Are you a peacemaker or a troublemaker? God's kingdom values peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and he calls his kingdom citizens to be people of peace.

Christians belong to an upside down kingdom. In this kingdom, what matters is not the outer appearance of a person, but the inner posture of the heart. This morning, we are going to see what it means for the pure in heart to see God.

The safeguard against deception is to hold fast to the truth. The remedy against fake news is to simply remember the real news. Paul writes this passage to the Thessalonians in order to correct them and comfort them in their confusion.

Suffering is an indelible mark of Christianity. It is the path that leads to future glory. But that does not mean it is easy to endure suffering. What Christians need in this world is hope, which comes from fixing their eyes on the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ, who will right every wrong and execute perfect justice and righteousness.

Despite persecution, the grace of God enabled the church of Thessalonica to grow in faith, love, and perseverance. This moved Paul to give thanks to the Lord. The Thessalonians serve as a good example of how to live a God-honouring life.

Having a clear and correct vision of the return of Christ changes how one lives in the present. This persecuted church was confused about the when the Lord would return and it left them anxious and worried. Paul wrote this second letter in order to comfort, correct, and challenge them to live in light of the Lord’s return.

The notion of rest sounds like music to the ears of a busy Canadian. Our lives are pounded with expectations and we rarely slow down long enough to engage with God. Perhaps this is due to our lack of comprehension of what it means to be saved? Have we entered into the Father’s rest? Are we living lives that depend on His endless grace to keep busy with good works? Are we doing our work now, in His strength, striving to get to that ultimate rest with Him forever?