The heart of the study of 1 Thessalonians is “Jesus is coming again!” While many can get caught up in when and how the second coming will occur, it is important to know that Jesus is more concerned with the who and with what we are to do until then. Paul knew that the Thessalonian believers were fearful because they were suffering and separated from those they loved. Paul wanted to reassure them about the second coming, and also give them a gracious theology of death so they wouldn’t live in fear. Death is a gracious gift that ushers us into God’s presence. If we have chosen to follow Christ, then we are a part of God’s family. When we close our eyes in death, we will lift our hands in life to experience a glorious reunion with Christ and those who have gone before us. We will also receive a new body. Until He returns, Christ desires for us to encourage everyone we encounter to be ready for His coming. It is impossible to follow Him and not share this amazing news with others—today could be the day of His return!
8. When Christ Comes | Part 1
John Avant
1. How to Change Your Life and Your Nation in Six Months
John Avant
In order to experience true change in our lives, we need to choose to be examples of God’s power. When we choose to allow His power instead of idols to fill our lives, oth- ers will see His example of love, faith, and hope in us. Change must begin in us. When our churches and lives are characterized by unceasing prayer, and by more concern for advancing the gospel of Christ than our own agendas, the world will step back and see that there’s a new King in town! During these difficult days, we must choose to walk in the joy of Jesus despite the suffering we are experiencing.
2. How Movements of God Happen
John Avant
In order to experience true change in our lives, we need to choose to be examples of God’s power. When we choose to allow His power instead of idols to fill our lives, oth- ers will see His example of love, faith, and hope in us. Change must begin in us. When our churches and lives are characterized by unceasing prayer, and by more concern for advancing the gospel of Christ than our own agendas, the world will step back and see that there’s a new King in town! During these difficult days, we must choose to walk in the joy of Jesus despite the suffering we are experiencing.
3. God Trusts You with the Most Important Assignment!
John Avant
God loves us! He approves of us and has entrusted His grace and peace to us to share with the lost world. But He will allow testing in our lives in order to refine us and remove all impurities out of our hearts. He wants us to be able to say no to the Safe Life. The cross is not a safe place. He also wants us to say no to the Cynical Life and to the Self Life. When we choose to say no in these three areas, we will fall in love with lost people. We will join Him in His mission. It is time to stop slow dancing to the demonic lullaby and choose to say yes to Him.