had missed the rapture, and that they were now going to have to go thru the wrath of man and of God. This was not a pleasant idea to them, as they were going thru a lot of persecution as it was.

Paul reminds them of the things that he had taught them in the past, and reminds them of the big signpost that signifies the beginning of that tribulation and the Day of the Lord. Until the revelation of the Antichrist, that day could not begin.

Don't panic, the Day of the Lord is not here.
If you see the Antichrist ........ then panic.

Keep looking up,
Pastor Wayne

You Survived

The old year has passed, and you are still alive. For Paul, six months have passed since his last letter to the Thessalonians, and they have survived, and flourished. The justice of God is observed, as he has used the hardships of the past year to grow our faith and deepen our love. He will however hold to account those who have done evil and not turned from their ways.

Yes, we grew because of the pain
Yes, He will punish those who caused the pain.
Yes, he will fulfill our every good purpose this coming year.

Go in His strength,
God Bless,
Pastor Wayne

John T. Baptist was going to be a great man. His birth was miraculous, and the answer to many years of prayer. Zechariah was completely speechless and the prospect of his birth, with so much bragging to do, and so many things to tell, but he was forced to remain silent.

Then along came Mary, and her son would be greater. John was called to be a forerunner. Could Zechariah be content to let his son be second best? His song tells us of his true heart.

Are we willing to prepare the way for our Lord, or do we want to be in the forefront?

Praise be to the Lord, our Salvation

Pastor Wayne

Mary's Song rejoices in God, and how he has blessed her. It also is a reminder of how God helped those who followed him in the past. This reminder is also a powerful prayer that this same God will take care of Mary and sustain her as she has chosen to walk down this unknown and lonely path. She knows the end, but how her son will get there is a mystery.

Are we willing to follow God's leading, even tho the path ahead is unknown? Can we sing our own magnificat as we walk in faith into the unknown future?

God bless,

Pastor Wayne