Category: Epistles

Reverend Phil Simmonds

PASTORS THOUGHTS

“Thessalonians 2 provides some specific information re 2 major events that will proceed the 2nd coming of the Lord Jesus – first, the rebellion of people against God and His Gospel – second, the revealing of the Man of Lawlessness – and although this may be confronting, it should always be remembered that these events are all under the control and allowance of God the Father. This week we’ll look at the first event, the Rebellion, which should not surprise Christian’s to learn is, in a limited way, already in progress! 2 Tim.4:3.

Reverend Phil Simmonds

PASTORS THOUGHTS

“2 Thessalonians continues the theme of 1 Thessalonians, encouraging the small and new Christian congregation to persevere in their suffering for the sake of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ – with the knowledge that their suffering for Christ’s sake would not go unnoticed nor unpunished by God the Father!
God is just, and His faithful In Christ will receive their promised resurrection into the personal and everlasting presence of God – Revelation Chapter 21. This is the promised hope of all true Christians – is it also yours?”

Reverend Phil Simmonds

PASTORS THOUGHTS

The closing verses of 1 Thessalonians 5 (vs. 12-28) come under the heading of “Final instructions”, and in them God, through Paul, sets out a comprehensive “how to check list” for the Christian church to live by – awaiting the Lord’s return. Notice the emphasis is upon “living” a life pleasing to God in Christ that will witness His setting apart of His people – which in turn should bind them together in the unity of Christ – enabling His church to stand united in times of difficulty and challenges! Take some time to read through the “check list” – would we pass muster?”

Reverend Phil Simmonds

PASTORS THOUGHTS

Hopefully, the promise of the Lord’s return, as specifically revealed by God in 1 Thessalonians Chapters 4 and 5, is taken as a “given”, and as a source of great comfort and encouragement by all Christians to-day. But sadly, some continue to literally “waste” their time trying to determine the date of the Lord’s return, despite Jesus Himself telling the World clearly that God The Father alone knows the appointed time of His return (Matthew 24:36)! Rather, all Christians should live out each day as if that day could be the day of the Lord’s return, and be found by Him living a life worthy of His calling – 1 Thessalonians.5:12-24; Ephesians .4:1-6 – should He come then?”

Reverend Phil Simmonds

PASTORS THOUGHTS

“In Chapter 4 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul moves on from encouragement to instruction in what many commentators describe as the “ethics” of Christian living – what Paul also refers to in Philippians l.2:12b as “continuing to work your salvation with fear and trembling!” The focus being to live a life that increasingly seeks to please God in every aspect (Christ likeness). But Paul also moves onto qualify/ expand his previous instruction re: the Lord’s Return (Second Coming) – affirming that the saving work of Christ (His death and resurrection) extends beyond physical death into a guaranteed resurrected life with Christ. May all Christian’s be challenged to “continue to work out their salvation” to the glory of God in this life, and be encouraged by God’s promise of their resurrected life to come, in and through Jesus Christ”.