1 Thessalonians 5
The Hope of Advent!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Tuesday, December 15.
The teachings of the Advent of Jesus’s Second Coming were intended to focus believers and unify them with faith, hope, and love as they faced the trials and tribulations of the day.
Listen to Paul teach these truths in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11,
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. … But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Here are two things I want you to know as we celebrate Advent:
- THE TIMING OF JESUS’ SECOND COMING IS IMMINENT: It’s a future hope that has great implications on our everyday FAITH! The Day of the LORD is to focus our hearts and minds on Jesus and to keep Him preeminent in our lives no matter what is happening today.
- THE ANTICIPATION DETERMINES HOW WE LIVE TODAY: We are to let our lives visibly manifest the LOVE of God. Jesus came to bring light into the world and until His return, we are His light-bearers to the world.
Seize the moment and shine brightly: live a life of faith and love that are rooted in your Advent hope.
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