Key Thought: The only protection against being overcome by Satan’s deceptions is loving the truth of God’s word. [Teaching plan for The Antichrist September 17,2012] 1. Have a volunteer read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is. B. Why did … Continue reading –>
According to Paul, what two things characterized the world situation at the time he wrote? How do we see the great controversy revealed in these verses? 2 Thess. 2:6–7. Combining these verses with the previous ones, we can see that Paul is outlining three stages of history from his time until the end. The final stage begins at … Continue reading –>
In the short interval between 1 and 2 Thessalonians, the Thessalonian church members became confused about the meaning of what Paul wrote in the first letter. They drew the conclusion that the Second Coming was either at hand or had already come in some secret way (2 Thess. 2:2). Paul’s short answer to this problem? “That can’t … Continue reading –>
What is the topic addressed by Paul in the second chapter of 2 Thessalonians? How are these words relevant to us today? In what way do we face similar challenges within our church regarding end-time events (date-setting, conspiracy theories, and the like), however different our context? What similar principle do we find here that we also constantly confronted? 2 … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Thess. 2:1-12, Matt. 24:1-14, Zech. 3:1, Dan. 8:8-11, Acts 2:22. Memory Text: “Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction” (2 Thessalonians 2:3, ESV). Key Thought: In correcting the Thessalonians’ false theology of last-day events, … Continue reading –>
“The Bible is written by inspired men, but it is not God’s mode of thought and expression. It is that of humanity. God, as a writer, is not represented. Men will often say such an expression is not like God. But God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in … Continue reading –>
Nima was one of many Bhutanese who received a copy of The Great Controversy. He read it through several times and is sharing his discoveries about God with his family and friends in their small village in Bhutan. He meets with a small group of about 15 people in the bedroom of a house to … Continue reading –>
Introduction Can we modern-day computer-saturated Christians even imagine what communication was like in Paul’s day? Today we consider it a disaster if we’re without electricity for an hour or two. Once current is available, we can flash a message to a relative or friend thousands of miles away and in seconds the message is being … Continue reading –>
Read 2 Thessalonians 1:10-12. What does it mean that Jesus Christ will be glorified in His saints? The full sentence in this week’s text (2 Thess. 1:3-10) provides a number of important details about the second coming of Jesus. When Jesus returns, He will afflict the afflicters and provide rest for the afflicted (see 2 Thess. 1:6, 7, ESV). He will come … Continue reading –>
As I sit here, comfortable, in my climate-controlled home, my glass of clean, drinkable water beside me, I cannot, in any way, describe myself as persecuted. I believe I could describe myself as “bothered” sometimes, but not persecuted. I don’t believe I can think of anyone I know that could be described as being persecuted … Continue reading –>
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12. NIV In the early 15th century, over a hundred years before Martin Luther opposed the Vatican, a Catholic priest named Jan Hus opposed abuses by the church … Continue reading –>
Read 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9. What is the primary reason for the destruction of the wicked at the time of Jesus’ second coming? How are we to understand these verses with the idea of God as full of love, grace, and forgiveness? Many people are uncomfortable with the language of these verses. They feel that “pay back” (NIV), vengeance, … Continue reading –>
