2nd Thessalonians: 1: 5-12

Understanding God's Justice and the Coming Fire

When we think about Jesus, we often picture the gentle shepherd, the sacrificial lamb, or the one who welcomes the weary and heavy-laden. But there's another aspect of Jesus that can be challenging to reconcile - the Jesus who will return "in blazing fire with his powerful angels" as described in 2 Thessalonians.

This image of Jesus returning with fire can be uncomfortable, even a stumbling block for some. But understanding this aspect of God's character is essential to grasping the fullness of who He is and what He has called us to do.

What does it mean that God is just?

Paul begins his encouragement to the suffering Thessalonian church with three powerful words: "God is just." This statement forms the foundation for everything that follows.

Justice is an essential attribute of God's character. Without justice, His grace wouldn't make sense. We long for justice in our world - for wrongs to be made right and for evil to be held accountable. As Colossians 3:25 reminds us, "Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, for there is no favoritism."

But God's justice isn't only about punishment. It also includes reward: "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only me, but also to those who have longed for his appearance" (2 Timothy 4:8).

Why is God the only one worthy to judge?

We must humbly acknowledge our limitations when it comes to judgment:

1. We have limited perspective and experience

2. Our judgment is broken by sin

3. Our memories are imperfect and self-serving

4. We cannot see the motives of others' hearts

Only God can see the complete picture. As 1 Corinthians 4:5 says, "He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart."

God exists outside of time - He sees our lives completely, knowing not just our actions but our thoughts and motives. There is no one more qualified to judge fairly than our Father in heaven.

What does the "blazing fire" of Jesus' return represent?

When Paul describes Jesus returning "in blazing fire," he's drawing on imagery from the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 4:24, God is described as "a consuming fire, a jealous God."

This fire represents several things:

1. God's jealousy for His people - He desires relationship with us and wants to protect us from false idols that cannot satisfy

2. The consuming of wickedness - Isaiah 9:18 describes how "wickedness burns like a fire" that consumes and destroys

3. The final end of sin and death - Just as firefighters sometimes use controlled burns to stop a wildfire, Jesus will use His fire to finally end all sin and destruction

The fire isn't primarily about God's anger toward people but about His determination to end the destruction that sin has brought into the world.

What happens to those who reject God?

Those who reject God's offer of salvation through Jesus will ultimately get what they've chosen - separation from God. As Paul writes, they "will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord."

This isn't God being vindictive. Rather, it's the natural consequence of rejecting relationship with Him. If someone doesn't want God as their king in this life, being forced to follow Him in eternity wouldn't be heaven for them - it would be hell.

The most terrifying aspect of hell isn't that God throws "matches" in, but that He removes His protective presence, allowing sin to fully consume those who have embraced it. As Isaiah describes, "people will be fuel for the fire... they will not spare one another."

Why did Paul share this difficult message?

Paul didn't write about Jesus' fiery return to scare people into following God. He wrote to:

1. Encourage the suffering church - assuring them that God sees their pain and will bring justice

2. Remind believers of the urgency of their mission - knowing Jesus will return should motivate us to share His love

3. Challenge Christians to live worthy of their calling - doing good deeds that glorify Christ

In 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, Paul prays that God would "make you worthy of his calling" and "bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith... so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you."

Life Application

The reality of Jesus' return should transform how we live today. Here are some questions to consider:

1. Who is on your heart? If Jesus returned today, who would you be concerned about? Who in your life needs to experience God's grace through you?

2. How are you showing God's character to others? Are you demonstrating both His justice and His grace in how you treat people?

3. What "fires" are you starting? Even small sins like gossip, lying, or selfishness can cause destruction. Are you allowing Jesus to take these matches out of your hands?

4. Are you living worthy of God's calling? Are you doing good deeds that point others to Christ?

This week, be intentional about showing God's love to someone who needs to see it. You don't need to preach "fire and brimstone" - simply demonstrate kindness, peace, gentleness, and love. Let them see Christ in you.

Remember, we have been given time - don't waste it. Seek and save the lost, knowing that one day Jesus will return to make all things right.

2nd Thessalonians 1:1-5

Finding Worth in God's Kingdom Through Suffering and Faith

The question of whether we are worthy of God's kingdom is one that many Christians struggle with. While salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, there is evidence God looks for in our lives that demonstrates we are worthy of His kingdom.

What Makes Us Worthy of God's Kingdom?

According to Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, there are three key pieces of evidence God looks for:

1. Perseverance through trials and persecution

2. Growing faith

3. Increasing love for others

This doesn't mean we earn our salvation through these things. Rather, they are evidence of genuine faith in action.

