2 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

The Justice and Judgment of God Introduction: My kids ask me whether I’m nearsighted or farsighted on a regular basis, not because they have a bad memory, but because the concept is hard for them to understand. I always respond the same way to their question, which turns into a small litany. I say, “I’m nearsighted,” and they say, “What does that mean again?” I say, “It means I can see near, but not far.” Then they say, “Can I put…

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

The Rebellion of Antichrist Introduction:  There is probably no more mysterious and fascinating figure spoken of in the Bible than Antichrist.  He has been the focus of a great deal of speculation among students of prophecy and the subject of countless books.  Over the centuries I suppose everyone has wondered at one time or another whether some current evil leader in the world might morph into that tragic figure.  While we’re going to examine carefully what our Scripture passage says about Antichrist, it is…

2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5

The Return of the King Before I begin today’s sermon I want to express my deep gratitude for all the cards, thoughts, conversations, and prayers expressed to me and my family in the days following the death of my mother. We rejoice in the wholeness that she experiences in the Lord’s presence, although we do miss her. The site of mom’s burial is just a quarter mile away from the farm on which I grew up. That proximity helped to…

2 Thessalonians 3:6-18

The Bread of Idleness Introduction: In a sense it is a relief to be past the most controversial prophetic passages in 1 and 2 Thessalonians.  There’s nothing directly in today’s text about the Tribulation or Antichrist or the Rapture or the Second Coming.  As you know, my last three sermons have all been on these topics–important but controversial.  You’ve been very gracious in listening to views that were, for some, new, and for others, troublesome.  For the most part I believe you have followed…