As we continue through the first chapter of II Thessalonians, we come to a serious warning to those who are at war against Christ and His church...a warning to the rioters and rebels of Thessalonica. Paul has comforted the Thessalonian believers with the promise of a coming day of rest for the people of God- now, he warns that the enemies of God will find eternal destruction and affliction. This is a serious warning- Living once more in a time of rioters and rebels, the warning must be sounded again- -Repent, and flee the wrath that is to come. Repent, you rebels, rioters and governors- Repent all you who attack the church of the living Christ.-

As we continue to look at the first chapter of II Thessalonians, we come to Paul's announcement of the -righteous judgment of God- which is seen in the present by way of a -manifest token-. What is this token and how does it make visible God's just and right eschatological judgment- Today, we will look at these questions and see that Paul's answer gives great comfort to the believers in Thessalonica...believers enduring great and present persecution.

In this message on 2 Thessalonians 1-3-4, Paul gives thanksgiving to God for the Thessalonian believers. These Christians are showing great evidence of the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit on their lives because they have a faith that is growing and a love for one another that is abounding. All of this is in the face of persecution and tribulation. The Apostle Paul tells them that he boasts of them to all the churches of God. We, likewise, must strive to be a people of proper thanksgiving, growing faith, abounding love, and exemplary endurance.

In this third -and final- sermon in the Book of the prophet Obadiah, we will see the message expand. It has been focused on the wrath of God that is to fall on Edom, but now that vision expands to the nations. The judgment of Edom is only the prelude to the coming Day of the Lord- a great day of salvation and judgment. On that great day, there will be vindication for the people of God.

As we return to the Book of the prophet Obadiah, we are focusing on the prophetic judgments that shall fall upon the nation of Edom for its treachery. God will work His judgment in irony. God's judgment on the wicked is inescapable. Though Edom has many fortresses, they will be brought low. God will move against His enemies. There is only one escape...we must flee to Christ Jesus.

As we enter the Book of the prophet Obadiah, we want to see the historical events that led to this prophetic message. Edom, the descendants of Esau, have joyfully joined the Babylonians in ransacking Jerusalem. This is a violation of the decree of the Lord that the nation coming from Esau would be subservient to that of Jacob. Esau's rebellion against God will not stand. A remnant of Judah will be preserved, but judgment shall fall upon Edom.

In this message, we look at the final words of the third chapter of this important book. Habakkuk now lives out the faith that was spoken of in chapter 2, verse 4. Habakkuk has come to understand that God is providentially working out His perfect plan of judgment and salvation through these events. Habakkuk declares that no matter what comes, he has learned to trust in the God of his salvation. Now, true unshakable joy can be found- not in temporal and worldly understandings of happiness, but in a joy established in the saving purpose of God. It is when we truly trust God's providence and plan, that we will find lasting joy-