How Does Suffering Test Our Faith?

When we face suffering, we come to a crossroads where we must choose to either:

1. Lean into God, allowing suffering to draw us closer to Him

2. Turn away from God in anger and isolation

The story of Abraham demonstrates how God credits righteousness to those who maintain faith during trials. Despite years of waiting for God's promise of a son, Abraham chose to believe God rather than abandon his faith.

What Does Love Look Like in Suffering?

True love grows deeper through suffering when we:

1. Resist the temptation to become selfish and withdraw

2. Allow our broken hearts to be rebuilt by God

3. Develop greater empathy and compassion for others

4. Continue serving and caring for those around us

Life Application

Consider these questions:

1. What suffering are you currently facing?

2. Are you leaning into God or away from Him in your trials?

3. How can you demonstrate growing faith and love even in difficult circumstances?

This week's challenge: Choose one way to actively demonstrate faith and love in the midst of your current struggles. This could mean:

1. Reaching out to encourage someone else who is suffering

2. Continuing to serve others despite your pain

3. Spending focused time in prayer and God's Word

4. Sharing your story to help others persevere

Remember - God doesn't expect perfection, but He does look for evidence that we trust Him and are growing in faith and love, even through life's hardest moments.

Quenching the Spirit Part 2: Understanding Prophetic Words

Hearing God's Voice: Understanding Biblical Prophecy in Today's Church

The desire to know what's coming in our future is deeply human. While we can't control the future, God has given us ways to hear from Him through prophecy. However, it's crucial to understand what biblical prophecy truly means and how to test prophetic words.

What is Biblical Prophecy?

Biblical prophecy serves two main purposes:

1. To strengthen, encourage and comfort the church

2. To convict people of sin and lead them to repentance

3. To provide divine insight about future events so God's people can do His work

What Prophecy is NOT

Prophecy is not:

1. Special new revelation about God that contradicts scripture

2. Personal predictions without testing or accountability

3. A replacement for scripture or prayer

4. Something that brings glory to the prophet rather than God

How Should We Handle Prophetic Words?

Paul gives clear guidance in 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22:

1. Don't quench the Spirit or treat prophecies with contempt

2. Test everything carefully

3. Hold onto what is good

4. Reject what is evil

Testing Prophecy: A Biblical Framework

When someone shares a prophetic word:

1. Compare it to scripture - does it align with God's Word?

2. Pray and seek God's peace about it

3. Consult with other mature believers

4. Test it practically when possible

5. Hold it loosely while remaining open to God's leading

Life Application

This week, consider:

1. Are you open to hearing God speak through unlikely sources?

2. Have you been too quick to dismiss possible prophetic words?

3. Are you properly testing prophetic words against scripture?

4. What might God be trying to say to you that you've been resistant to hear?

Questions for reflection:

1. What makes you skeptical about modern prophecy?

2. How can you better balance openness to God's voice while testing everything?

3. Is there a prophetic word you need to revisit and test more thoroughly?

The key is finding the balance between being open to God's voice while wisely testing everything against scripture and through prayer. Don't let fear or skepticism quench the Spirit, but also don't accept everything without careful examination.

What is a Christian - Week 5 - Who is the Holy Spirit?

Understanding the Holy Spirit: His Role and Purpose in Our Lives

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in completing God's work both in individual believers and in the world. While Jesus began the work of salvation through His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit continues and completes this work in powerful ways.

Who is the Holy Spirit and What Does He Do?

The Holy Spirit was present at creation, hovering over the waters before anything existed. He is the first member of the Trinity specifically named in Scripture. His primary roles include:

1. Giving spiritual life to believers

2. Sealing believers as God's possession

3. Acting as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance

4. Teaching truth and convicting of sin

5. Leading believers into deeper relationship with God

6. Empowering believers to be witnesses

How Does the Holy Spirit Work in Believers' Lives?

The Spirit works in several key ways:

1. Helps put to death sinful deeds

2. Leads believers to see themselves as God's children

3. Enables crying out to God as "Abba Father"

4. Testifies that we belong to God

5. Intercedes in prayer when we don't know how to pray

6. Provides power for ministry and witness

Why is the Holy Spirit Often Forgotten?

