As Paul concludes his last known letter to the church at Thessalonica, he gives us a good reminder to stay the course. One day, the waiting will be over and we will have to answer the question - will we be found faithful?

Though we know we are still waiting for Jesus' return, we know that our waiting isn't passive. We are to be busy. Not only in spiritual pursuits - but we are also to be busy doing actual work. The idea of work and vocation are as old as creation itself. Though damaged by the fall, through the Gospel, even the idea of work is redeemed.

In his closing comments to the church at Thessalonica, Paul makes a simple request of the church - Pray for me. It is a simple command, but it is one that we often struggle with in our daily walk.

After giving the church encouragement about last things, Paul's conclusion is for the church to stay the course that God has set for them.  They're not left on their own to figure it out, however - God is faithful from beginning to end!

In his last words to the Thessalonians regarding the last days, Paul warns about a strong delusion that will take hold in the society. It is very difficult to look at our generation and not see a similarly strong delusion at work. May it cause us to eagerly work for the souls of our neighbors as we await the return of Christ.

The world is full of evil and the spirit of the antichrist is busy, but in spite of all that, we understand that God has restrained evil.  There is coming a day when the restraint is lifted.  It will be a terrifying time - but it is all part of God's ultimate plan to bring this fallen world to a fitting end.

The Bible says that the Created Order bears witness to God's glory. At the same time, we can't help but recognize that the lawlessness and rebellion of our world points to the truth that the clock is ticking on God's ultimate plan of redemption. Paul helps us understand that today in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5.

1 & 2 Thessalonians are some of the Apostle Paul's most comprehensive words on last things. In 2 Thessalonians 1, Paul warns the church about the consequences of rejecting the Gospel.

Paul begins his second letter to Thessalonica with a powerful reminder that God is already answering his prayer from the end of the first letter. God is indeed sanctifying his church - but it doesn't come easy.