2-- Some Of 2 Thessalonians-- Etrs

2 Thessalonians 1:11-3:5 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name [character] of our LORD Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him according to the grace of our God and the LORD Jesus Christ. See Ephesians 1.] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, that you be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by the spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of the LORD is at hand. [See Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 1, and 2 Peter 1.] 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 worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember you not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now you know what withholds that He might be revealed in His time. for the mystery of iniquity does already work: only He Who now lets will let, until He be taken out of the way. And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the LORD shall consume with the spirit of Hs mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: even Him, Whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and [See Job 1.] signs and wonders, and all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, [See John 3:18-20.] because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [See Jude and 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.]

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And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. [See Romans 1.] But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the LORD, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our LORD Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle. [See Ephesians 1-3 and 1 Corinthians 15] Now our LORD Jesus Christ Himself and God, even our Father, Who hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. [See 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.] Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work. [See Ephesians 2:10 and 1 Corinthians 15:58.] Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you; and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for all men have not faith. But the LORD is faithful, Who shall [See 1 John 1:9.] stablish you, and keep you from evil. [See Philippians 4:4-8 and John 17.] And we have confidence in the LORD touching you, that you both do and will do the things which we command you. And the LORD direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. [See Psalm 37 and 2 Peter 3.] Conclusions by the AOG preacher: True Christians need to love truth and righteousness much more and hate deception and sin much more. There is already too much emphasis of signs and wonders, new prophecy speculations, theories of “who” is the anti-Christ, and denominational distinctives/theories/judging. The emphasis should be on sound Bible teaching, discipleship, and outreach ministries.

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