Despite the Spirit's vital role, He is sometimes the "forgotten God" in churches today. This may be because:

1. We focus primarily on Jesus and the Father

2. The Spirit's work is often invisible/internal

3. We don't actively seek or expect the Spirit's presence

4. We rely too much on our physical senses rather than spiritual awareness

Life Application

To experience more of the Holy Spirit's work in your life:

1. Actively seek the Spirit's presence through prayer and Scripture

2. Learn to recognize His voice of conviction versus condemnation

3. Expect Him to work in and through you

4. Trust His power rather than your own abilities

Questions to Consider:

1. Do you see evidence of the Spirit working in your life?

2. Are you actively seeking His presence and guidance?

3. What areas do you need to surrender to His transforming work?

4. How might God want to use you as His witness if you fully relied on the Spirit's power?

The Holy Spirit wants to complete God's work in you and through you. Will you let Him?

What is a Christian - Week 4 - Who is Jesus?

Who is Jesus? Understanding His True Identity and Impact

Jesus is more than just a historical figure or religious teacher - He is the only way to truly see God, understand our world, and know ourselves. This profound truth has implications for every aspect of our lives.

How Does Jesus Help Us See God?

The Bible describes Jesus as "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15). While many claim to know God, Scripture teaches that we can only truly know and see God through Jesus Christ. When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus responded that anyone who has seen Him has seen the Father.

What Makes Jesus Different from Other Religious Figures?

Unlike other prophets or teachers, Jesus claimed to be God Himself. He stated "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). This bold claim sets Jesus apart - He didn't just point to God, He claimed to be God in human form.

How Does Jesus Help Us Understand the World?

According to John 1:1-3, Jesus (referred to as "the Word") was present at creation and all things were made through Him. This means that to truly understand our world - including relationships, purpose, ethics, and morality - we must view it through the lens of Christ. Without this perspective, we're like someone trying to navigate life without glasses when they need them.

What Does Jesus Reveal About Our Identity?

We cannot fully understand ourselves outside of Christ. Colossians 2:9-10 teaches that "in Christ all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form" and through Him we are "brought to fullness." Our true identity and purpose can only be found through relationship with Jesus.

Life Application

This week, consider how you view God, the world, and yourself. Are you trying to navigate life without the clear vision that comes through knowing Jesus? Here are some questions to reflect on:

1. Do you truly know who Jesus is, or are you relying on others' opinions?

2. Are you viewing your relationships, purpose, and challenges through the lens of Christ?

3. Have you allowed Jesus to reveal your true identity, or are you still trying to define yourself?

Take time this week to get to know Jesus better through reading the Gospels, joining a Bible study group, or simply talking to Him in prayer. Remember - blessed are those who believe without seeing.

What is a Christian Week 2 - What Makes Humans Unique?

What Makes Humans Unique? Understanding Our Divine Identity

In a world that often questions humanity's purpose and worth, understanding what makes humans unique is crucial to our identity and purpose. The answer lies in the opening chapters of Genesis, which reveal that humanity's uniqueness is rooted in being created in God's image.

Why Were Humans Created Differently Than Other Creation?

Unlike the rest of creation which was spoken into existence, humans were intentionally and deliberately created by God. Genesis 1:26 introduces a fascinating detail when God says "Let us make mankind in our image" - revealing the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) working together in humanity's creation.

What Does It Mean to Be Made in God's Image?

Being made in God's image means we partially reflect His attributes in several ways:

1. Creativity and innovation

2. Intellectual capacity and rational thought

3. Ability for moral decision-making

4. Created for relationship and community

5. Sense of moral responsibility

Three Key Aspects of Human Uniqueness

1. Created with Divine Intent

There are no accidental people - every person is created by God's deliberate will. We are not mistakes or accidents, but intentionally formed with purpose and meaning.

2. Created from Divine Image

We reflect God's attributes through:

- Creative abilities

- Rational thinking

- Moral understanding

- Capacity for relationships

-Accountability for choices

3. Created for Divine Impact

Humans were given authority to:

- Steward creation responsibly

- Cultivate goodness

- Point others to God

- Live out God's grace to all people

How Does This Impact Our Daily Lives?

Understanding our divine identity affects:

1. How we view ourselves and others

2. The way we handle relationships

3. Our stewardship of resources

4. Our purpose in the world

5. Our responsibility to creation

Life Application

This week, consider these challenging questions:

1. How am I reflecting God's image in my daily interactions?

2. Am I treating others as valuable image-bearers of God, regardless of their beliefs or lifestyle?

3. How can I better steward the resources and relationships God has entrusted to me?

Take action by:

1. Intentionally seeing others through God's eyes

2. Treating every person with dignity and respect

3. Using your God-given creativity and abilities to serve others

4. Being a faithful steward of creation and resources

5. Living in a way that points others to God's love and grace

Remember: Your worth isn't based on what you do, but on whose you are - a cherished creation made in God's image with unique purpose and value.

