1st & 2nd Thessalonains

These two Letters or “Epistles” written to the Thessalonians are believed to be the first written by Paul. They were likely penned somewhere between 50 – 51 ad. According to the Biblical record (Acts 17:1-9) Paul founded the church in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. He was only in the city a short time (Three Sabbath’s; 3-4 weeks) because he was forced out by enemies of the gospel. Nevertheless, the church he left behind was alive and active. It was Paul's deep concern for this young church he was forced to leave so suddenly, that prompted these two letters. The major themes in these two “epistles” are near & dear to this pastor’s heart: The Imminent Return of Jesus Christ and the Ministry of the local church in light of His imminent return. This will result with us taking a closer look into the subject of “Eschatology” (ie. Things related to the events of the Last Days). Things like: The Rapture of The Church, The Revealing of The Anti-Christ, The Great Tribulation Period and The Second Coming of Christ, to name a few. As we study together, we will be blessed to discover how Paul – inspired by the Holy Spirit – balances the prophetic with the practical.

And so, practically speaking, what might this study say to us? Among other things, that Jesus is coming; and perhaps very soon. Therefore, the time is short to get the Gospel out to our unsaved friends & neighbors & family members. If we were to sum up the message of the Apostle Paul to us at Harvest Christian Fellowship, we might do so in two words: BE READY! Another two words might be: LIVE EXPECTANTLY! Meaning? That we would live our lives in the light of the Lord’s imminent return… with eternity’s values in view; challenged to live pure & holy lives in preparation to meet the Lord face to face!

As G. Campbell Morgan once said: “To lose the sense of the Lord’s coming, is to lose the most powerful & inspirational force there is for living Holy lives. If we believe that He may, in any day, take us in our work; or in any night wake us from our sleep with His voice, how pure & holy shall we desire our personal life to be, that we might be ready?”