11/6/19
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
Some people and groups seem determined to use the end of the world as a threat. “Are you sure you are right with God? Do you really believe? What if he were to come today? Are you read?” In 2 Thessalonians, some have been fearful. Maybe the Lord has already come to rescue His people. Maybe he left me behind. Maybe I was not trusting Christ after all! This questioning can lead to doubt and even despair.
What is the apostle’s encouragement to God’s people in Thessalonica? God’s coming will be perfectly obvious. If we are trusting in Jesus we will not miss the signs. There’s no chance of it. Some of the signs could possibly be mistaken. After all, our fallen world has plenty of distractions. But those who trust Christ will never be abandoned.
Another word of encouragement, in verses 13-14, the Thessalonians were chosen by God to be saved. God will never forget those people He chose. There is no reason to doubt.
When we find ourselves questioning salvation, wondering about the quality of our faith, repentance, or changed life, all we need to do is reflect on the identity God has given us in Christ. We who believe are His redeemed and chosen poeple. Thre is no room for doubt or fear in the gracious calling of God. He himself has chosen us. We have nothing to fear.
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