What Is A Christian: Week 1 - Who Is God?

Understanding Who God Is: A Deep Dive into His Nature and Character

When we try to define who God is, our human minds often struggle to fully grasp His nature. While some might picture a figure in the clouds, God's true nature is far more complex and magnificent.

God as the Holy and All-Powerful Creator

Genesis 1:1 reveals God as the creator of everything - both the physical and spiritual realms. With just His words, He spoke the entire universe into existence. Consider this: our galaxy alone contains around 300 billion stars, and scientists estimate there are up to 2 trillion galaxies in our observable universe.

This creative power demonstrates God's unlimited authority and might. He is not just powerful - He is all-powerful, able to create entire realms of existence with mere words.

God's Holiness and Our Response

In Isaiah 6, we see a profound vision of God's holiness. Even mighty seraphim cover their faces in His presence, crying "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty." Isaiah's response to this vision was immediate recognition of his own unworthiness - an appropriate response to God's perfect holiness.

God as King and Authority

As Creator, God has rightful authority over His creation. This can be challenging for humans, especially in our independent-minded culture. Yet His kingship is fundamentally different from human authority - it's perfect, just, and motivated by love.

The Patient and Merciful Judge

While God is judge, He is also:

1. Compassionate and gracious

2. Slow to anger

3. Abounding in love and faithfulness

4. Patient with His people

As stated in 2 Peter 3:9, He is "patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God as Our Loving Father

Perhaps most remarkably, this all-powerful, holy God desires to be known as our Father. John 3:16 demonstrates this paternal love - He gave His Son to save us, not to condemn us. His ultimate goal is our redemption and restoration.

Life Application

Understanding who God is should transform how we live. Consider these questions:

1. How does your view of God affect your daily life and decisions?

2. Does your prayer and worship reflect an understanding of both God's majesty and His fatherly love?

3. Are you living in response to God's patience and mercy toward you?

This week, challenge yourself to approach God with both the reverence He deserves as Creator and King, and the confidence He offers as our loving Father. Let this understanding shape your worship, prayer, and daily walk with Him.

Remember: When we truly know who God is, it naturally leads us to repentance and transformation. As Romans 12:1-2 teaches, our proper response is to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, being transformed by the renewing of our minds.

If you’d like a reminder, click here to download this image you can use on your phone to remind you of who God is every time you look at your phone! https://www.hopesummitchurch.com/wiac

What's The Forcast? 1st Thessalonians 5:1-11

Living in Light of Christ's Return: Understanding the Spiritual Forecast

Just as weather forecasts guide our daily plans, spiritual forecasts should direct our lives as Christians. The Apostle Paul provided the Thessalonians with a clear spiritual forecast to guide both their individual lives and the church community.

What is the Ultimate Spiritual Forecast?

The fundamental truth is clear: Jesus will return. While no one knows the exact time, this return will be sudden and unexpected, like a thief in the night. For believers, this will be a day of great excitement, but for those who haven't accepted Christ, it will be a day of dread.

How Should Christians Live While Waiting?

Paul outlines several key characteristics of those who live in anticipation of Christ's return:

Children of Light

- We belong to the day, not darkness

- We should be spiritually awake and alert

- We must maintain clear-mindedness and self-control

Spiritual Armor

- Wear the breastplate of faith and love

- Put on the helmet of salvation

- Stay protected against doubt and worldly influences

What Does it Mean to Live Expectantly?

Living expectantly means:

1. Maintaining eternal values

2. Staying spiritually alert

3. Building up fellow believers

4. Reaching out to those who don't know Christ

How Can We Make a Difference?

The most effective way to impact our world is through Jesus' method: one person at a time. This means:

1. Identifying one person who needs Christ

2. Building meaningful relationships

3. Sharing the hope of salvation

4. Staying committed to bringing others into God's light

Life Application

This week's challenge: Identify one specific person in your life who needs to know Christ. Commit to reaching out to them and sharing God's love in a meaningful way.

Ask yourself:

1. Who is the one person God is placing on my heart to reach?

2. Am I living as a child of light in ways that reflect Christ to others?

3. How can I better prepare myself for Christ's return while helping others do the same?

Remember, we were created for an eternal relationship with God. Just as a guitar needs proper tuning to create beautiful music, our lives need proper spiritual alignment to fulfill our divine purpose. Let's live each day expecting Christ's return while helping others prepare for that glorious day.

You Asked For It: Can (or Should) We Speak With The Dead?

