God is holy and He will judge those who do not receive Christ, He will repay evil with destruction.  But God is also loving and He desires for all of us to have eternal life.

Paul wrote this second letter to the Thessalonian church because of his deep concern for their hardships, and he wanted to encourage them.  This young church needed the grace and peace in their lives that only comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.  They continually faced persecution, so Paul wanted to remind them that difficulties are a part of their journey as Christians.

God is holy and He will judge those who do not receive Christ, He will repay evil with destruction. But God is also loving and He desires for all of us to have eternal life.

Outward attacks against us can produce perseverance.  A cheerful and hopeful endurance can help shape our character, while longsuffering will build in us patience.

Persecution can cause our faith to grow. Without trials we will not grow deeper in the Lord, and without suffering, God’s mercies cannot offer peace and rest. Great opposition will help us to trust in the Lord even more.

Paul had to remind the Church again of what he taught them about the Lord’s return. They also were to be careful about what they heard regarding the end times. Their true identity was in Christ, so they needed to stay strong in Him.

When our joy is gone it’s because our focus is wrong.  The Bible tells us when we pray and give thanks continually, our joy will be full. When we are faithful in our conduct, and blameless in our walk, our Spirit will overflow.

Today, Pastor Jack explains what our responsibility is to those who are over us in the church. Spiritual leaders are a gift to the church, given by God. Therefore, we are to accept their appointment and pray for them as they give us guidance.

The true pastor is dedicated to building up the church. A Godly leader will bring peace and unity while maintaining a presence of authority. They will warn the unruly with love, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, and be patient with all.

Today, Pastor Jack explains what our responsibility is to those who are over us in the church. Spiritual leaders are a gift to the church, given by God. Therefore, we are to accept their appointment and pray for them as they give us guidance.