STAND FAST

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Thessalonians

Read 2 Thessalonians 1-3

     Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.  2 Thessalonians 2:15 NKJV

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     Paul writes this letter to correct false teaching about the Lord’s return. “Now, brethren,” he writes, “concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

     Paul goes on to explain the events that will happen prior to the Lord’s return to earth. He tells them of the coming evil world leader who will oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”   (2 Thessalonians 2:4)

     Even though this man of sin will not be revealed until after the “gathering together” of believers, (2:7-8) the spirit of antichrist was and is already working in the world. Paul reminds them and us that “the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” (3:3)

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     Lord, it is so evident in our day that the spirit of antichrist is at work. Help us to keep our eyes on You and not be discouraged as Your coming draws closer. Above all, help us not to grow weary in serving you and others in Christian love.

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     "...But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. " 2 Thessalonians 3:13 NKJV

ONE HEART

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A SPIRIT OF UNITY

Read Romans 14–15

     For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Romans 14:7-8 NIV

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     As a mixed congregation of Jews and Gentiles, with different backgrounds, the Roman believers also had differences of opinion on what was acceptable behavior. Some wanted to celebrate certain holy days and others did not. Some had convictions about buying meat that had been sacrificed to idols, and others did not. Paul says, “… let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. "  (14:13)

     The principle is that we are responsible to edify and encourage our Christian brothers and sisters. Instead of insisting on our own point of view on questionable matters, we should “accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (15:7)

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     Lord, I pray that nothing I do will be a stumbling block to another Christian. I ask for a spirit of love and unity, even when I may have strong opinions about a matter. I pray that what comes out of my mouth will glorify You, and build up the fellowship of believers.

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     " May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. "   Romans 15:5-6 NIV

DISAGREEMENTS

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TIMOTHY

Read Acts 15:36-41; 1Timothy 1; 2 Timothy 1:5–7

     He came to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek.    Acts 16:1 NIV

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     Many of the believers in Antioch were taking on the responsibility of teaching and preaching, so Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." (Acts 15:36)
     Barnabas insisted on taking John Mark along, but Paul sharply disagreed because Mark deserted them on the first journey. So Paul chose Silas, while Barnabas continued with Mark and they went their separate ways. God blessed the ministry of all these men.

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     It must have been a heartbreaking loss for Paul to break fellowship with his friend, but soon after that, Paul met another man with the gift of encouragement, Timothy. Paul would later say of him, "Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel" (Philippians 2:22)

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     Lord, sometimes we are saddened when believers disagree. But You are always faithful to provide the encouragement we need to keep going. Help us to trust in Your perfect provision.

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     "For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church."    1 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV

SON OF ENCOURAGEMENT

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BARNABAS

Read Acts 11:19–30, 12:24–13:3

     They sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.   Acts 11:22-23 NIV

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     Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, received a new Christian name from the apostles. They called him Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement." He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord through his ministry. (11:24) He went to Tarsus to find Saul, and brought him to Antioch, where the two of them ministered for a year. In later years Saul, also called Paul, would write of Barnabas and his cousin John Mark, "They have proved to be a comfort to me." (Colossians 4:11)

     Barnabas possessed the gifts of encouragement and discernment. He was quick to recognize the Spirit of the Lord in a new believer and slow to write him off when he failed. His cousin John Mark ran away during a time of persecution, but later rejoined Barnabas in powerful ministry.

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     Lord, help me to be an encourager like Barnabas. Grant me the wisdom to teach our children how to encourage each other as well. As with Barnabas, fill us with the Holy Spirit and faith so that we can encourage other Christians to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. (11:23-24)

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     The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:26 NIV

TREASURE OF THE HEART

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RECKLESS WORDS

Read Proverbs Chapters 12–13

      From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.     Proverbs 12:14 NIV

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      Whether they are uplifting or demeaning, words affect the quality of our lives. Solomon wrote, "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." (12:16) An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. (12:25)
     Words matter because they reflect the condition of our hearts– Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”
(Matthew 12:34b-35 NKJV)

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      Lord, I pray that You will help me to guard my lips for You have said, "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." (Proverbs 13:3) I know that the example I set before my children will profoundly affect their attitudes. Help me to be diligent in teaching them that words matter, and that there is great satisfaction in being a kind, encouraging person.

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Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 NIV