What Does the Bible Say About Mediums and Consulting the Dead?

The desire to communicate with loved ones who have passed away is deeply human. Many of us would give anything for one more conversation with someone we've lost. But what does the Bible say about attempting to communicate with the dead through mediums or other spiritual practices?

God's Clear Stance on Consulting Mediums

Scripture is unambiguous about God's position on consulting mediums and spiritists. In Deuteronomy 18:9-14, these practices are called "detestable" to the Lord. God specifically forbids His people from engaging in divination, sorcery, interpreting omens, witchcraft, casting spells, or consulting the dead.

Why Does God Prohibit These Practices?

According to Leviticus 19:31, consulting mediums and spiritists defiles us. These practices represent spiritual shortcuts that bypass God's intended way of communication with Him. Like most sins, they are attempts to get what we want outside of God's will and timing.

The Reality of the Spiritual World

While there is indeed a spiritual realm "thinly veiled" from our physical world, God has established proper channels for spiritual communication. The enemy can use signs and wonders to deceive people, as warned in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 and Mark 13:22.

The Example of King Saul

1 Samuel 28 provides a sobering example of what happens when we desperately seek spiritual answers outside of God's established ways. After the prophet Samuel's death, King Saul found himself terrified and facing a massive Philistine army. When God wouldn't answer him through proper channels, Saul made the tragic choice to consult a medium at Endor – the very practice he had previously banned from Israel.

This decision reveals several warning signs:

• Desperation leading to compromise

• Choosing fear over faith

• Attempting to bypass God's silence

• Returning to sins we once rejected

The outcome was disastrous. Instead of finding comfort, Saul received news of his impending defeat and death. His story serves as a powerful reminder that disobeying God's clear commands about mediums, even in desperate circumstances, leads to darkness rather than light.

How Should We Hear from God?

Instead of seeking shortcuts through mediums or other practices, God wants us to:

1. Read and study His Word consistently

2. Develop a disciplined prayer life

3. Engage in Christian community

4. Listen for His "whisper" through these spiritual disciplines

Life Application

This week, consider these questions and challenges:

1. What spiritual shortcuts am I tempted to take instead of pursuing God's way?

2. Am I developing the spiritual disciplines needed to hear God's voice?

3. How can I be a conduit of God's truth to others seeking spiritual connection?

Challenge: Commit to spending 15 minutes each day this week in quiet Bible reading and prayer, eliminating distractions to better hear God's whisper.

Remember, while the desire to connect with loved ones who have passed is natural, God has given us His Spirit and His Word as our primary means of spiritual guidance and comfort.

You Asked For It: Good Intention or Holy Intentions?

Understanding God's Justice and Love: Making Sense of Violence in the Bible

When reading the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, many struggle with passages where God commands the destruction of entire peoples. This challenging topic requires us to approach it with humility and an open mind to understand God's perspective.

The Difficult Command

In 1 Samuel 15:3 and Deuteronomy 20:16-17, God commands the complete destruction of certain peoples, including men, women, children, and animals. This seems to contradict our understanding of a loving God who gives life rather than takes it.

Why Would a Loving God Command Such Actions?

God's motivation was not religious persecution, but rather protection of His people from corrupting influences. These nations practiced horrific customs, including child sacrifice to false gods like Molech, where infants were placed on heated metal altars to die as acts of worship.

Understanding God's Holy Intentions vs. Our Good Intentions

While we may have good intentions in questioning these commands, God operates with holy intentions - seeing the full picture of how sin spreads and destroys. Like a surgeon removing diseased tissue to save a life, God sometimes must take severe action to prevent greater suffering and death.

The Consequences of Disobedience

When the Israelites failed to fully carry out God's commands, they were influenced by these nations' practices, leading to:

1. Adoption of child sacrifice

2. Worship of false gods

3. Widespread suffering and death

4. Eventually their own exile and judgment

God's Consistent Character

The same God who commanded judgment also:

1. Offered grace to anyone who would turn to Him (like Rahab)

2. Provided laws protecting foreigners who chose to follow Him

3. Ultimately sent Jesus as an innocent sacrifice to save humanity

Life Application

Consider these questions this week:

1. Where do I need to trust God's wisdom even when I don't fully understand His ways?

2. Am I humble enough to acknowledge that God's perspective is greater than mine?

3. How can I better appreciate both God's justice and mercy in my daily life?

Challenge: This week, practice surrendering your judgment in situations where you don't understand God's ways. Instead of questioning His methods, pray for understanding and trust in His perfect wisdom and love.