Swimming Upstream

Evergreen Church Tulsa

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Swimming Upstream

September 24, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • 2 Thessalonians 3

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It is easy to waste life on small plans—to blunder through our days without direction, busy yet getting nowhere. A person without purpose makes no progress in life, even when circumstances seem favorable. They simply put in time. Jesus-followers are called to a noble life, a godly life, a life that highlights the glory of Christ.

More from 1-2 Thessalonians: Today and Tomorrow

A Pastor's Personal Message

September 17, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17, 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5

Paul’s discussion of the final doom of the man of lawlessness leads naturally to consideration of the destiny of Christian believers (very different from that crowd of nonsensical thinkers discussed earlier). His pastoral affection for his people comes through loud and clear as he speaks intimately to this family of faith.

A Counterfeit Christ

September 10, 2023 • Pastor Michael Gabbert • 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12

God never gives specific dates for Jesus’ return; but Paul, inspired by the Spirit, is allowed to offer us a panoramic glimpse of God’s victory and evil’s doom. The value of the doctrine of the Second Coming is in the guarantee that history is going somewhere, thus inspiring courage, perseverance, and hope. Believers daily devote themselves to righteousness in anticipation of that day when His glory is made evident.

Commendation and Intercession

August 20, 2023 • 2 Thessalonians 1

In his first letter to this church, Paul expressed unrestrained enthusiasm for church life in Thessalonica. A second letter follows quickly after the first one because a problem surfaces regarding daily work ethic of some in light of the coming return of Jesus. Paul begins this new letter with a reminder of his pride in them and his specific prayers offered for them regularly.