Advent–Looking for the Blessed Hope

Advent Series: 1 & 2 Thessalonians…Looking for the Blessed Hope

Beloved, Christ came many years ago in a stable in Bethlehem but soon and very soon, He shall appear with flashing light and the trumpet of Gabriel. He will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. And wonder of wonders we shall see Him as the disciples saw him at the Transfiguration or as John saw him on the Isle of Patmos. He will come in the same way as a thief in the night and we who are sons of light will join him in the heavens.

In the meantime, may you be kept entirely blameless for his coming. May you be found spotless and worthy of his kingdom so he can present you before the Father’s throne. Strive to be found at peace, without spot or blemish, that you may enter his presence. Why does he desire this? He called you to this salvation through the gospel message so you may possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Encourage your hearts in every good thing knowing that he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one until that time.

Stay alert, Keep a watch for you know not when he shall appear. Are you ready?

Advertisement

1Thess 4 “Practical Holiness”

“Indeed, the more sanctified the person is, the more conformed he is to the image of his Savior, the more he must recoil against every lack of conformity to the holiness of God.” [Jn Murry]. We can recoil but how do we stay on top of this desire for holiness and then live it out practically? Even though Paul received word that the new babes in Christ were standing firm he knew that the wiles of the devil would not fade away for he is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Therefore, we need some practical ammunition to withstand his work and Paul outlines it in three simple steps which if applied will help us to be “more persistent [in our] yearning for the attainment of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus…”

First step is to recognize that this step towards is holiness is attainable because we have been anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, we can live it as we minister to the brethren by living a quiet life, minding our own business because the unbelievers are watching and taking note of the change within us. Thirdly there is no reason to fret about the Lord’s return for even Jesus while in his humanity told the disciples it was not for them nor him to know but only the Father. When the catching away happens we will be suddenly without warning be caught up to be with Jesus and our loved ones in the clouds. From that point on we will assuredly be with the Lord forevermore.

Beloved, “Therefore stay alert, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come…” [Mt 24]

You can read this today also at: https://www.facebook.com/bible.org

Scripture from: https://lumina.bible.org