Who Gave Himself For Us That He Might Redeem Us From All Iniquity, And Purify Unto Himself A Peculiar People, Zealous of Good Works - Part 1554

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:13)

In the last days, we were warned about the devil running to and fro, seeking to devour those who he could, before that fearful and dreadful day of the coming of the Lord. Indeed, we are seeing it all around us -- wherein our society like that of Paul and Silvanus and Timotheus is "forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved ..." (I Thessalonians 2:16)

This is why we need to study the scriptures, to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15) The word study oft likened to hasten or being diligent so that the foundation on which we stand -- the foundation of God standa sure, having this seal -- "The Lord knows them that are His." (II Timothy 2:19)

This is why the apostles beseech us by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him that we be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. In other words, let no man deceive you by any means [for that day shall not come] except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition -- who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped, so that he as God sits in the temple of God, shewing himself to all that would believe him that he may be God.

But he is not God. Even though the mystery of iniquity doth already work in the world, and we know the Wicked will be revealed (whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming) we can be confident because God hath from the very beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, where unto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 2:-8, 13-14)

Therefore, do not be tossed to and fro from every wind of doctrine that seeks to move you away from the Rock which was and is Christ. Rather, stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle, and allow our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God (even our Father) which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. (II Thessalonians 2:15-17)

And pray also (as did the apostles) that the Word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.

Stand in the offering plate.