Although the stay of Paul and Silas was brief in Thessalonica, God planted a seed in the hearts of the saints. Later, Paul wrote to them: "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it NOT as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

As the protocols for COVID-19 appear to be ending, after two years of intense restrictions, we ask ourselves what we have learned? What God intended as a judgment on the world is also chastisement for His people. So, let us examine ourselves and our commitment to our heavenly Father. Can we say we are a more separate people (2 Corinthians 6:17) than before the pandemic? Has our devotion to and dependence upon God deepened? The words of the Apostle Paul should now echo in our ears: "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)

The Body of Christ is powerless today because we lack charity. "Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal." (1Cor. 13:1). In this strong presentation, Brother Sam asserts that we know we are powerless, yet instead of 'tarrying' and seeking after God for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, too often, modern saints fake gifts of the Spirit. Speaking in unknown tongues is a fleshly activity that invites demonic intrusion. Only when we become humble before God can He use us. "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 8:8)

The purpose of gathering as a church is not to get educated or experience a "spiritual fix." Instead, our goal is to grow in God, learning how to live in a manner that adequately gives Him due praise, honor, and glory. "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). We are to worship Him with understanding, not in ignorance! "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3:16). King David wrote, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth… I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:1 & 4) There is power and deliverance in praise! 

The expression "jump the gun!" emanates from false starts in track & field events. In this insightful lesson, Brother Desmond Singh cautions us about 'jumping the gun' regarding our calling in the Lord. He reminds us: "To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven; a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted..." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3). God's timing is always perfect! But when we rush ahead in our strength, our timing leads to all manner of disasters.

We live in troubling, uncertain times. Jesus said of this period in human history: "Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.  Brother John's love for the scriptures and the work of God is evident as he encourages the saints to "hold fast the faithful word as we have been taught. He is steadfast, enabled by sound doctrine, to exhort and convince the gainsayers.

We live in an angry and hostile world! Yet, as the elect of God, we may be over-confident that we know what God is doing—that we understand His will. But do we? The Russian war against Ukrainian gives us grave pause. War is abhorrent to us. The indiscriminate killing of women and children, the suffering of the helpless and elderly, the destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals sickens us. It is easy to label President Putin as evil, a tyrant who has gone mad. But is that so? Is he a tool of the devil or a servant of God?

It is in the controlled environment of the Body of Christ that overcomers are developed. Therefore, the church must meet the standards of God—not the standards of men. The Apostle John wrote concerning his vision: "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." (Revelation 11:1) The reed represents a measurement given by God. The temple represents the church. God will measure our message and our worship. (See: Matthew 7:21) Measuring the altar symbolizes the quality of sacrifices offered to God. (See Malachi 1:6-8) And finally, we, the children of God, are measured. (See Matthew 25:18-30)

"He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, exhortation, and comfort." (1 Cor. 14:3) As war ravages the people of Ukraine, Brother Sam edified God's people tonight to instill peace, encouragement, and comfort from the scriptures. He urged us to stay connected to the vine. "As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." (John 15:4) Drawing from Wednesday's lesson on Romans 12, he reminded us we are to "present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service."

While conversion (or sanctification) is a lifelong process, it should be incrementally progressive and continuous. If no progress is measurable over time, it raises legitimate questions about one's "quickening" (Ephesians 2:1). Brother Desmond Singh asserts if we could live Roman's 12, we could essentially live an overcomer's life. Writing about our two natures (honorable and dishonorable), the apostle Paul emphasized: "If a {person} therefore purge themself from these {false doctrines, disobedience, & sinful}, they shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21). Although the apostle used the metaphor of a great house, he undoubtedly referred to the church, wherein we are trained as vessels of honor (fitting servants) worthy to serve our heavenly Master.